What is a Compounding Pharmacy?

Compound Pharmacies custom tailor medications to meet the specific needs of patients by preparing medications that are not otherwise commercially available. These medications are prescribed by a physician, veterinarian, or other prescribing practitioner, and compounded by a state-licensed pharmacist. A growing number of patients, including animals, have unique health needs that off-the-shelf, one-size-fits all prescription medicines cannot meet. For them, customized medications are the only way to better health.

Is the practice of compounding new?

No, the practice of compounding dates back to the origins of pharmacy; yet, compounding’s presence throughout the pharmacy profession has changed over the years. In the 1930s and 1940s, approximately 60 percent of all medications were compounded. During the 1950s and 60s, with the advent of manufacturing, compounding declined. The pharmacist’s role as a preparer of medications quickly changed to that of a dispenser of manufactured dosage forms. However, in the last two decades, compounding has experienced a resurgence. Compounding today is better then ever with pharmacists being able to infuse the old way of compounding with newest technologies and innovative techniques.

How does compounding work?

Compounding is achieved through an essential triad relationship – patient, physician, and pharmacist, and is regulated by state boards of pharmacy. The physician first prescribes the medication, and the pharmacist works with the physician in determining the best way to compound the prescription. Then the pharmacist takes the necessary ingredients, compounds them, and dispenses the medicine to the patient after a thorough consultation. The physician, patient, and pharmacist triad works to create a better outcome for the patient enabling the patient to receive the personalized care they deserve.

Who is compounding for?

Compounded medications are right for individuals who rely on compounded medications to treat conditions such as:

• Women suffering from hormone imbalance and need to take bio-identical hormone replacement therapy.
• Children or adults who need their medications specially flavored to make the medication easier to take.
• Patients who are unable to take medications orally and need compounded ointments or solutions.
• Pain management or hospice patients taking multiple medications could benefit by having their medications compounded into a single dose.
• Patients who are allergic to binding agents, preservatives and other ingredients in manufactured drugs.

What kind of prescriptions can be compounded?

Almost any kind of prescription can be compounded. Compounded prescriptions are ideal for patients requiring unique dosages and/or delivery devices, which can take the form of:

• Solutions
• Suppositories
• Sprays
• Oral rinses
• Lollipops
• Transdermal sticks
• Medication Flavoring
• Compounding Applications can include:
• Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy
• Pediatric
• Dermatology
• Chronic Pain Management
• Podiatry
• Veterinary

What should I look for in a Compounding Pharmacy?

• A pharmacist that has completed a certification course in compounding.
• A staff trained in the art of compounding and understands the importance of ensuring patient safety.
• Advanced compounding equipment with not only the traditional mortar and pestle of yesterday but also the electronic balances, ointment mills, and laminar airflow hoods used in today’s technology of compounding.
• Cleanroom designated for compounding only that meets the USP 797 guidelines for sterile compounding.

Does my doctor know about compounding?

Prescription compounding is a rapidly growing component in many physicians’ practices but some may not realize the extent of compounding’s resurgence in recent years. Ask your physician about compounding, and then get in touch with a compounding pharmacy that is committed to providing high-quality compounded medications in the dosage form and strength prescribed by the physician. Through the triad relationship of patient, physician and pharmacist, all three can work together to solve unique medical problems.