When your doctor prescribes a medicine, you visit the hospital pharmacy or a local retail pharmacy to get the prescribed drug. But what if you’re allergic to the preservatives or some ingredients present in that commercial medication? There is also a possibility that the medicine you need is in short supply or may even discontinue by the pharmaceutical company. There can be several instances where commercial medications don’t meet the specific needs of a patient. And this is where compounding pharmacy comes in! There was a time when compounding was a popular way of manufacturing medications. However, large pharmaceutical companies soon dominated the industry and became the primary source of producing medications on large scale. These mass-produced medications are easily available at all retail pharmacies. But lately compounding pharmacies are also getting popular because mass-produced drugs aren’t the best solution for every patient.
Every person is unique and has different health conditions. Two or more people suffering from the same disease can react differently to the same medication. This happens because some people can be allergic to ingredients commonly found in commercially manufactured medications. The cookie-cutter approach used to manufacture medicines doesn’t always suit every patient. Unlike pharmaceutical companies mass-producing drugs, compounding pharmacies are engaged in customizing drugs to suit the individual needs of each patient. Compounding medications are getting popular because of the benefits they offer.
Role & Importance of Pharmacy Compounding
A compounding pharmacy is not the same as a regular retail pharmacy that sells commercial medications. A compounding pharmacy is a specialized pharmacy that formulates customized drugs prescribed by doctors. The purpose of customizing drugs is to make prescriptions safe and more effective for the patient. Some patients with allergies and special needs cannot use commercially available medications. Some people need a different dosage while some might have hypoallergenic sensitivities. No matter what issue you have, a licensed pharmacist specializing in compounding can create medications that suit your individual needs. Compounding provides a wide range of benefits such as:
1. Get Access to Discontinued Medications
Sometimes, large manufacturers discontinue the production of medications that are less in demand. Low demand reduces their profit. However, if a drug is less in demand, it doesn’t mean nobody needs it. This is where compounding pharmacists play an important role in creating drugs that are discontinued. The best compounding pharmacy works closely with physicians and patients to prepare the needed prescription.
2. Improve Convenience & Efficiency
Kids refuse to take syrups and tablets that have an unpleasant flavor. A compounding pharmacist can enhance the flavor of the medication to make it easier for consumption. It is also possible to change the form like turning a tablet into syrup or topical form to enhance convenience. Some patients need a higher or low dosage of medication available on the market. In this case, compounding helps in getting the exact dosage to ensure safety and efficiency.
3. Allergy-Free Medication
If you are allergic or intolerant to dyes, lactose, gluten, alcohol, or other common ingredients found in commercial drugs, then consider compounding. Some ingredients can cause allergic reactions. But compounding helps in eliminating those ingredients to make the formula safe.
