Did you know that 75% of prescription medications in the 1930s required some form of in-pharmacy compounding? That percentage has dropped with the advent of commercial pharmaceutical companies. Yet, prescription compounds have been around for decades. Compounded medications are formulated with specific ingredients in mind relative to the individual. Much like mixing optimal ingredients to bake the perfect cake!
But what exactly are compound medications? In this article, we’ll explore how these custom options are beneficial for patients. Let’s start with…
What Are They?
To begin, compounded medications are custom medications. They get prepared for you based on an individualized prescription. They exist for all age ranges and get utilized for any number of purposes. These personalized medication prescriptions get prepared on order from any number of specialties. Such as:
- Podiatrists
- Veterinarians
- Dermatologists
- Pain specialists
- Gastroenterologists
- Nutritionists
Think of compounded medications as bespoke prescriptions that help meet various patient needs. Perhaps a patient has an allergy to certain dyes or lactose. They can be formulated to adjust ingredients. This helps to avoid harmful side effects related to said allergy. Maybe a child or pet has difficulty taking recommended doses. They can be formulated with added flavoring. This helps make it easier for the patient to take their appropriate dosage.
Benefits
The personalized nature of compound medications provides custom options for patients. From formulated drug combinations to flavored medicines, a few benefits include:
- Can customize doses that are typically unavailable commercially
- Can be made more palatable through flavoring or dose type such as powder or liquid form
- Can provide access to discontinued or difficult to find medications
- Many medicines can be combined into one form for ease of use
- Generally less expensive than commercial, name-brand medications
- Simplified nutrition programs
Customized medications can be beneficial for children up to older adults. But where are such medications found?
Pharmacies
Doctors prescribe compounds that are then made for you by a pharmacy. Regular retail and full-service pharmacies such as My Village Green offer ways to fill prescribed compound medications.
Well-equipped compounding pharmacies will have the proper training to meet your prescription needs. They will also be able to provide information on items such as:
- prescription side effects
- drug-nutrient interactions
- formulation efficacy
- nutrient depletion as it relates to certain medications
Pharmacies should be able to provide compound medication prescriptions such as:
- Topical medications such as ointments or lotions
- Prescription mouthwash
- Vitamins and supplements
- Antibiotic eye drops
- Immune health supplements
- Heart health supplements
- Allergy or sinus sprays
Prescription for Compounded Medications
Compounded medications allow those with various barriers to take necessary medication. They’re good for pets as well as anyone who needs specialized care. Pharmacists are there to tailor-make medications relative to your health needs. They work in tandem with your primary physician.
If you’re looking for more ways to enhance your own health journey, be sure to browse through any of the articles offered in our Health section.