Everything About Compounding Pharmacies: A Complete Guide
When you think of a pharmacy, you likely think of a community pharmacy. Pharmacy types can range from nationwide chains to single-location independent pharmacies. Compound pharmacies in Florida offer extra services that other pharmacies may need help with. These pharmacies mix and combine ingredients to make customized medications. Let's explore compounding pharmacies, why they exist, and who can benefit from them.
What is the compounding pharmacy?
A compounding pharmacy is a particular type of pharmacy. It can make customized medications for you, your family, and your pet. Some animals & people need medications that are not commercially available, not mass-produced, and available at a standard pharmacy. There are many potential reasons for this need, and this is discussed later. That is where compounding pharmacies come in.
Compounding pharmacies can create two types of compounds: sterile and non-sterile. Some pharmacies specialize in one type of compounding, whereas others may offer services of both. Sterile compounds include dosages like injections, eye drops, and infusions. Because of this, there is a higher risk of infection or severe problems if contaminants get into medication. Sterile compounds are made in unique environments with additional requirements to minimize this risk.
Non-sterile compounds come with a lower risk of infection. Their dosage forms include cream capsules.
How is it different from a traditional pharmacy?
Many communities and hospital pharmacies offer compounding services. However, they often have specialized equipment that is different from compounding pharmacies. So, the medications they make are more straightforward.
For example, it's common for a community pharmacist to combine two or more creams to make compounded creams. They also combine two or more oral liquid medications. Hospital pharmacies also commonly prepare sterile medications that will be infused into a person's vein.
Compounding pharmacies can compound medications like these. But they can also make more complex ones.
Why would I need Compounded medications?
There are many reasons why you want or need a compound medication. Depending on your situation, your health needs may not be met by a medication that a drug company premakes. This includes situations like:
Adding flavor to a poor-taste medication
Having an allergy to inactive ingredients in the premade medication
Needing access to a critical medication that is unavailable
Needing a different medication dosage, e.g., liquid instead of pills
Needing a specific medication strength
What type of medications do compounding pharmacies dispense?
Compound medications take many forms. For example, suppose you or your child has trouble swallowing pills. In that case, a compounding pharmacy can turn the medication into a gummy, hard candy, or chewable tablet, which makes it easier to use.
You may also need a more potent medication than what is already available. Compound liquids, such as suspensions, solutions, and syrups, could give you a dose that better suits your needs.
However, specific services vary for every compounding pharmacy. Some specialize in making medications that treat certain health conditions, such as veterinary medicine, men's health, or dermatology.
What are some specific medication examples?
A pharmacist or technician can follow many formulas to make compounded medications. Compounded medications may be made from bulk ingredients, commercial drug products, or a combination.
Examples of medications made by a compounding pharmacy include:
Multi-ingredient topical pain creams
Hormone creams, capsules, and suppositories that contain estradiol and progesterone.
Topical nipple ointment for irritation from nursing
Magic mouthwash
Sterile antibiotic eye drops
Sterile nutrition therapy infusions.
In conclusion, Compounding pharmacies are a specific type of pharmacy. They can make customized medications if you need a medication that is not commercially available. A dermatology compounding pharmacy specializes in creating customized medications tailored to the precise needs of patients with skin conditions. Compounding pharmacies are regulated and monitored for quality purposes. Ask your healthcare provider for compounded medications.