Have you heard about compounding pharmacies but are unsure what they actually do or if their services can benefit you?
Compounded medications are lifesavers for people who have chronic conditions, take several drugs, or have specific medicine or supplement needs.
However, anyone can benefit from compounded medications.
In today’s article, we’ll go over the 6 most common medications that can be tailored to your unique requirements. Uptown Pharmacy will tell you all you need to know about compounding medication and who can take advantage of this health service.
What Is A Compounding Pharmacy?
At a compounding pharmacy, licensed pharmacists prepare custom-made prescription medications for patients with unique requirements.
If you need a specific dosage or medication form, you can visit a compounding pharmacy. There, the trained staff will listen to your request and inform you if they can compound the medicine you need.
Compounding pharmacies prepare more than prescription medications; you can ask for dietary supplements and tailor-made cosmetic products as well.
Top 6 Compounding Medications to Know
Let’s delve into 6 of the top compounding medications patients request:
Blood Pressure Medications
Blood pressure medications like Lisinopril, Losartan, and Amlodipine typically come in pill form.
Some patients find it difficult to swallow pills, whether because they have swallowing issues or they simply prefer other dosage forms.
A compounding pharmacy can turn your prescription blood pressure medicine into any dosage form you want.
For example, pharmacies usually make soluble tables, which patients dissolve in liquid and can drink their medication without hazards.
Cholesterol Medicine
Just like with blood pressure medicine, a compounding pharmacist can make different drug forms for prescription cholesterol medication.
Toddlers and Children Antibiotics
Do you struggle to get your children to take their medicine? Or is your kid allergic to an ingredient in mass-produced antibiotics?
At a compounding pharmacy, you can request a tailor-made antibiotic that suits your kids’ needs.
This is also true for any other medication your children must take.
For example, toddlers and kids can be extremely resistant to taking medication, especially pills. And let’s not talk about syringes; children (and many adults) just hate them.
Wouldn’t it feel nice to turn that pill or scary syringe into a more kids-friendly medicine?
A compounding pharmacist can turn that dream into reality!
They can make topical medications that are easy to apply. They can even add a sweet, delicious flavor to meds so your children enjoy taking them.
Diabetes Medicine
Many individuals with gestational and type 2 diabetes are prescribed Metformin.
You’d be surprised at how many people struggle to swallow pills. Many of them resort to crushing them and mixing them with food, such as yogurt.
However, healthcare professionals advise against crushing pills, mainly due to the following reasons:
- You may lose some of the drug in the process, reducing the dosage.
- Crushing the pill can alter the release rate, leading to a temporary overdose.
- It can make the medication taste unpleasant, causing patients to drop the medicine treatment.
Luckily, a licensed pharmacist can compound Metformin into an easy-to-apply ointment.
Steroids
Children with allergies or asthma may be required to take steroids to stay healthy.
Some steroid medications, like prednisone and fluticasone, can be compounded based on your kid’s needs and their symptoms’ severity.
Steroids can be compounded in a wide range of dosage forms. Pediatricians often recommend liquid doses or nasal sprays for a more straightforward administration.
Pet Medications
Your furry friends get sick too, and may need medication to get better.
Suppose you can’t find the prescription medication your veterinarian prescribed. Or your pet is too small (maybe you have a baby kitten), and the only dosage available is too strong for them.
Thankfully, compounding pharmacies also prepare drugs for pets! You can get the correct dosage for your beloved pet or a different medication form that facilitates administration.
Who Can Benefit from A Compounding Pharmacy?
Let’s see who can benefit from the many advantages of compounded prescription medications:
People With Allergies
If you have an allergy or are sensitive to one of the active ingredients in a commercially available medication, you can order a compound drug that doesn’t contain that ingredient.
Children and Seniors
Seniors may struggle to swallow pills or capsules, making medication adherence challenging.
In a similar way, some kids may be afraid of needles or dislike the taste of cough syrup, throwing tantrums during meds time.
A compounding pharmacy can quickly solve any of those problems by preparing a different medication form.
Individuals Who Can’t Afford Their Medicine
Sometimes, commercially available prescription medications can be a little too expensive.
If your health insurance doesn’t cover the total sum of your medication expenses, and you can’t afford to pay for your meds, that can quickly become a serious problem.
Compounding pharmacists can make medications more affordable by using alternative formula ingredients.
You Need A Specific Drug Combination or Dosage Strength
In the sea of mass-produced medications, corporate pharmacies pay little attention to patients’ specific needs.
Suppose you need a specific drug combination or take several prescription drugs and need a formula in which active ingredients don’t cause negative interactions with each other.
The most efficient solution is to request a tailor-made medication that fits your unique medical needs.
Final Thoughts
Now you know the top 6 compounded prescription medications. However, remember that compounding pharmacies prepare a wide range of drugs, supplements, and cosmetic products tailored to patients’ unique needs.
Do you think you could benefit from compounding medications? Don’t hesitate to contact or visit your local compounding pharmacy to find out more about this valuable service.