What is Compounding?
Compounding is the Art and Science of Creating
Personalized Medications
Pharmacy compounding is the art and science of preparing customized medications for patients. Within the last two decades, compounding has experienced a resurgence as modern technology, innovative techniques and research have allowed more pharmacists to customize medications to meet specific patient needs.
Why do we need compounded medications?
The most important one is what the medical community calls “patient non-compliance.” Patients can be allergic to preservatives or dyes, or sensitive to standard drug strengths. With a physician’s consent, a compounding pharmacist can change the strength of a medication, alter its dosage form to make it easier for the patient to ingest, or add flavor to make it easier to swallow.
What kind of dosage forms can be prepared?
The pharmacist can prepare medications using several unique delivery systems, such as a sublingual troche or lozenge, a suppository, a lollipop, or a transdermal gel or cream that can be absorbed through the skin. For those patients who are having a hard time swallowing a capsule, a compounding pharmacist can instead make a liquid suspension.
Compounding pharmacists have the opportunity to work with a variety of practice specialties, such as hospice, pediatrics, pain management, and OB/GYN, which in turn broadens the scope of their practices and creates other opportunities to provide other pharmacist care services.
Is compounding legal? Is it safe?
Prescription compounding is a rapidly growing component of many physicians’ practices, providing expanded treatment options and solving challenging medication needs. We are committed to providing high-quality compounded medications in the dosage form and strength prescribed by the physician. This triad relationship between the patient, the physician, and the pharmacist is vital to the process of compounding so all three can work together to solve unique medical problems. It is both legal, and safe.
What kinds of prescriptions can be compounded?
Almost any kind. Compounded prescriptions are ideal for any patient requiring unique dosages and/or delivery devices, which can take the form of solutions, suppositories, sprays, oral rinses, lollipops and even as transdermal sticks. Compounding applications can include: Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy, Veterinary, Hospice, Pediatric, Ophthalmic, Dental, Otic (for the ear), Dermatology, Medication Flavoring, Chronic Pain Management, Neuropathies, Sports Medicine, Infertility, Wound Therapy, Podiatry and Gastroenterology.
Will my insurance cover a compounded medication?
Because compounded medications are exempt by law from having the National Drug Code ID numbers that manufactured products carry, some insurance companies will not directly reimburse the compounding pharmacy. However, almost every insurance plan allows for the patient to be reimbursed by sending in claims forms. While you may be paying a pharmacy directly for a compounded prescription, most insurance plans should cover the final cost.
Is compounding expensive?
Compounding may or may not cost more than conventional medication. Its cost depends on the type of dosage form and equipment required, plus the time spent researching and preparing the medication. Fortunately, compounding pharmacists have access to pure-grade quality chemicals which dramatically lower overall costs and allow them to be very competitive with commercially manufactured products.
Can I get my “regular” prescriptions filled at your pharmacy?
Yes! We fill both compounded medications as well as most manufactured medications (i.e. medications for diabetes, blood pressure). While we don’t carry every product available, many times we can order the product you need for the next business day.
Do you ship medications?
Yes! If you want the convenience of your prescription being mailed, we can ship directly to your mailbox. There is a shipping/handling fee, so please call us for the current rates.
