7 Benefits of Compounding Pharmacies Over Retail

Today, an increasing number of Americans have to rely on prescription drugs. According to the latest KFF polling data, about six in ten adults say they are currently taking at least one prescription drug, and a quarter say they currently take four or more prescription medications. Unfortunately, major pharma companies offer medications as "one size fits all" solutions. They also don't provide low-dosage options.

The good news is compounding pharmacies emerged as a valuable and versatile alternative. They offer benefits such as personalization, specialized formulations, better access to medication, and cost considerations. They can also create drugs that are no longer commercially available. These unique establishments can help patients get better access to the drugs they need.

So, let's learn about the benefits compounding pharmacies bring to the table.

A. What is Compounded Medication?

Compounding medication is the art and science of creating personalized medications tailored to the unique needs of an individual patient. It involves combining, mixing, or altering pharmaceutical ingredients to create a medication specifically designed to address their health requirements. Compounding commonly occurs in pharmacies.

Compounded medications have been around for years. The art seemed to be long lost as commercial pharma companies started mass-producing prescription drugs. However, the need for more personalized and patient-centric healthcare has seen a resurgence in compounding medications. In many cases, compounding has proved to be quite effective.

B. Understanding the Benefits of Compounding Pharmacy/Medication

Compounding medication can help many patients who need specific formulations. They can also be a cost-effective alternative. However, those aren’t the only benefits compounding pharmacies can offer.

Let’s explore the various benefits these medications provide.

1) Customization and Personalization

One of the primary advantages of compounding medication lies in its ability to provide customized dosage forms. Patients, particularly children and senior patients, may have different preferences when it comes to the form of medication.

For example, a child may prefer gels or liquids as they cannot swallow capsules. If the prescribed medication is available only as a capsule, the compounding pharmacy can provide it in liquid form. In short, compounding pharmacies put the convenience of patients front and center.

But that’s not all; compounding also allows for allergen exclusion. Many commercially available medications contain allergens or additives that some patients may be sensitive to. For example, if a patient is allergic to a particular dye and needs medication, compounding pharmacies can formulate prescription meds without it.

More importantly, compounding extends to creating transdermal or topical creams. These are vital for patients who may have difficulties with oral medications or require direct application to affected areas. This flexibility not only improves convenience but also enhances treatment efficacy and patient comfort.

In other words, compounding medication can reduce the risk of adverse reactions to allergens or additives in commercially produced drugs. This personalized treatment experience can be a godsend for many people relying on prescription drugs.

2) Specialized Formulations

Another advantage is that compounding pharmacies excel in creating specialized formulations, including combination medications. Many patients need multiple medications. It’s often difficult for them to keep swallowing pill after pill. Fortunately, with compounding, a pharmacy can create a single, customized formulation tailored to a patient’s multiple medication needs.

This helps simplify medication regimens and thereby reduces the chances of a patient forgetting to take one of their pills. As a result, patients are more likely to stick to their medication schedule.

With these specialized formulations, compounding pharmacies also offer flavoring options. Not just children but many adults also struggle with the taste of certain medications. Compounding medication can come with added flavors. They are more palatable and increase the likelihood of compliance, especially in pediatric patients.

3) Enhanced Medication Access

While major pharma companies mass-produce many medications, their production usually depends on the demand. As a result, they may discontinue a particular drug if its demand drops or a new alternative enters the market. Sadly, this can put patients relying on the discontinued drug in a difficult position.

Fortunately, compounding pharmacies can provide access to medications that may be unavailable or discontinued in their standard forms. By creating unique compounds, compounding pharmacists ensure access to needed meds, even in cases where mass-produced alternatives are no longer on the market.

4) Medication Strength Adjustments

Individualized dosing is a critical feature of compounding medication. Most patients require specific dosage strengths. However, as mentioned, mass-produced drugs are often only available in typical dosage strengths. While these drugs are safe, a more personalized dosage could offer more effective treatment; compounding pharmacies can adjust medication strengths according to the patient’s needs.

Another advantage is gradual dose tapering. In many cases, suddenly stopping a commercial medication can lead to severe withdrawals. Such patients may need to taper off medications slowly to minimize withdrawal symptoms or manage chronic conditions. Compounding pharmacies can create custom dosages. This customization facilitates a smoother and more comfortable transition for patients.

5) Considering Patient Preferences

Mass-produced drugs, although safe and effective, rarely consider patient preferences. On the other hand, compounding pharmacies prioritize patient preferences in various aspects.

• Whether a patient favors capsules, creams, gels, or liquids, compounding pharmacists can craft medications in forms that suit their comfort and convenience.
• It eliminates undesirable additives and allergens, ensuring a safer and more personalized treatment experience.
• Pharmacists can combine more than one drug to form a desired formulation.
• Adjustments can be made to medication strength.

This approach keeps the comfort and compliance of the patient at heart. In short, compounding pharmacies know each patient is unique, and their healthcare should reflect this diversity.

6) Quality Assurance and Safety

Ensuring high quality is crucial in compounding pharmacies. They follow strict measures to control quality, making sure compounded medications are safe and effective. This involves:

• Regular testing of ingredients
• Checking equipment accuracy
• Using high-quality compounding pharmacy supplies
• Sticking to the latest industry standards

Compounding pharmacies minimize the risk of contamination by being careful in their processes. They make sure patients get safe and high-quality medications.

7) Cost Considerations

Cost is a crucial consideration when it comes to prescription drugs. According to the latest KFF polling data, about eight in ten adults (82%) say the cost of prescription drugs is unreasonable.

While the cost of compounding medications may vary, they are often considered cost-effective in the long run. The ability to tailor medications to your needs may lead to better treatment outcomes. That, in turn, can potentially reduce the overall cost of healthcare. Additionally, avoiding unnecessary additives or allergens can prevent adverse reactions. That also contributes to cost savings.

Conclusion

As you can see, compounding pharmacies offer many benefits that revolve around personalized and patient-centric care. From tailored dosage forms to enhanced medication access, these pharmacies address the unique needs of individual patients. The once-lost art is making a strong comeback. And looking ahead, the future of compounding medication holds even more promise. If you are a pharmacy owner, consider adding compounding medication to your list.

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