There are times in a person’s life when one medication just doesn’t seem to fill the need. And there are so many factors that go into prescription care. When you have to worry about allergies, pill type or size, and dosage availability… frankly, sometimes there is no fit. That is where your trained pharmacist can help you once again.
Compounding allows us to create custom medications specifically for you. Examples include dye-free, preservative-free, alcohol-free, and sugar-free forms of drugs. To learn more about our ability to customize your meds, contact us today at (727) 787-2273
What is Compounding?
First, let’s introduce you to the concept of medication compounding. The art of compounding utilizes modern medicine while still holding to the roots of the profession of pharmacy.
According to the FDA, compounding is,“Drug compounding is often regarded as the process of combining, mixing, or altering ingredients to create a medication tailored to the needs of an individual patient. Compounding includes the combining of two or more drugs.”
You see, compounding provides an innovative way for pharmacists to customize medications to fit the needs of their patients. Compounding pharmacies can produce unique dosage forms based on patient preferences and restrictions.
Examples include dye-free, preservative-free, alcohol-free, and sugar-free forms of medications. Many compounds are specialized medication combinations or compounded in other states that are not otherwise commercially available. For those with trouble swallowing, suffering from allergies, or other specific needs, this is excellent news that comes just at the right time.
Additionally, you should know that compounding requires a relationship between the patient, physician, and pharmacist. Together, they will work to provide an alternative treatment option when and if the currently available treatment options are not the best fit for you.
If you think compounding may be a good idea for you or a loved one, contact your local Pharmacy here.
Why Would I Need Compounding?
Palm Harbor Pharmacy can list several reasons for a person to need drug compounding. When there is no other option readily available for a patient to take the required medication, compounding is a viable choice. However, only when compounded by an approved pharmacy. Those reasons include but are not limited to the following.
- A patient with allergies to food-dyes, gluten, wheat, or lactose.
- Elderly patients who cannot swallow certain pills.
- A small child who has not yet learned to swallow a tablet may need a liquid form.
- When there is a risk of drug interaction with other medications a patient is taking.
- If a medication has been discontinued, an alternative needs to be made while your pharmacist and doctor explore other options.
- When adding a flavoring to help the medicine go down a bit easier.
- If the precise dosage is not available by the drug manufacturer.
In these situations and several others like them, compounding serves an essential role in overall patient care. As long as that ingredient is not critical to how the medication works in the body, the pharmacist can remove the component and repackage, in many cases.
When the patient trusts their local pharmacist to have their best interest in mind, it is even better. That is why Palm Harbor Pharmacy is an approved compounding facility. We take your wellness seriously.
Doctors Who Commonly Prescribe Compounding
Any doctor can prescribe a compounded medication. Whether they choose to or whether you need it is up to your doctor’s discretion. Here are a few of the more common physicians recommending compounded drugs.
- General Practitioners
- Veterinarians
- Pain specialists
- Dermatologists
- Podiatrists
- Endocrinologists
- Gastroenterologists and more.
Is Compounding Safe?
Your pharmacy staff is trained in compounding a wide variety of ointments, gels, syrups, suspensions, suppositories, capsules, and other formulations. These drug formulations can make medications easier to take, address any unique health problems or simply get you feeling better, faster.
Compounded medications are generally safe and effective for most patients who have talked to their doctor about their health and how a compounded medication can help them.
Medications are compounded and dispensed to patients only upon receipt of a valid patient-specific prescription.
Your local pharmacy staff at Palm Harbor Pharmacy have all the training they need in compounding. We are properly licensed with the Florida Board of Pharmacy.
Your Trusted Palm Harbor Pharmacist
Again, compounding requires an open and honest relationship between the patient, physician, and pharmacist. And at Palm Harbor Pharmacy, we strive to be your local resource for health and wellness. Together, we will work to provide an appropriate alternative treatment option when and if the currently available treatment options are not the answer.
To learn more about our ability to customize your meds, send us a message or call the pharmacy (727) 787-2273.