What is Compounding?

Pharmacy compounding is the preparation of a customized dosage form and/or prescribed medication to meet an individual patient’s or physician’s needs. Its practice dates back to the origins of pharmacy. These medications are prescribed by a physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, veterinarian, dentist, or other prescribing practitioner, and compounded by a state-licensed pharmacist. A growing number of people and animals have unique health needs that off-the-shelf, one-size-fits-all prescription medicines cannot meet. For them, customized medications are the only way to better their health.

How does compounding benefit me?

Many patients are allergic to preservatives and dyes, or are sensitive to standard drug strengths. With a physician’s consent, a compounding pharmacist can customize the strength of a medication, alter its form to make the medicine easier to ingest, or add flavor to make it more pleasant.

Who can take compounded medications?

Adults, children, the elderly, hospice patients and even pets benefit from compounded medications. Often, parents have a tough time getting their child to take a medication because of the taste. Compounding pharmacists can work with the physician and patient to select a flavoring agent that provides a perfect match for the medicine’s properties and the patient’s taste.

Compounding pharmacists help patients who have chronic pain. Often, oral pain medications cause unpleasant side effects for the patient. Working with their physician, a compounding pharmacist can provide the patient with a topical preparation containing the analgesic or anti-inflammatory the physician has prescribed. Compounded prescriptions are often used for pain management in hospice care.

What kinds of prescriptions can be compounded?

Almost any kind. However, we are not able to compound medications that are currently commercially available.

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A few examples of our customized medications: