Medications are what keep many individuals alive and functioning, and there’s no doubting the importance of modern pharmaceutical practices for the maintenance of health and overall well-being. But what happens if the medication you or your loved one needs is discontinued? What if you have an allergy to one of the medication’s ingredients? What if your particular needs dictate that you’re unable to take a drug in capsule form, but it’s not offered as injectable or topical? In these cases, compounding pharmacy services are your best bet.
Understandably, some concerns about these services exist. However, the benefits far outweigh any possible risks, and a few of the primary reasons you should consider the use of a compounding pharmacy are below.
1. The Professional Compounding Centers of America (PCCA) states that the practice of compounding allows medications to be individualized to the needs of a particular patient. This customization is perhaps the most applicable and important advantage of compounding. Drug modifications can include the removal of dyes or other manufactured allergens and modification of the mode of medication (from a capsule to liquid formulation, for example).
2. While some may argue that use of a compounding pharmacy could be unsafe since the FDA does not regulate compounded medications, the state boards of pharmacy are still responsible for pharmacies which compound drugs. However, the FDA still has some control over these board-run facilities, ensuring the pharmacies’ compliance with federal law.
3. All pharmacists learn during pharmacy school how to safely and properly compound medications, meaning that your pharmacist has passed licensing examinations testing their knowledge on the topic and are therefore competent in the compounding of medications. Generally, these compounding pharmacists have also had advanced training in compounding post-graduation, so you’re in good hands!
Take a close look at your medications and your personal needs to determine if compounding services may be right for you. With strict regulations and knowledgeable pharmacists at your disposal, you can answer your questions or drastically improve your drug regimen’s ease of use.
