FAQ's

What is compounding?

Pharmacy compounding is the art and science of preparing customized medications for patients. Its practise dates back to the origins of pharmacy, yet, compounding's presence throughout the pharmacy profession has changed over the years.

In the 1930s & 1940s, approximately 60 percent of all medications were compounded. With the advent of drug manufacturing in the 1950s and 60s, compounding rapidly declined. The pharmacist's role as a preparer of medications quickly changed to that of a dispenser of manufactured dosage forms. Within the last two decades, though compounding has experienced a resurgence, as modern technology and innovative techniques and research have allowed more pharmacists to customize medications to meet specific patient needs.

Today an estimated one percent of all prescriptions are compounded dally by pharmacists working closely with doctors and their patients.

How does compounding benefit me?

There are several reasons why pharmacists compound prescription medications. The most important one is what the medical community calls impatient "non-compliance". Many patient are allergic to preservatives or dyes, or are sensitive to standard drug strengths.

With a doctor's consent, a compounding pharmacist can change the strength of a medication, alter its form to make it easier for the patient to ingest, or add flavour to it to make it more palatable. The pharmacist also can prepare the medication using several unique delivery systems, such as a sublingual troche or lozenge, sprays, or a transdermal gel. Or for those patients who are having a difficult time swallowing a capsule, a compounding pharmacist can make a suspension instead.

Can my child (or my elderly parent) take compounded medication?

Yes children and the elderly are often the types of patients who benefit most from compounding. Often, parents have a tough time getting their children to take medicine because of the taste. A compounding pharmacist can work directly with the doctor and the patient to select a flavouring agent, such as vanilla, strawberry or chocolate, that provides both an appropriate match for the medication's properties and the patient's taste preferences.

Compounding pharmacists also have helped patients who are experiencing chronic pain. For example some arthritic patients cannot take certain medications due to gastrointestinal side effects. Working with their doctor a compounding pharmacist can provide them with a topical preparation of the anti-inflammatory or analgesic their doctor has prescribed for them. Compounded prescriptions often are used for pain management in hospice care.

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, lozenges and even as transdermal sticks.

Compounding applications can include Bio-identlcal Hormone Replacement Therapy, Veterinary, Hospice, Paediatric Ophthalmic, Dental, Otic, Dermatology, Medication Flavouring, Chronic Pain Management, Neuropathies, Sports Medicine, Infertility, Wound Therapy, Podiatry, and Gastroenterology.

Does my doctor know about compounding?

Prescription compounding is a rapidly growing component of many doctors' practices. But in today's world of aggressive marketing by drug manufacturers, some may not realise the extent of compounding's resurgence in recent years. Ask your doctor about compounding,then get in touch with a compounding pharmacy - one that is committed to providing high quality compounded medications in the dosage form and strength prescribed by the doctor. Through the close relationship of patient, doctor and pharmacist, all three can work together to solve unique medical problems.

Is compounding affordable?