Compounding pharmacies provide alternative medication dosage forms. A compounding pharmacist can also make medications in the form of patients’ choice and add flavor to make them taste better.
FREMONT, CA: Pharmacists are encountering more drug shortages, more complex drug therapy problems in the aging population, an increase in the prevalence of taking more medication to combat side effects, and a growing trend toward healthier lifestyles. Now, more than ever, patients seek alternatives.
Compounding is one way to provide patients with options, as it offers countless ways to prepare commercially unavailable medications. This indicates that either the strength exists commercially but not in the dosage form required for a specific patient situation, the drug/combination/strength does not exist commercially, or the product is completely novel or innovative.
In some pharmacies, the workflow may be interrupted when a new compound prescription arrives, and the question "Oh no, it's a compound!" may arise. What ought they do? It is in the best interest of both the pharmacy and the patient for pharmacists to establish collaborative relationships with compounding pharmacies. When the need arises, these connections can help serve patients more effectively. When presented with a prescription, pharmacists may refer patients directly to compounding pharmacies or purchase compounds from compounding pharmacies to dispense to their patients.
There needs to be more clarity regarding the benefits of compounding, its limitations, and the patients who should receive compounded products or be referred to a compounding pharmacy. It is an essential component of pharmacy, but when appropriate, there are times and locations.
The potential side effects and gains of using compounds constantly need to be weighed. Compounding allows for perpetual flexibility and can achieve results such as bypassing the first-pass effect, tailored combinations of medications and driving topical medications through the skin to various depths or into the bloodstream.
Here are some types of patients who may present with a compound prescription to the pharmacy:
