Thanks to the growing popularity of GLP-1 medications, many people have heard the term pharmacy compounding. But what exactly is a compounded medication, and when is it appropriate?
Simply put, a compounded medication is a prescription that is custom prepared by a pharmacist to meet a patient’s specific needs when a commercially available medication isn’t the right fit. Compounding has been an important part of pharmacy practice for many years and allows pharmacists to create personalized medications in situations where standard manufactured products can’t meet a patient’s needs.
Let’s look at a few common examples.
When the Right Strength or Dosage Form Doesn’t Exist
One of the most common reasons for compounding is when a patient needs a medication in a strength or dosage form that isn’t commercially available.
For example, clopidogrel is a medication used to help prevent blood clots by making platelets less likely to stick together. Most people simply refer to it as a “blood thinner.”
Suppose a patient needs a very specific dose that can’t be accurately achieved by splitting a tablet. A compounding pharmacy can prepare the medication as a liquid at the exact concentration needed, allowing each dose to be measured accurately.
This is also helpful for patients who have difficulty swallowing tablets, children who need smaller doses, or patients who receive medications through a feeding tube. A compounded liquid can make treatment both safer and easier.
Compounding Can Help Patients with Allergies
Another important reason for compounding is to avoid ingredients that may cause allergic reactions or intolerances.
One example is Alpha-gal syndrome, a growing condition caused by certain tick bites that can trigger allergic reactions to ingredients derived from mammals, including some inactive ingredients found in medications.
For these patients, a compounding pharmacy may be able to source alternative ingredients that avoid those allergens while still delivering the medication safely and effectively. This personalized approach can provide treatment options that simply aren’t available from commercially manufactured products.
Compounding During Drug Shortages
Drug shortages have become increasingly common over the past several years, creating challenges for both patients and healthcare providers.
In some situations, compounding pharmacies can help bridge those shortages.
For example, during a particularly severe flu season, commercially manufactured oseltamivir oral suspension (generic Tamiflu® liquid) became difficult to obtain. During the shortage, compounding pharmacies were able to prepare the medication at the same concentration as the commercially available product so patients, especially children who couldn’t swallow capsules, could continue receiving treatment.
In many cases, once the commercially manufactured product becomes readily available again, pharmacies are no longer permitted to compound copies of it except in certain circumstances established by compounding regulations.
What Types of Medications Can Be Compounded?
Many people are surprised by the variety of medications that can be compounded.
Depending on a patient’s needs, a compounding pharmacy may prepare medications such as:
- Oral liquids
- Capsules
- Topical creams
- Gels
- Ointments
- Troches (medicated lozenges that dissolve in the mouth)
- Sublingual tablets
- Suppositories
Some pharmacies also perform sterile compounding, which includes products such as injections and certain eye medications. Sterile compounding requires additional training, specialized equipment, and strict regulatory standards. Not every pharmacy offers both sterile and non-sterile compounding services.
Do You Need a Prescription?
In most cases, yes. Compounded medications are typically prepared based on a prescription from your healthcare provider that specifies exactly what medication and dosage are needed for your individual situation.
Your pharmacist and healthcare provider work together to ensure the compounded medication is appropriate, safe, and meets your specific treatment goals.
Is a Compounded Medication the Same as a Generic Medication?
No.
A generic medication is commercially manufactured and FDA-approved to be equivalent to a brand-name product.
A compounded medication, on the other hand, is individually prepared by a licensed pharmacy to meet the unique needs of a specific patient. Rather than being mass-produced, it’s customized based on a healthcare provider’s prescription.
Personalized Care When Standard Medications Aren’t Enough
Compounding allows pharmacists to customize medications when commercially available products can’t meet a patient’s individual needs. Whether it’s creating a different dosage form, adjusting the strength, avoiding certain ingredients because of allergies, or helping during a drug shortage, compounded medications can provide valuable treatment options for many patients.
If you’ve been told a medication isn’t available in the strength or dosage form you need, or you have difficulty swallowing pills, medication allergies, or other unique healthcare needs, talk with your healthcare provider or the pharmacists at Cornwell Pharmacy. We’ll be happy to discuss whether a compounded medication may be an appropriate option for you.
