Pharmacy Compounding - What Is It? Compounding is a process by which customized prescriptions or drugs are made. There are certain health conditions which can be effectively treated with medicines which are not available and widely distributed in drugstores. A compounded drug is often obtained to give equally effective formulations as the commercial formulas as well as they are delivered in the most convenient and appropriate form. Compounded medicines are useful in the following manners: Doctors would usually refer this kind of condition as: • •
• •
To give what the patient needs especially in times when a particular type of commercial medicine becomes scarce. To give treatment to certain types of menopausal symptoms; treatment is achieved by means of a therapy for hormone replacement, made specifically for a patient's unique and natural hormone profile To give an alternative to patients who cannot tolerate certain types of active ingredients like lactose and gluten which are commonly found in commercial medicines To give veterinary prescriptions which are easier to be administered
What is the equipment used? High quality compounding medicines should be produced using high-end equipment. Say for example, ointments should be processed using a special type of ointment mill to allow pulverization of active ingredients, making them micro-sized for better absorption or infusion. Are the doctor and the pharmacist related to one another? Determining the relationship of your doctor and the pharmacist is an important consideration. Take note that both should have an open communication with one another so that they can target the most appropriate medicine for a particular patient or condition. Is the pharmacist knowledgeable enough to answer questions whenever needed?