What is compounding?
Compounding is the art of preparing customized medications from pure chemicals to meet the needs of an individual patient. This is done with special molds, dispensers, and special equipment such as ointment mills and capsule machines.
What are the benefits of compounded medications?
- Medications can be made that are allergy free, without fillers or dyes, or without preservatives, a more natural alternative
- Discontinued products can be created
- Medications can be compounded that are not commercially available
- Special dosages forms can be made - for instance, if someone needs a strength of a medication that is not available
- Liquids can be made from capsules or tablets
- Suppositories, and troches (lozenges) can be made for those who have difficulty swallowing
- Topical gels and creams for those who cannot take items by mouth or prefer this delivery system
- Special flavorings for humans and animals
- Combining several medications into one capsule or cream such as putting several hormones into one delivery system
Examples of compounded medications.
- Gels that can be applied topically for joint pain
- Gels that can be applied topically that will control nausea
- Suppositories for hemorrhoids and fissures
- Testosterone in gel, cream or lozenge form in varying strengths
- Progesterone and estrogen in cream, gel, drops, lozenges, or sustained release capsules
- Lollipops for throat pain, smoking cessation, or weight loss
- Special flavorings for children's medications
- Ibuprofen suppositories
- Special flavorings such as tuna, chicken, apple for all types of large and small animals
How do you get a compounded product?
Compounded products are prescription drugs and require an order from a licensed physician, physician's assistant or a nurse practitioner or veterinarian. It is important that the pharmacist and the prescribing practitioner work closely together to ensure that the customized medication is right for each individual person or animal.
Will insurance cover compounded medications?
Some prescription drug plans will cover compounded prescriptions. Due to the vast number of plans we do not always know who will and who will not. Therefore, our policy is to accept payment at the time the prescription is filled and then provide our customers with insurance forms that they can file with their individual insurance carriers.