What are compounded medications needed for?

Patients seek out compounding pharmacies for a variety of reasons, including allergies and specific dosage requirements.

• Allergies to gluten, lactose, gelatin, dyes and other inactive ingredients
• Dosage amounts needed that differ from the amounts available in commercially available products
• Medication needed in a form different than those available traditionally, such as a liquid form of a medication normally dispensed in a capsule
• Combinations of medications not available through a traditional retail pharmacy, or older drugs that are no longer commercially available
• Hormone replacement therapy which must be prescribed to a patient’s individual needs

Some products are assembled in powder form and prepared in a capsule like those available commercially.[/caption]

What forms do compounded medications take?

Medications obtained through a compounding pharmacy are dispensed using the same methods as mass-produced medications, including capsules, pills, liquids, transdermal (skin) creams, suppositories and injectable solutions.

How are medications compounded?

Some medications, such as those injected into the vein, must be prepared in a highly controlled sterile environment. Others, such as oral capsules, can be prepared in a nonsterile environment using a machine that holds the capsule in place and closes it. Appropriate fillers are used in conjunction with the medications prescribed.

Pharmacy facts

• Some compounding pharmacies do not accept insurance, and some insurance companies do not cover their products. Patients should check with the businesses and with their insurance companies to determine coverage.
• Patients must obtain a prescription from doctors to obtain compounding pharmacy products as they would with a traditional prescription.
• The average cost of a prescription filled through a compounding pharmacy is about $65.