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
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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.
