Most consumers know how a traditional pharmacy works. Far fewer are familiar with an alternative option: a compounding pharmacy. Here’s everything you need to know about these specialized health facilities and how they have the potential to improve your well-being.
What is a compounding pharmacy? A compounding pharmacy employs the art and science of creating personalized medications based on the specific needs of the patient, ensuring an individualized approach to health.
“The conventional approach of mass production, one-size-fits-all, unfortunately does not work for all patients. Compounded medications, however, can help ensure that patients receive the therapies they need safely,” says Shaun Noorian, CEO and founder of Empower Pharmacy, a compounding pharmacy that specializes in men’s health, women’s health, dermatology, hormone replacement, weight management, IV therapy, longevity, sexual wellness, mental health, and gender-affirming care.
Compounded medications are formulated to meet individual requirements, such as allergies to certain ingredients, dosage adjustments, or the need for alternative forms of medication (for example, needing a liquid instead of a tablet). In summary, compounded medications provide the necessary therapy for individuals to live healthier and happier lives, in a form that can optimize their care. These medications can also play a vital role in addressing challenges related to shortages of FDA-approved prescription medications.
How common are compounding pharmacies? Compounding pharmacies represent 2% of the current pharmaceutical market.
How does this change the role of the pharmacist? Pharmacists have always been an important part of patient care teams, dispensing medications and offering advice on side effects and dosage. In a compounding pharmacy, this role also includes producing personalized prescription medications for patients, often from raw ingredients.
Are compounding pharmacies accessible to average patients? Some compounding pharmacies are working to prioritize access. Empower Pharmacy, for example, provides medications at an affordable cost, in an effort to ensure that everyone has access to the treatments they need. And as the pharmacy operates online, patients with mobility and transportation issues can fill their prescriptions from the comfort of home.
Are there safety issues to consider? It is very important for you to know that compounded medications are not FDA-approved.
Source: StatePoint