Q: What exactly is “compounding”?
Pharmaceutical compounding is creating a specific pharmaceutical product that is tailor made to each individual patient. Compounding can occur in many different ways. Sometimes compounds can start with a tablet or capsule made by a drug manufacturer and can be turned into a liquid; in other cases, raw powders and chemicals are used to make our final product – in essence, making our compound “from scratch.”
Q: Why would something need to be compounded? This sounds like compounding is a lot of extra work!
It is a little more work to fill a compounded prescription than it takes to fill a prescription that is made by large drug manufacturers. Compounding requires numerous steps, starting before the product is even made. We need to research how to make the product, how long it is good for once made (the shelf life), or even how to convert doses from an oral use product to a topical use product. Once all the research and information is compiled, the compounded product is made on site in our laboratory by our trained staff. Due to the extra steps involved in making a compound, it does take a little bit longer than filling a commercial product, but often we are able to get most products to the patient fairly quickly.
Q: Why do people need to get medications compounded?
Pharmaceutical companies can manufacture pills, capsules, and liquids in extremely large quantities to serve the majority of the population. However, there are some cases where these mass manufactured medications don't fit the needs of the patient. One very common example would be pediatric patients. They can require many of the same medications that adults do, sometimes even for the same reasons. Unfortunately, since children are so much smaller than adults, they often need a much smaller dose that what is available commercially. Even if the dose is available as a pill, it sure isn't easy to get your 3 month old to learn how to swallow a pill!
No matter what the reason, we are able to compound these tablets or capsules into a liquid to make accurate dosing easier. This way, pediatric patients are able to get their dose of 1/3 tablet reliably and with (hopefully!) not much fuss. Because we are a specialty compounding pharmacy, we have access to ingredients and recipes that non-compounding pharmacies cannot get, which allows us to make products that taste better for those picky pediatric palates.
Unfortunately, the pharmacy industry can also have issues with supply problems where all pharmacies cannot get a commercially made product. These supply problems can range from a couple months' supply issue, all the way to a permanent discontinuation of the commercial product. In many of these cases, we are able to get the raw chemical in and make capsules so the patient is able to continue on the same medication at the same dose.
We can also help out patients who have allergies or intolerances to fillers in commercial products. These fillers can include things such as lactose, preservatives, dyes, gluten, or even sugar. By removing these products that patients have issues with, they are able to receive the benefits of their medication without having to deal with the side effects that may be causing them issues.
Q: How do I get a medication compounded at your pharmacy? I think you might be able to help me!
Everything we compound at Hill Avenue Drugs requires an active prescription. This can either be a new prescription or refills transferred from another pharmacy. Since the goal of compounding is an individualized product, we are more than happy to work with you and your prescriber to find the options that are best for you.
If you, your doctor, or other prescriber has any questions regarding the different compounding options or the compounding process, we are available Monday to Friday 9AM to 9PM, Saturday 9AM to 6PM, Sunday 1PM to 5PM, and closed statutory holidays. Feel free to give us a call at 306-586-6262 moer stop by Hill Avenue Drugs to speak with one of our pharmacists: Andrew, Janice, Gavin or Michaeline. We look forward to meeting you!
No comments:
Post a Comment