Should You Go Custom Or Stick With The Brand?

Getting monthly medication is critical for millions of patients. Prescription drugs can reduce symptoms, manage pain, or be a critical part of healing from surgery. Grabbing the needed medication sounds like a simple task. Patients can visit a big box pharmacy and purchase the brand name option that is available. There is also another choice, which is creating a custom medication using a compound pharmacy. For specific individual needs, custom medication can be a fantastic choice. Why should some patients choose a compound pharmacy?

Customizing through a compound pharmacy

Compound pharmacies are smaller, local establishments that excel at creating custom formulations called compounding. This process involves using raw ingredients to create a unique, custom solution for a patient. Compounding can also involve mixing multiple drugs into a single drug, avoiding the use of polypharmacy. The unique practice of compounding was once popular, but mass-produced brand name options have now taken over. While these standard drugs have many benefits, custom medication using compounding has several benefits.

Accessibility vs. tailored treatments

A brand-name medication has the benefit of accessibility. Patients can get popular options in a standard form at many of the popular big box stores available today. However, these brand name options have a set dosage, which may not be for everyone. A custom medication created by a compound pharmacist has some fantastic advantages. Some patients need medication in a specific dose. Compounding can increase or decrease the dosage, increasing effectiveness in these unique cases. Tailored treatments allow patients to work closely with pharmacists, increasing the outcomes.

Standard options vs unique formulations

Most brand name options come in a simple pill or liquid form, convenient for most patients. Some people need unique formulas for ease of use or circumventing health challenges. Compounding can turn pills into liquid, creams, suppositories, or lozenges. These forms are great for addressing issues like difficulty swallowing. These tailored treatments increase medication adherence and overall health outcomes. The limited forms can reduce options for some patients. Compounding, on the other hand, can help patients take more ownership of the medication process.

When should you go custom?

Most patients who need prescription drugs can use brand name options. Compounding, however, is regaining popularity in smaller, local pharmacies. Going custom is effective for patients who want more control over dosage and forms. Some patients who use multiple prescriptions can get more efficient treatment by combining drugs into a single form. Compounding is also effective for specific ailments. Pain management, dermatology, pediatric, and geriatric medication can help with the unique needs of these issues. Compounding is also great for hormone medication therapy (HRT) for fertility treatment.

Enjoy better health outcomes with compounding

A brand-name medication helps with fast access and standard ailments. Most cases will benefit from quick dispensing from a standard, big-box brand. A custom medication, on the other hand, can help with the unique patient’s needs. A compound pharmacy can create different forms, combinations, and doses, especially for specific use cases. For better adherence, more control, and better health outcomes, consider using a custom option from a compounding.