Compounding For Chronic Conditions

Not every individual realizes that when filling a prescription, there are more options than those initially prescribed by a medical professional. For example, some people may want to save money and select a generic over the name-brand version of a medication. Similarly, drug manufacturers often create different dosages or strength levels as a solution for prescribing to children versus adults, or for people who can’t tolerate the full-strength versions. While the previous modifications can easily be handled by most traditional pharmacies, some adjustments require a more specialized provider known as a compounding pharmacy.

What compound pharmacists do

A compounding pharmacy may not be as well-known as standard pharmacies but the services provided are vital. Specifically, these service providers are known for either combining or adjusting medication for special circumstances. Common reasons a patient would need to go to a compound pharmacy include when there is a risk of adverse reactions or when a medication has been discontinued (but not recalled). In both scenarios, a compounding pharmacy creates workarounds to ensure people still have access to vital medications. However, sometimes individuals with chronic conditions might need additional support.

Adjusting dosages

Having a chronic condition may mean an individual needs the actual dosage amounts for any medications adjusted. Sometimes the best option is to increase strength, while others may benefit from a low-dose prescription. Compounding pharmacies often have access to the same raw ingredients as pharmaceutical manufacturers, ensuring that prescriptions can be accurately customized to an individual’s needs.

Removing insensitivities

People dealing with chronic conditions may already experience enough unwanted symptoms as a result of the diagnosis. Sometimes, certain medications can contain ingredients that can lead to drug sensitivities or unwanted side effects. Formally known as medication intolerance, these individuals may struggle to take prescriptions as intended by pharmaceutical companies. A compounding pharmacy can remove common insensitivity triggers known as filler ingredients without sacrificing potency or purity. Common irritants that might be present include lactose and gluten, which may serve as stabilizers, or even dyes. Compounding pharmacists can reformat prescriptions by removing triggering ingredients.

Creating alternate forms

Sometimes a chronic condition can impact how a person ingests materials. When difficulty swallowing oversized pills or needing another entry point, a compounding pharmacy can create alternate formulations of medications. For example, an individual who can’t swallow pills may find that compounding can repackage medication as a liquid or suspension. Similarly, if ingestion is completely out of the question, compounding might allow a pharmacist to reformulate the medication into a topical form.

Combining medications

Having a chronic condition can also mean that a person is also facing other underlying medical conditions. Sometimes, a physician may prescribe multiple medications to address a litany of symptoms. However, taking each medication individually can be overwhelming or might be hard for a person to remember to do. A compounding pharmacist may be able to combine two or more medications into a single format, making medication adherence easier to maintain.

Compounding makes life easier

Dealing with chronic conditions can already be stressful, from frustrating symptoms to experiencing pain, and a lowered quality of life. Taking medications to manage a diagnosis shouldn’t make a not-ideal situation feel significantly worse. Consider working with a compounding pharmacy to get customized prescriptions that improve adherence to treatment regimens and minimize the risk of complications.