An Unavoidable Part Of Taking Medication

Medication, prescription or otherwise, is often necessary for treating symptoms, managing pain, or supplementing the body with nutrients. While in the proper doses, most medicines are effective, there is the risk of side effects. In certain conditions, almost all drugs come with side effects, with many labels providing advanced warnings. Medication side effects can range from minor to severe or even life-threatening. For the best results, doctors and patients alike strive to reduce these issues, often without success. A compound pharmacist can intervene, creating a custom solution to address unpleasant side effects.

What causes side effects anyway?

Side effects are any symptoms that come up after taking a drug that impacts quality of life, no matter how minor. Some side effects can be unpleasant and interfere with your daily activities, while others are potentially life-threatening. A side effect can mask the symptoms of another condition that requires treatment. An ingredient in the drug can impact an unrelated part of the body. The medicine can also interact with other drugs, supplements, or foods. Taking the incorrect dose can lead to side effects, leading to serious health problems.

The power of compounding

Compounding is a process by which a pharmacist can help reduce or even eliminate side effects. Through compounding, a pharmacist can create a custom solution to meet a patient’s needs. A compound pharmacist can use individual ingredients to create a new drug or combine multiple medicines into an easy-to-consume solution. Compounding is also effective in specific practices like dermatology, pain management, and fertility.

Removing potential allergens

Some side effects are due to additional ingredients that can lead to nausea or vomiting. Unpleasant side effects can lead to poor medication adherence. A compound pharmacist can review the medicine and identify the possible allergen. Compounding can then help with managing these side effects. Recreating the medication without dyes, additives, preservatives, or other ingredients can benefit the patient without the side effects.

Compounding adjusts the dosage

Incorrect dosage can cause side effects. Factors like age, weight, and pre-existing medical conditions can limit the effectiveness of medicine. A doctor might suggest staggering the dose throughout the day. While useful, the user may not get the required medication. Compounding provides the ideal dose for the patient by creating a new solution. This step ensures the patient still gets the necessary care.

Changing the form

Even with no additives and an adjusted dose, some patients still experience side effects. A typical example is pain while swallowing or vomiting due to dysphagia. Compounding also changes the form of medication to meet the patient’s needs. The compound pharmacist can change the form from capsule to liquid form. Lozenges, topical formulations, suppositories, or drops are other useful forms.

Other medication management strategies

Along with compounding, there are a few ways to reduce unpleasant side effects. Track the occurrence of the side effects, then speak with a doctor and a pharmacist. The team can perform a medication review before recommending switching medications or compounding. Adding medicine to combat the side effects can also help. Consider dietary changes, as certain foods or drinks can interact with medications and worsen side effects. These steps, along with taking the medication as described, can help manage side effects.

Compound those side effects away

Prescription medicines are mass-produced to meet high demands. While effective, the drug affects some individuals differently, leading to side effects. Managing or eliminating these side effects is vital to long-term treatment. Using compounding, pharmacists can recreate the medicine to meet the unique needs of patients. This simple change can drastically improve a patient’s medical journey.