Let’s Make Our Own Medicine

The process of filling a prescription has been simplified to visiting the closest pharmacy and walking out with the necessary drug in hand. The rising demand for medicine has popularized mass-produced medication by large pharmaceutical companies. What standard prescriptions fail to consider is the individual needs of patients. As a result, many patients struggle to get the best available prescription. These pain points have led patients and pharmacies to return to the basics by creating customized medications with compounding. This simple practice is a great option when the current system is inadequate.

Why compounding matters

The process of creating customized medications for an individual patient is known as compounding. Pharmacists have a deep understanding of medications and the ingredients in the most popular drugs. Years of training also allow some pharmacists to create medications by combining base ingredients or multiple pills into a new, usable form. Compounding harkens back to the original pharmacy process, where both patient and pharmacist controlled what went into medicine. For most patients, standard, mass-produced medications are enough to treat symptoms. However, some people need customized solutions, which makes compounding valuable to maintaining or improving health.

Customized medications, better outcomes

Compounding is powerful for several reasons. Many mass-produced medicines come in standard doses, which may be too strong for some patients. Taking half of a dose or breaking a pill in half does not guarantee a favorable outcome. Compounding can create a medicine in the precise dose needed. In other cases, if a manufacturer discontinues a drug, the compounding pharmacy can recreate the medicine so the patient can continue treatment. Compounding also ensures high quality, bioavailability, and efficacy so patients get sufficient treatment and feel better over time.

A medicine you can take

Some medicines come in a set pill form that may be challenging for some people. Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, is a common issue faced by kids and adults. Getting long-term treatment feels impossible unless the form of the medication is changed. Compounding can recreate the medicine in liquid form, lozenge, patch, or other easy-to-use options. Polypharmacy is another challenge faced by many older patients who need multiple drugs daily. Some polypharmacy patients have trouble adhering to routines and experience worsening symptoms. Compounding can combine various drugs into a single pill, resulting in a more enjoyable experience.

Quality and safety you can trust

Many people who regularly take medication care about quality and safety. Some individuals may be uneasy about the many side effects that are associated with some medications or concerned with the quality of imported drugs. Compounding gives the patient back control. Through consultation and collaboration, a pharmacy can create medication with cleaner, safer ingredients. Compounding is also helpful for people with allergies, vegans, or individuals who prefer to avoid certain drugs for ethical reasons.

Accessibility and convenience you can enjoy

The demand for medicines also impacts the supply. Some people struggle to get regular prescriptions due to supply chain issues or the discontinuation of sales in specific areas. Other individuals need to travel far distances to fill prescriptions from larger pharmacies. With compounding, the patient visits the pharmacy in person or online, fills out the prescription, and gets a customized solution.

Harness the power of compounding

Medications are vital for improving symptoms, reducing pain, and enhancing overall health. Yet, many mass-produced drugs in circulation today still have limitations. Compounding provides customized medication and puts the power back into the hands of the patient. There is some understanding and control over ingredients, form, and quality. This invaluable option can make the prescription medication process easier to navigate, safer, and more effective.