Tag: compounded medications

Psoriasis is a very common yet chronic skin disease that can cause extreme skin irritation. It is an autoimmune disease that results in a rapid buildup of cells on the surface of the skin. It generally takes about a month for the cells on your skin to shed and get replaced with newer cells. If you deal with psoriasis, new cells build up faster than the shedding of older cells. It can create a buildup that will lead to red patches of scaly, itchy, and flared-up skin on the scalp, elbows, knees, torso, and face. In extreme cases, your skin can crack and bleed. Here are the best medication for psoriasis that can help you manage it

As per the official definition of NHS: “Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes flaky patches of skin which form scales. On brown, black, and white skin, the patches can look pink or red, and the scales white or silvery. On brown and black skin the patches can also look purple or dark brown, and the scales may look grey.”

These red skin patches are not only extremely uncomfortable but can lead to loss of confidence and embarrassment, especially when they appear on your face and exposed parts of your body. If you deal with the condition, I am sure you have tried multiple treatments that include prescription meds that help with the flare-ups. While the condition is very tricky to treat, it is very much possible to keep symptoms at bay.

Some Facts About Psoriasis

Before diving deeper into some of the best treatment options, let’s look at some of the facts associated with the disease:

• Psoriasis is essentially an autoimmune disease. It essentially shows your body’s reaction to something.
• Can run in your family.
• It is a chronic disease that cannot be cured completely but can only be managed.
• Psoriasis looks different on every skin: red patches, scaly skin, and minor irritation are all different types and stages of psoriasis.
• Expect a flare up when you are sick.
• The disease can also impact your joints in some rare cases.
• Depression is a very common concern among people struggling with the disease. Do not neglect the symptoms, and take the help you need.
• Reducing stress is an important part of the treatment plan.
• DIY treatments don’t generally work for this condition, and it calls for professional help.

Treatments for Psoriasis

Psoriasis is surely an incurable disease, but the symptoms can be managed easily. Different types of treatments are available in the market that helps to treat symptoms and flare-ups. Some prescription psoriasis medication treatments include:

Oral Medication

While psoriasis is a skin condition, it can be treated with the help of oral medication. Most of the oral treatment options are very strong as compared to other treatment options. These medications work best for treating severe psoriasis especially when topical medications aren’t working. These medicines can lead to severe side effects and might interfere with other drugs you take on a regular basis. All of the oral meds for psoriasis should be taken under the supervision of the doctor.

Light Therapy

Light Therapy is another amazing option for treating psoriasis and other skin conditions. The problem areas of the skin will be exposed to natural or artificial UV light in combo with prescription psoriasis meds. UV rays essentially kill white blood cells, which leads to overactive growth. Light Therapy can work wonders for mild to moderate cases of psoriasis.

Topical Medication for Psoriasis

Topical medication for psoriasis is applied directly to the skin. This is a great treatment because it delivers medication exactly where you need it, helping avoid some of the side effects that come with taking a pill that can affect your whole body. Topical treatments are used first before trying other treatment types. Creams, lotions, and ointments are available by prescription or over the counter. Sometimes they are used in combination with oral medications.

The Right Psoriasis Treatment for You

Not every medication works for every single individual. Different treatment plans will work differently for you. There are cases when none of the conventional meds work for your particular condition. That is when you need to take the matter into your own hands and opt for compounding. Psoriasis is a very serious skin condition that cannot be cured completely but can surely be treated. A compounding pharmacist will custom-create oral and topical medicines for your unique case after a thorough discussion/recommendation from your healthcare provider. It minimizes the side effects and ensures you aren’t left with serious complications. A lot of individuals experience stomach problems and migraines with commercially available medications. Compounding pharmacists can alter the ingredients and transform oral meds into topical ones in order to deliver the desired outcome minus any negative effects.

If you are looking for a compounding pharmacy to manage your skin condition, look no further than Burt’s Rx pharmacy. Our mission is to make medication management simple, easy, and effective. Feel free to contact our team for any questions, comments, or concerns.

Disclaimer: This article is meant for informational purposes only and isn’t meant to be substituted for a medical diagnosis or advice. Always consult your doctor before continuing with a treatment plan.

Millions of people worldwide struggle with pain medication of some kind and form. Many individuals neglect their chronic pain because they struggle to find the medication that genuinely works for them. Some individuals are worried about forming a dependency and are unsure where to begin. Pain management can feel intimidating and sometimes hopeless. However, this doesn’t have to be the case. The extent of chronic pain is different for every single individual. So should be the medication. Hence, compounding meds seem like the best option for non addictive pain medication . Before diving deeper into the subject, let’s look at the common shortcomings of oral pain meds.

Shortcomings of Conventional Pain Management Meds

Various pain meds are available on the market to treat pain. They may or may not work for your specific condition. Here is why:

Not Meant for Your Specific Pain and Its Needs

OTC drugs are created to suit a variety of different people. These meds don’t generally work well for people with chronic conditions. Most people who struggle with chronic pain fail to see the results. Sometimes, they can also lead to stomach problems.

Drug Dependency

One of the major downsides of pain meds is drug dependency. People are always at risk of forming drug dependency with conventional medications. Opioids are one of the most commonly prescribed drugs for individuals struggling with chronic pain, as they are much stronger than OTC meds. They target opioid receptors in pain for extended relief. This leads to opioid dependency when used on a long-term basis. This presents a massive problem for those dealing with consistent pain as they need a treatment that can work for them as a non addictive pain medication on a long-term basis.

Unwanted Side Effects

Many opioids and OTC pain meds can lead to negative side effects. Some common ones are feeling irritated, drowsy, dizzy, and sleepy. These medications can sometimes have withdrawal effects. Even nonaddictive medications can sometimes lead to serious side effects when consumed over a long time.

Compounded Medications: What are They and How Can They Help?

Compounding meds involves custom-creating medicines to create a unique formulation per the patient’s unique needs. During the process, the compounding pharmacist can adjust, alter, and combine multiple meds to create the perfect medicine per your needs. This gives the patient more control over their medicine and health management. If you are someone who struggles with swallowing pills, a compounding pharmacist can turn the tablet into an oral pill. Similarly, they can alter the dosage, add flavor to bitter-tasting meds, and even combine multiple formulas into one.

Compounding Medication for Pain Management

Compounding comes in handy when you are trying to manage chronic pain. It essentially gives patients more control over their condition. Here is how it can help you in your pain management journey:

Specific Treatment as per Your Needs

Every single individual experience pain of different intensity and in different parts of the body for different reasons. This makes general OTC drugs quite tricky, and most people do not get optimal results. Compounding pharmacists can create a unique treatment for you that delivers the optimal outcome.

Alternative Forms of Medicine

Compounding meds can combat the shortcomings of many common OTC meds. For instance, your body takes a lot of time to process oral medications. With compounding, oral pain relievers can be converted into transdermal gels that deliver instant results.

Medications Can Be Combined

A compounding pharmacist can combine multiple medications into one or double the effects, making medication management easier. This is immensely helpful if you often forget to take your meds.

Topical Pain Management Medications

At Burt’s Rx Pharmacy, we specialize in compounding services and creating gels that are specific to your concerns/needs and help you relieve pain instantly. Our pharmacists work with your doctor to custom-create a formulation that works in your favor. Most of our clients are quite keen on compounded topical pain relievers for all the right reasons. Here are some of the major benefits of topical compounding meds: 

Targets Exact Area of Pain

Topical pain management works wonders for targeting precise pain locations. They are a great alternative to oral meds that take a long time to get absorbed by your stomach and then eventually lead to your bloodstream. In some cases, they can create a major stomach issue as well. If you are dying in pain, you simply don’t have the patience for the waiting game. Hence, a topical method is the best solution.

Higher Concentration

Topical creams have a much higher concentration of medication as compared to oral meds. This is because the medication gets quickly absorbed into the skin and creates fast-acting results. If you are looking for much needed relief and non addictive pain medication, a high-concentration topical gel is the best option.

Reduced Issues and Misuse

It is very easy to misuse oral medications. Sometimes, you might accidentally take the pill at the wrong time of the day or take one pill twice. All of these can pose serious side effects. This isn’t the case with topical medications. Oral medications can lead to unwanted side effects when used incorrectly. Topical medications are easy and effective to use and a much simpler way to manage your condition.We hope you found this article informative and helpful. If you have any more questions, leave them in the comments section below.

• Disclaimer: This article is meant for informational purposes only. Do not substitute it for medical diagnosis or advice. Always consult your doctor before taking any form of medication.

There are amazing benefits when it comes to compounding medications for the active athlete. Read more below.

Compounding has many different benefits and applications. One of its prime uses is in sports medicine. There is a reason behind it. Athletes and trainers find compounding medications far more helpful than commercial formulations. Compounded medications are customized to suit the needs of an athlete in terms of specific doses, active ingredients, method of administration, absorption, and plenty of other factors.

Most Common Sports Uses for Compounding Meds

Before diving into the endless benefits of using sports medication for compounding, let’s discuss the top uses. Compounding can be extremely beneficial for treating the following conditions in athletes: dehydration, calluses, wounds, cramps, nutritional needs, dry skin, athlete’s foot, carpal tunnel, and hemorrhoids.

In the longer run, a compounding pharmacy can offer a safe, effective, and convenient treatment for athletes. If your sports program requires a particular formulation, our pharmacists will work together with your sports physician to create a perfect blend for you.  Our team creates safe and effective compounding medications that will help you recover from injuries quickly and effectively. Overall, we help minimize downtime and improve the overall efficacy of the treatment. We can reduce downtime and improve overall treatment results. Burts Rx Compounding is your trusted companion for specialized sports medicine formulations.

Advantages of Compounded Medicine for the Active Athlete

Let’s explore some of the top benefits of compounded medicine:

Improved Delivery Methods

Improved delivery methods for medicine administration are not available with traditional meds. Clearly, they aren’t as effective. It is specifically important in sports where athletes require the best treatments/medications for injuries while practicing/performing the game. Compounded meds offer a distinct advantage over these meds.

Minimized Downtime

Sports medicine involves experimenting with different treatments to achieve a faster healing time as compared to traditional meds. Essentially, the goal is to minimize downtime as much as possible. The benefits of reduced downtime are evident. It allows athletes to return back to the field as soon as possible. Compounding pharmacies play a very important and unique role in this regard. Compounded pharmacists can experiment with different formulations and test athletes’ recovery to better the process.

Let me demonstrate with an example. I am sure you are aware of ketoprofen. Compounds in the topical formulation are much more effective than with traditional oral ketoprofen. Hence, a compounded pharmacist can alter the delivery mode to maximize the benefits. Ketoprofen in topical form can be directly applied to the injury site. As a result, the pain relief is much quicker and more targeted as compared to an oral medication which comes with the downside of gastrointestinal upset.

Customized Treatment Plan

Every single individual is different, and so is their body and rate of recovery post-injury. Some individuals are allergic to certain ingredients in meds while others simply detest oral medications as they can upset their stomach (which is never the ideal scenario for anyone, especially athletes). Compounded medication addresses the unique concerns of every single individual while minimizing the potential side effects.

Avoid Allergic Reactions

There are athletes who have food allergies or other drug sensitivities that make finding the right medication extremely troublesome. For instance, if you are someone with gluten allergy, you need to find a gluten-free alternative. Compounding can formulate a medicine that doesn’t include any gluten-based ingredients while still providing the same benefits.

Pain Management Made Easy

Pain management is very easy with compounding. A lot of athletes receive prescription painkillers. One common concern with painkillers has to be the risk of addiction. Compounding can taper dosages for the medication which minimizes the risk of addiction. Moreover, chronic pain management is also easier with compounding. Compounding pharmacists can add a nutritional supplement to the pain management medication, making it more efficient.

Nutritional Support

Athletes have to keep a very close tab on their supplements and diet intake. A lot of athletes take nutritional supplements to support muscle healing and growth. Supplements can help your muscles recover quickly. Compounding allows athletes to custom-create their supplements as per their unique needs. Certain supplements come in limited varieties which are not always extremely the most effective. Burts Rx Pharmacy can help devise supplement variations that will suit the unique requirements of an athlete.

Why Compounded Medication Works Wonders for Sports Medicine?

Every athlete is unique and so are his/her challenges. And no, we are not only talking about the weight and build. Other factors such as tolerance to medication, level of injury, age, preferred administration method, and allergies play a very important role as well.

Hence, the number of commercial sports medications that truly work is very small. When you level up to professional sports, the number becomes almost non-existent. While doing professional sports, athletes have a very small time to recover. As every single individual heals at a different pace, finding effective commercial medications is impossible especially when the entire team is involved. That is where compounding comes to the rescue.

Let me demonstrate with an example. Knee injuries are very common amongst athletes. One knee injury can be more devastating than the other. Hence, different recovery methods will be required. A compounding pharmacist can help address the unique challenges of each injury by creating custom treatments. Athletes at all levels can benefit from compounded medications as they are formulated specifically for them.

The Bottom Line

Whether you are dealing with a sports-related injury, struggling to find a unique prescription, worried about additives/preservatives in the meds, experiencing side effects from a particular drug, or have a very specific supplemental requirement, Burts Rx Pharmacy can help you out. We offer personalized compounding medications that are catered to your individual needs so don’t have to worry about anything. Simply put your focus to where it belongs: training and competing.

If you want to learn more about compounding medications or have any questions, feel free to reach out to our team today and our team would love to help you out. You can be more impactful with a combination of the right diet, workout regimen and professionally prepared medications, and supplements.

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Organizing medicine can be an arduous task, especially if you have multiple medications with varying time windows. Today we will help solve this problem and get you organized so you can focus on life! Read more below…

Getting Started With Organizing Medicine

When you are consuming a lot of meds, organizing your medicine is a challenging task. It is tough to remember the names of different medications, their timings, and when and how often are you supposed to take them. It is confusing and overwhelming, especially if you take multiple medications and supplements. In this article, we will discuss certain tips and tools that will help you stay on top of your medication schedule, prevent missed doses, and never run out of refills. Without further ado, let’s get started:

Importance of Medication Management 

If you are someone who consumes a lot of medicines daily, errors are bound to occur. Whether it be a missed dosage, taking the same medication twice, or running out of a particular medicine/supplement. Effective medication management will help you minimize errors which helps improve your health.

Tip No 1: Use a Daily Pill Organizer

This tip is the simplest yet the most ignored tip. You need to get your hands on a daily pill organizer. It is beneficial for those who have to take multiple medications every day. It typically has a minimum of 7 or more compartments. You can easily store your days’ worth of pills in it the night before. It will help you stay on top of your schedule. You can always keep a dosage schedule near your bedside table that includes the description and timing of each of the pills that you have added in the case. 

The only drawback of this method is that it isn’t the best way of organizing meds if you have young kids at home. Kids are drawn to the pills (especially colorful ones). It can lead to accidents, disorganization, and potential overdose. If you take a lot of meds, they might not fit in the store-bought pill organizer, and you’ll have to do a fair bit of research before you land on the one that can easily store all your medicine. 

Tip No 2: Make a Medicine and Dosage Schedule Chart

This can take some time, but it is hands down the best way to manage your daily or weekly dose of medicine. You can either take a pen and paper and do it the simple way (However, you’ll have to create a new list every single day) or go on your computer and use a spreadsheet to create one. You can also make one on a phone app where you can check things off. There is no right or wrong way to do it. 

You might want to list all the medicine names, their schedule, and why you are taking it. It is always a great idea to include a check box at the end. Whenever you take a medicine, simply check it off. I find tracking the meds on my phone is the easiest way. However, choose a method that seems the simplest to you.

Tip No 3: Create a List of Your Medicine

Another beneficial thing is creating a list of all your medication. Ensure the name, dosage in detail, frequency, potential side effects, and when to stop the medicine. If you are allergic to any medicines, please mention that in the list.  You can create multiple copies of the list. Whenever you visit a healthcare provider, take a copy with you to the appointment so they can overview all the meds you have been taking along and be aware of the potential allergies. Always keep a copy with you on your mobile and email if anything urgent arises. 

Tip No 4: Make Use of a Medication Application 

We all have smartphones and tablets lying around the house these days. Multiple apps will help your meds effectively. Moreover, they help you look up the information about a drug. Set your schedules, and get reminders throughout the day. You don’t have to buy a paid app. You can choose from plenty of free apps that have amazing ratings.

Tip No 5: Always Check the Prescription Labels 

It is important to check the prescription labels. Have a close look at the expiration date, refill info, and discard the old medicine as needed. Whenever you are running low on a medication that requires a refill, always call your pharmacist beforehand. This will prevent any missed doses. 

If you think you may need a refill on a medication that has no refills left, call your healthcare provider’s office as soon as possible to allow time for the healthcare provider to call the pharmacist.

Tip No 6: Use Pill Reminders to Your Advantage

Multiple electronic pill reminders are available on the market. You can select the one as per your budget and liking. With these devices, you can add the name of the medication you are taking, frequency, instructions regarding meds (whether you have to take on an empty stomach or with food), and other details as needed. 

You can also use mobile apps for this purpose. An alarm sound will ring whenever you have to take a medicine with all the necessary details. It will prevent missed dosages and improve your overall health. Although phone apps are much simpler, electronic devices work better for old-school individuals.

When to Call a Doctor?

Despite taking all these measures, there might be times when you mess up, and that’s human. Here is when you need to call the healthcare provider: 

• If you are unsure whether you missed a medicine or not or completely forgot to take it. 
• If you struggle to remember consuming your medicine regularly despite all these measures.
• If you find it difficult to consume a lot of medicine and wish to cut down on them or go for compounding to alter the dosage etc. 

Final Thoughts on Organizing Medicine

These tips will help you manage the medication easily and boost your health. Despite following all these tips, if you are still struggling, reach out to your healthcare provider. If you have any further questions, let us know in the comments section below.

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If you’ve been a reader of our blog you’ll note the amazing benefits of compounding medications for humans. However today we go over why adding a fish oil supplement to your dog’s diet could make them one happy pup! Read more below…

Overview

• Fish oil is a dietary supplement that can aid many important functions when it comes to dogs’ health; heart, skin, immune system, and coat.
• Fish oil can help your dogs with a momentary dietary boost or be a part of a long-term health plan.
• It is crucial to consult a veterinarian before adding fish oil or any other supplements to your dog’s diet.

Fish oil is hands down one of the most beneficial supplements that can be added to your dog’s diet. It supports heart health, minimizes the chances of getting itchy, flaky skin, promotes a silky coat, minimizes allergies, and joint pain, and helps strengthen their immunity. These supplements could even help them fight canine cancer.

Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids which are essential for your dog’s body and brain. Similar to humans, dogs cannot produce the omega-3 acids on their own and require supplementation. If you are considering adding the amazing fish oil supplement to your dog’s diet, we are going to discuss certain important aspects below.

Fatty Acids in Fish Oil

Fish oil contains four main types of dietary fats; trans, saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fats. Polyunsaturated fats contain omega fatty acids that are essential for regulating blood flow and inflammation. It is important to note that these fats aren’t found naturally in the dog’s body. They are typically found in water fish, plant oils, nut oils, flaxseed, and shellfish. Your dog needs omega-3 in its diet for multiple reasons.

Omega-3 helps to balance out omega-6 acids which are a common nutrient in most grains and processed foods. A lot of dog manufacturers use meat from corn-fed animals along with refined oil, dogs usually have an abundance of omega-6 fatty acids in their diet (which isn’t great). Most of the time, dogs have an excess of omega-6 fatty acids and a lack of omega-3 fatty acids. Their bodies require both in balance to function optimally.

Why is Fish Oil Important for My Dog?

Fish oil is hands down one of the best ways to add omega-3 fatty acids into your diet. Based on their diet, you can use them temporarily, or on a long-term basis. In some cases, vets recommend the supplement to provide a temporary nutritional boost to the diet.

Another great benefit of fish oil is that it helps dogs across the span of their lifetimes. For instance, DHA is an important component that helps with the brain and eye development of puppies. It is also great for improving cognitive function in older dogs who deal with canine cognitive dysfunction. Research suggests that omega 3 fatty acids also help treat chronic kidney disease and arthritis. Like any other supplement, it is important to consult your vet prior to adding fish oil supplements to your dog’s diet.

 

Selecting a Good Fish Oil Supplement for Your Dog

There are three main types of fish oil supplements widely available in the market. Let’s briefly discuss them:

• Natural Triglyceride Oil – It is a natural and easy to absorb oil. However, it might contain contaminants as it isn’t purified.
• Ethyl Ester Oil – This oil is fairly concentrated and is distilled to remove impurities. You can think of it as a semi-natural oil that contains high levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).
• Synthetic Triglyceride Oil – It is synthetic and is difficult to get absorbed as compared to the rest of the options.

Prior to selecting the type of fish oil, it is important to take several factors into account; breed, weight, overall health, and size of the dog. Consult with your vet in this regard as well. If used on a long-term basis with a grain-based diet, fish oil might end up depleting vitamin E. So, your dog might need vitamin E supplementation too.

Fish Oil Supplement Recommendations

Following are some of the amazing fish oil supplements that are loved by the dog owners:

TerraMax Pro Premium Liquid Omega-3 Fish Oil

This is an all-natural supplement that is free from any artificial ingredients and is free from chemicals. It contains at least 800 mg EPA and 525 DHA per serving that supports skin, joints, fur, and overall health. Luckily, it doesn’t come with a strong fish scent. Most people have a positive experience with this one. As per reviews, it is worth the cost and works really well for pets that struggle with itchy skin and joint pain. It is priced at $20.

Nordic Naturals Omega 3 Pet

This particular supplement is made in the USA and is a great source of EPA and DHA. It is deemed perfect for small-breed dogs. Nearly all the reviews of this supplement are positive. It is sure to leave your pet’s coat silky smooth.

Nordic Naturals Omega 3 Pet Soft Gels

If your pup prefers a capsule that is a liquid that is added to their food, Nordic Naturals Omega 3 Pet Soft Gels are the perfect solution for you. This supplement is made with very clean ingredients and is produced in true triglyceride form to ensure optimal results and absorption. The gels are often recommended by veterinarians for all kinds of dogs. The supplement has tons of positive reviews as well and people say that they are super effective and less messy.

Care and Storage of Fish Oil

It is important to protect the fish oil supplements from heat, light, and air. Make sure you purchase the one that comes in a dark bottle and store it in a refrigerator. These supplements are susceptible to oxidation and can become rancid. If you suspect a weird odor, throw them off immediately.

Instead of following the dosage guidelines on the package, ask your vet about the usage for your dog. The amount of fish oil is directly proportional to the size, weight, and age of the dog.

Wrapping Up Fish Oil For Dogs

It is very difficult to feed your dog a natural diet. Most dog foods contain a ton of artificial ingredients. And nearly every dog needs fish oil, a supplement for their health needs. Always consult your vet before starting your dog on fish oil or any other kind of supplement and always go for high-quality products.

We hope you found this post helpful. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us.

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It’s always useful to know all about compounding medication history and how it’s evolved to the present day. Read further on now.

Compounding medications have gained a lot of popularity in recent times, especially among those dealing with multiple medical conditions, the elderly, young children, pets, and those who are allergic to certain ingredients found in common meds.

For those of you who have heard the term for the first time, let me explain it to you: A compounded medication is essentially a drug that is specifically prepared for an individual based on the prescription from the doctor. Such drugs are not available at regular pharmacies and require the expertise of compounded pharmacists. Creating compounded meds involves mixing one or more active ingredients in a very specific amount to create a drug that suits you or your loved ones.

The key advantage of this process is that medication is created to fit your needs. Whether it means altering the dosage or changing the form of a particular drug (syrup, pill, injection, an ointment, or even a lolly for kids). Sometimes multiple pills are combined into one. Other times, a hard-to-swallow pill is turned into a syrup for easier administration. In some cases, allergens are removed from conventional meds to fit your unique needs best while in other cases, the dosage is altered. There are times when a combination of all the above is required.

Taking medications is never fun. However, compounding can definitely make the process easier for you.

What Are Compounded Medications Used For?

Compounded medications can be used for all sorts of different conditions. However, they are more commonly prescribed for individuals dealing with pain, thyroid, hormone-related conditions, and skin problems. While any doctor can prescribe compounding meds, most of the prescriptions come from doctors in the following fields: Dermatologists (skin), Pain specialists, Podiatrists (feet), Endocrinologists (hormone imbalances and other endocrine disorders), Gastroenterologists (digestive system), and Veterinarians.

Compounding Medication History

For those of you who are interested in where the compounding originated, let’s give you a little background. It is quite difficult to pinpoint the ancestries of compounding as combining multiple agents to create a medication begins way before the term compounding was coined.

The art of compounded meds can be linked to the origins of the pharmacy. If you are talking about the first documented chemical process, it goes as far back as the Egyptians.

The earliest chemists used various natural substances as medication. They compounded multiple preparations such as dyes, incenses, perfumes, preservatives, cosmetics, and of course medications.

In the medieval Islamic world, Muslim pharmacists and chemists developed advanced methods of compounding drugs. The first drug store was opened in Baghdad by a Muslim Pharmacist in the year 754. Off course, the definition of the pharmacist wasn’t quite the same as it is now. When it comes to modern age compounding, it began around the 19th century with the goal of separating coal tar from certain compounds in order to obtain a synthetic dye.  The earliest antibacterial sulfa drugs, phenolic compounds, and plastics were all the products of compounding.

In the 1800s, pharmacists specialized in the compounding of crude drugs. Crude drugs are obtained from natural resources and contain several chemical compounds. The pharmacist used to extract these drugs with the help of solvents like water and alcohol to create extract, decoctions, and concoctions.

They started the procedure by isolating and identifying the active ingredients in these concoctions using fractionation or recrystallization to separate an active ingredient from the crude preparation and created a compounded medication.

As soon as pharmacists figured out the isolation of medications from different raw materials and crude drugs, the modern pharmaceutical company was born. Pharmacists were trained to compound medications by different drug companies. The problem was it couldn’t be done efficiently on a smaller scale which lead to the development of the modern pharmaceutical industry.

As the 20th century started to role, the government imposed various regulations on the practice of medication. This forced various drug manufacturing companies to better their medication and ensure patient safety. The discovery of penicillin along with modern marketing tactics give rise to the drug manufacturing industry that you see today.

How Has It Evolved Over The Years?

Initially, physicians prescribed and compounded the patient’s medication themselves. In the late 19th century, there was a clear distinction between a pharmacist and a physician.

Historically, compounding was an essential part of the pharmaceutical process. In the earlier 1900s, the majority of the medications were available as a result of pharmaceutical compounding. With the progression of the 20th century, the need for compounding pharmacies diminished as a result of mass drug manufacturing.

In the modern-day, compounded pharmacy experienced a major resurgence as the need for custom medications become more and more prevalent. The demand for customized meds is always on the rise as conventional drugs don’t meet the requirements of every single patient. Compounding pharmacists fill a major gap in the medical industry and offer customized solutions to patients with unique needs.

About Burt’s Good Neighbor Pharmacy

As your Good Neighbor Pharmacy, we’re committed to helping you achieve your health care goals. From treating everyday conditions to achieving personal wellness, our talented and compassionate Burt’s pharmacy care team members can answer your questions and find solutions that fit you like a glove.

With over 40 years of experience as your local pharmacy serving the community, we understand what Newbury Park, Thousand Oaks, and Westlake Village patients need most. Our compounding pharmacy members are here for you.

Final Takeaway

While compounding pharmacies are one of the best facilities of the modern age, it is important to know that all pharmacies aren’t created equal. Moreover, it is always recommended to take your healthcare provider on board whenever you are considering compounded meds whether it be for yourself, your kid, or your pet. The best results are achieved when your healthcare provider and the compounded pharmacist work together to achieve the best outcome for your health.

Benefit from everyday low prices, in-house compounding services, preferred pricing, easy access to medical supplies, and friendly, supportive staff that are always just a phone call away. Feel free to reach out to us in case of any questions, queries, or compounding needs.

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