Tag: compounding pharmacy

Pharmaceutical compounding serves as the nexus where cutting-edge innovation converges with a patient-centric approach to healthcare delivery. At its core, compounding pharmacy embodies a commitment to crafting customized solutions that precisely cater to the unique requirements and preferences of each individual patient. This personalized approach represents a paradigm shift in the traditional model of medication provision, ushering in a new era where patients are empowered to actively participate in their treatment journey.

By offering tailored medications that are meticulously formulated to meet specific needs, compounding pharmacies are revolutionizing the landscape of medication administration, providing patients with an unparalleled level of care and satisfaction. This transformative impact extends beyond mere convenience, fundamentally reshaping the way medications are perceived and experienced, ultimately fostering greater therapeutic outcomes and patient well-being.

Why is Pharmaceutical Compounding Necessary?

Pharmaceutical compounding plays a vital role in addressing the diverse and often complex healthcare needs of patients across a spectrum of conditions and circumstances. Unlike mass-produced medications, which are formulated with a one-size-fits-all approach, compounded medications offer a bespoke solution tailored to the specific requirements of each individual. This level of customization is particularly crucial for patients with unique health considerations, such as allergies, sensitivities, or special dietary requirements, who may not respond optimally to commercially available medications.

Harnessing the expertise of skilled compounding pharmacists, patients can access a wide range of specialized formulations, from customized dosages and delivery methods to novel combinations of active ingredients, all carefully calibrated to maximize therapeutic efficacy and minimize adverse effects.

In essence, pharmaceutical compounding serves as a cornerstone of patient-centered care, ensuring that every individual receives the precise treatment they need to achieve optimal health outcomes and improve their overall quality of life.

Benefits of Pharmaceutical Compounding for Patients

Pharmaceutical compounding offers a plethora of benefits for patients. By providing customized medications, it allows for flexibility in dosage and formulation, ensuring optimal treatment outcomes and patient compliance. Additionally, compounding pharmacies can address patient allergies and sensitivities by omitting or substituting problematic ingredients, thereby minimizing adverse reactions and enhancing safety.

• Flexibility in Dosage and Formulation

Pharmaceutical compounding offers unparalleled flexibility in dosage and formulation, allowing pharmacists to create medications in various strengths, dosage forms, and delivery methods. This flexibility ensures that patients receive precise doses tailored to their unique needs, improving medication efficacy and therapeutic outcomes.

• Addressing Patient Allergies and Sensitivities

Compounding pharmacies play a crucial role in addressing patient allergies and sensitivities by customizing medications to exclude allergens or irritants. By formulating medications free from common allergens such as gluten, lactose, or dyes, compounding pharmacists ensure that patients can safely and effectively manage their health conditions without experiencing adverse reactions.

Overcoming Drug Shortages and Discontinuations

During times of drug shortages or discontinuations, compounding pharmacies step in to bridge the gap by formulating medications that are no longer commercially available. This vital service ensures uninterrupted access to essential treatments, safeguarding patients’ well-being and preventing potential health complications. By providing alternative options tailored to individual needs, compounding pharmacies play a crucial role in maintaining continuity of care and promoting patient safety in the face of supply disruptions.

Customizing Medications for Pediatric and Geriatric Patients

Pharmaceutical compounding holds significant importance for pediatric and geriatric patients, especially those facing challenges with pill swallowing or needing specialized dosage forms. Customized medications, crafted by compounding pharmacists, offer solutions tailored to the unique needs of these vulnerable populations.

Incorporating palatable flavors and alternative dosage forms like oral suspensions or transdermal gels, medication administration becomes more manageable and convenient for patients who may struggle with traditional formulations. This personalized approach enhances treatment adherence and improves overall patient outcomes, ensuring that pediatric and geriatric individuals receive the care they deserve.

Finding a Compounding Pharmacy in Ventura County

For residents of Ventura County seeking personalized pharmaceutical compounding services, look no further than Burt’s Pharmacy. Conveniently located in Newbury Park, we proudly serve the communities of Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, and Moorpark. Experience the exceptional care and expertise of our compounding pharmacists who are dedicated to meeting your unique healthcare needs. Contact us today to discover the benefits of personalized medication solutions tailored specifically for you.

Conclusion

Pharmaceutical compounding plays an indispensable role in modern healthcare, offering personalized solutions that cater to the individual needs of patients. At Burt’s Pharmacy, we are committed to providing exceptional compounding services tailored to your unique healthcare requirements. Contact us today to experience the difference personalized medication solutions can make in improving your health and well-being.

Disclaimer: This article is meant for educational and entertainment purposes only. Do not substitute it for medical advice. Always listen to your doctor for the management of your condition.

Are you a committed vegan striving for a wholesome, balanced lifestyle? While embracing a plant-based diet offers numerous benefits, it’s essential to address potential nutritional gaps to ensure your well-being. The secret lies in the power of supplements tailored specifically for vegans. If you’re intrigued to unlock the key to optimal nutrition and take your vegan journey to the next level, you’re in the right place.

In this article, we unveil the untapped potential of supplements for vegans, exploring how they can empower you to thrive on your plant-based path. From essential vitamins and minerals to personalized formulations, we’ll guide you through the realm of vegan supplementation, answering your burning questions along the way.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or considering the transition, this is your chance to discover the missing piece that can elevate your health and amplify your vitality. Don’t miss out on this transformative knowledge – keep reading to unveil the remarkable benefits that await you on your vegan supplement journey. Your optimal well-being awaits!

Understanding the Nutritional Challenges for Vegans

The vegan lifestyle, which excludes all animal-derived products, can provide numerous health benefits. However, vegans may face specific challenges in meeting their nutritional requirements. Some nutrients, such as vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, calcium, and iodine, are primarily found in animal-based foods. Additionally, the bioavailability of certain nutrients may differ between plant and animal sources, affecting their absorption by the body.

The Role of Compounded Multivitamins for Vegans

Compounded multivitamins offer a potential solution for vegans seeking to optimize their nutrient intake. These personalized supplements are created by compounding pharmacists, who can tailor the formulation to meet specific individual needs. By combining essential vitamins and minerals in appropriate dosages, compounded multivitamins can help vegans ensure they obtain the necessary nutrients for overall health and well-being.

Benefits of Compounded Multivitamins for Vegans

1. Comprehensive Nutrient Support: Compounded multivitamins provide a comprehensive blend of essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial compounds. This ensures that vegans receive a well-rounded spectrum of vitamins and minerals that may be lacking in their plant-based diet.
2. Personalized Formulations: Compounding pharmacists can create customized formulations based on individual needs and preferences. This enables vegans to address specific nutrient deficiencies and ensure optimal nutrient absorption, supporting overall health and vitality.
3. Enhanced Bioavailability: Compounded multivitamins can incorporate nutrients in forms that are more bioavailable for the body, increasing their absorption and utilization. This is particularly beneficial for nutrients like iron and calcium, which may have lower bioavailability in plant-based sources.
4. Addressing Specific Nutrient Gaps: Vegans may have a higher risk of deficiency in certain nutrients, such as vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids. Compounded multivitamins can be tailored to include adequate amounts of these nutrients, ensuring vegans meet their requirements for optimal health.

Incorporating Compounded Multivitamins into a Vegan Lifestyle

If you’re a vegan looking to optimize your nutrient intake, incorporating a compounded multivitamin into your daily routine may be a beneficial step. Here are some tips to consider:

1. Consult with a Healthcare Professional: Before starting any new supplement regimen, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian. They can assess your individual needs, conduct blood tests if necessary, and guide you in choosing the right compounded multivitamin formulation.
2. Choose a Reputable Compounding Pharmacy: When selecting a compounded multivitamin, opt for a reputable compounding pharmacy that adheres to high-quality standards and uses pharmaceutical-grade ingredients. This ensures the safety and efficacy of the supplement you’re incorporating into your routine.
3. Follow Recommended Dosages: It’s important to adhere to the recommended dosages provided by your healthcare professional or compounding pharmacist. Taking excessive amounts of certain nutrients such as vitamin B12 can lead to imbalances or potential toxicity, so moderation is key.
4. Combine with a Balanced Vegan Diet: While compounded multivitamins can provide important nutrients, they should not replace a balanced vegan diet. It’s crucial to continue consuming a variety of plant-based foods to ensure a wide range of nutrients and dietary fiber.

Supplements for Vegans Conclusion

At Burt’s Rx, we specialize in providing personalized solutions for your unique nutritional needs. Our team of experienced professionals, including compounding pharmacists and knowledgeable healthcare experts, is ready to support you on your vegan supplement journey. With our commitment to quality, safety, and efficacy, you can trust that you’ll receive the highest standard of care and tailored recommendations.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to Burt’s Rx today and experience the difference firsthand. Let us guide you through the process of selecting the right vegan supplements, customizing formulations to meet your specific requirements, and optimizing your overall well-being.

Take the next step towards unlocking your full potential as a vegan. Contact Burt’s Rx now to embark on a transformative journey towards optimal health and vitality. Your vegan lifestyle deserves the best, and we’re here to provide the professional help you need.

Disclaimer: This article is meant for educational and entertainment purposes only. Do not substitute it for medical advice. Always listen to your doctor for the management of your condition.

When it comes to filling a prescription, most people are familiar with the traditional experience of visiting a regular pharmacy. However, there is a lesser-known type of pharmacy known as a compounding pharmacy that offers unique benefits and services.

In this article, we’ll explore the key differences between these two types of pharmacies and highlight the benefits of using a compounding pharmacy.

What is a Regular Pharmacy?

A regular pharmacy, also known as a retail or community pharmacy, is a type of pharmacy that most people are familiar with. These pharmacies typically operate within a larger chain, such as Walgreens or CVS, and offer a wide range of prescription medications as well as over-the-counter drugs and medical supplies. Regular pharmacies are regulated by state and federal laws and must comply with strict guidelines to ensure the safety and efficacy of the medications they dispense.

What is a Compounding Pharmacy?

A compounding pharmacy is a specialized type of pharmacy that creates custom medications for patients based on their individual needs. Compounding pharmacies work closely with healthcare providers to develop personalized medications that are tailored to each patient’s unique requirements. These pharmacies use specialized equipment and techniques to combine different ingredients and adjust dosages to create medications that are not available commercially.

Compounding Pharmacy vs and Regular Pharmacy

The primary difference between a compounding pharmacy and a regular pharmacy is the level of customization they offer. Regular pharmacies dispense medications that are pre-made by pharmaceutical manufacturers and are available in standard dosages and forms. In contrast, compounding pharmacies create medications from scratch based on the specific needs of each patient. Compounding pharmacies also offer a wider range of dosage forms, including creams, gels, suppositories, and injectables, that are not available in regular pharmacies.

Benefits of Compounding Pharmacy and Compounding Medication

There are many benefits to using a compounding pharmacy and receiving compounding medication. Here are a few of the most significant advantages:

1. Customized Medications

One of the most significant benefits of using a compounding pharmacy is that you can receive customized medications that are tailored to your specific needs. This can be especially important for patients who have allergies, sensitivities, or other unique requirements that cannot be met with commercially available medications.

2. Wider Range of Dosage Forms

Compounding pharmacies offer a wider range of dosage forms than regular pharmacies, which can be particularly beneficial for patients who have difficulty swallowing pills or need medication applied topically. Compounding pharmacies can create medications in a variety of forms, including creams, ointments, and even lollipops.

3. Personalized Dosing

Compounding pharmacies can adjust dosages to meet the specific needs of each patient. This can be particularly beneficial for patients who require medication in non-standard dosages or have difficulty tolerating the side effects of commercially available medications.

4. Medication Strength

Compounding pharmacies can adjust medication strength based on the needs of each patient. This can be particularly helpful for patients who require higher or lower doses of medication than what is commercially available.

5. Quality Control

Compounding pharmacies are subject to the same regulatory requirements as regular pharmacies and must comply with strict guidelines to ensure the safety and efficacy of the medications they dispense. In addition, compounding pharmacies are subject to additional regulations that specifically apply to the compounding process, including requirements for sterile compounding environments and specialized training for pharmacy staff.

Conclusion

In conclusion, compounding pharmacies offer a unique and valuable service that can benefit many patients with unique needs. These pharmacies provide customized medications that are tailored to each patient’s individual needs, offer a wider range of dosage forms, personalized dosing, and medication strength, and adhere to strict quality control measures.

If you have unique medication needs that cannot be met with commercially available medications, consider working with a compounding pharmacy to receive customized medications that are tailored to your specific needs.

Disclaimer: This article is meant for educational and entertainment purposes only. Do not substitute it for medical advice. Always listen to your doctor for the management of your condition.

If you’re wondering what’s a pharmacy that offers compounding medicine, then read below for details.

Most people think of a community pharmacy as soon as they hear the term ‘Pharmacy’. They can range from different chains to single-location pharmacies, or the ones found in the hospital. While these are very common, it is important to know that there is a different type of pharmacy that exists; a compounding pharmacy.

If you have heard the term before, let us explain it to you: compounding pharmacy offers extra services that other pharmacies aren’t able to. These pharmacies essentially combine and mix different ingredients to create customized medications. In this article, we will discuss what are compounding pharmacies, the benefits of these pharmacies, and where to find them. Without further ado, let’s get started:

What is a Compounding Pharmacy?

A compounding pharmacy is a specific type of pharmacy that can create customized medications for you, your family, or a pet. Certain people/meds aren’t commercially available and are more suited for a particular individual. Compounded medications aren’t mass-produced and are available at a standard pharmacy.

Essentially, compounding pharmacies create two types of compounds: sterile and non-sterile. Some compounding pharmacies specialize in one of the following. Some do specialize in both. Sterile compounds include dosage forms such as infusions, injections, and eye drops. There is a higher risk of infections, and serious issues if your medication comes in contact with the contaminants. Sterile compounds are made in a specialized environment that minimizes the risk.

Non-sterile compounds carry a lower risk of infections and generally include creams, capsules, and suppositories. These two categories exist because of the legislation enacted by the U.S. government.

How Is It Different from a Traditional Pharmacy?

It is important to know that many community and hospital pharmacies offer compounding services. However, note that they generally don’t have the same specialized equipment/certifications as a compounding pharmacy. Hence, they only create very simple customized medications.

For instance, it is very common for a pharmacist to combine a couple of creams to create a new cream. They can combine liquid or oral medications and also sterile ones. A compounding pharmacy can also go a step further and create more complex meds.

Why Would I Need Compounded Medications?

There are multiple reasons why you might need a compounded medication. Based on the situation, you might not be able to get your hands on a standard drug medication that meets your needs. Some of the possible situations why compounding might come in handy include: adding flavor to a poor-tasting medication, having an allergy to inactive ingredients in a premade medication, needing access to a critical medication that’s unavailable or on backorder, needing a different medication dosage form (e.g. a liquid instead of pills), or need a specific medication strength.

Types of Medications Compounding Pharmacies Dispense

Compounding medications come in different forms that suit different situations. If you have a child that simply cannot swallow pills, a compounding pharmacy can turn the regular pill into a gummy, a chewable tablet, or a candy. It can make the administration process much easier.

In some cases, you might need a different strength medication than what is already available. Compounded liquids like suspensions, syrups, and solutions can be customized that better suit your needs. However, the specifics of compounding pharmacy can vary. There are compounding pharmacies that specialize in making medications that are very specific to certain health conditions. For instance, some can specialize in veterinary medicine, men’s health, dermatology, or other specialties.

Specific Medication Examples

There are multiple formulas that a compounding pharmacist will follow to use a compounding drug. Most compounded medications are made from bulk ingredients, commercial drug products, or created from a combination of these two. Some examples of compounding pharmacies include multi-ingredient topical pain creams, hormone creams, capsules, and suppositories, rectal suppositories for hemorrhoids or anal fissures, topical nipple ointment, magic mouthwash, omeprazole or lansoprazole liquid for kids, diazepam suppositories for chronic pelvic pain, sterile antibiotic eye drops, sterile nutrition therapy infusions, and much more.

How Do I Find a Compounding Pharmacy Near Me?

There are multiple ways to locate a compounding pharmacy near your local area. The first thing you can do is reach out to your healthcare provider and ask for their recommendations. Chances are, they will be able to direct you to a compounding pharmacy they typically work with or have used in the past. They can also guide you in regards to finding a specialized compounding pharmacy that suits your needs.

Another way is to simply use the internet for rescue and hunt from compounding pharmacies in your area. Essentially, your local community pharmacy will be able to compound your medication with the help of your pharmacist.

Safety of Compounding Medications

Compounded medications aren’t approved by FDA. This essentially means that FDA will not evaluate the safety and efficacy of a particular medication. FDA allows for compounding meds and must be given to the patient when there is a medical need. Moreover, it is important to note that only certain healthcare professionals, licensed pharmacists/physicians can create customized medications.

USP also created standards to ensure compounded medications are high quality and establish standards for how compounds are made, tested, and verified. Most states will require compounding pharmacies to comply with USP standards. Compounding pharmacies are regulated by their state Board of Pharmacy. All the meds are exposed to inspection to meet all the expectations. Corrective action can take place if a compounding pharmacy is not following the standards. Certain pharmacies aren’t expected with FDA as well.

We hope you found this post informative, and helpful and learned something new about compounding pharmacies and how they can work in your favor. Here, we have barely scratched the surface but have tried to explain the concept to you in the simplest way possible. If you have any further questions or would you like us to answer any specific questions, feel free to reach out to us.

In Conclusion

If you need help in creating any customized medication for you, your family members, or pets, connect with our team and we would guide you about the process in detail.

CONTACT US!

Community pharmacies are sometimes confused with retail ones, operating out of different large and small chains and grocery stores. However, a community pharmacist is much more than a traditional retail setting. Community-based pharmacies also include outpatient pharmacies that are found within health systems, primary care clinics, and federally qualified health centers. They essentially prepare medication for patients who need modified formulations and unique dosing. A lot of pharmacists pursue community-based residencies or fellowships to improve their leadership and clinical skills, preparing them to thrive as community pharmacists.

Who is a Community Pharmacist?

If you don’t know who a community pharmacist is, let me give you a brief overview. A community pharmacist is responsible for dispensing/supplying prescription medicines. They are also involved in maintaining and improving patients’ health by providing advice and information.

They also sell over-the-counter medical products and instruct people in regards to the usage of medicines and medical appliances. They are typically based in high street pharmacies in large, medium-sized, or small chain stores, independent pharmacies of various sizes. They also work in a doctor’s practice or health centers.

Role of a Community Pharmacist in Patient Safety

Historically, the concept of five rights has been used to describe five steps that lead to the safe use of medication: the right dose of medication, taken by the right patient at the right time, by the right route.

This concept is only an oversimplification and additional steps for safety medication must be taken into account. A lot of these steps are dependent on the context in which the medication-related process is occurring. Each part of the medication process involves different numbers and rights. For instance, in a community pharmacy setting, outcomes like right education, right monitoring, documentation, and formulation will be taken into consideration.

The modern-day concept of medication safety involves much more than five rights and the focus has subsequently shifted to the contribution of system factors towards medication safety. Other factors considered include technologies, procedures, workflow, procedures, and other system factors that support multiple outcomes rather than being heavily focused on a 5 marker checklist.

Pharmacist in Community

Community pharmacists ensure medication safety throughout the medication-use process, ordering of medications to storage, preparation, transcription, counseling, dispensing, and more. Prior to the dispensing process, the community pharmacist proves a clinical review of prescribed medications and contraindications. They also consider that medications might have been ordered by multiple prescribers.

Community pharmacist also provides critical monitoring in the distribution of controlled substances. It includes consulting prescription drug monitoring programs to pinpoint patterns that indicate abuse and diversion and potentially fatal interactions in multiple prescribers.

Pharmacists also identify the risk of fatal overdose facilitate access to emergency opioid reversal and substance abuse treatment services when suited.

A clinical review is essential for all prescriptions and ensures that all errors associated with the care transition process are caught and corrected before dispensing medication.

In addition to that, community pharmacist plays an important role when it comes to ensuring patients’ understanding of their medication. A community pharmacist is well equipped to provide the necessary education and counseling to patients and address any questions that might have in terms of dosing, administration, storage, potential side effects, and altering medication for acute events.

Community pharmacists are an invaluable resource for supporting public health initiatives. A study showed that individuals visited community-based pharmacies on average, 35 times per year and primary care physicians, 4 times per year. This frequent contact with patients makes community pharmacists optimally positioned to support triage concerns as well as any public health initiatives.

Multiple studies show that community pharmacists have a positive impact on preventative healthcare such as immunizations, screenings, opioid management, smoking cessation efforts, and management of chronic diseases.

Unique Position of Pharmacist to Improve Safety

The unique position of community pharmacists makes them all the more useful and effective in the medication safety department. Here is why:

• Community pharmacists have the time and clinical expertise to bring about a positive change in patients’ management of chronic conditions that require multiple medications.
• Community pharmacists are an accessible and affordable health care resource. Most patients find it easier to consult with a pharmacist than a physician.
• The community pharmacist often becomes the first point of care in the health industry.
• Community pharmacists play an important role in coaching patients on the side effects of medications and the importance of taking them as prescribed.

What Supports Community Pharmacies in Ensuring Patient Safety?

While community pharmacists play an important role in patient safety, there are a lot more factors that are of critical importance here. Organizations that have a strong culture of patient safety achieve the goal much more effectively. They are not only in a great position to ensure patient safety from outset but also know the importance of dedicating time and resources aside to tracking, understanding, and addressing the concerns of patients, safety events, and near-misses. Relevant surveys can also help pharmacies assess the current state of their safety culture and figure out which areas need improvement.

Apart from a very strong safety culture, open communication and ease of access to prescribers support pharmacists in the prevention of errors. State-based health info exchange, electronic health records, and interoperability between data systems also facilitate open communication. Open communication is primarily dependent on ensuring information consistency, seamless sharing of the patient’s data between pharmacist and prescriber. Ease of access alone allows community pharmacists to address any potential concerns that are discovered upon clinical review of the treatment plan for a patient.

Final Takeaway

Community pharmacists play a very important role in patient safety, patient education and often serve as the first point of care for most patients. However, they also need support to further improve patient safety.

Essentially, fostering relationships between patients and pharmacist support patent care and safety. It also encourages the patient to develop their trust in community pharmacists, increasing their chances of seeking counseling, addressing concerns regarding medication therapy as well as providing a detailed medical history.

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Custom compounding provides easier access to medicine and helps improve medication management. 

Most people don’t ever think about the inner workings of their neighborhood pharmacy. That’s because, at least from the outside in, services often seem effortless and efficient. You provide the pharmacist with your prescription, wait 20 minutes, and walk out with exactly what you need to stay healthy or relieve your symptoms.

Behind the counter, however, pharmacists are busy at work – especially if you visit a compounding pharmacy. These special facilities focus on building medications from the ground up with base ingredients. This allows the pharmacist to create customized drug formulations tailored to the individual patient’s needs.

This is an incredibly valuable service. We’ll tell you why, and explain how custom compounding can help you better manage medications, in this post.

1. Access Discontinued/Short Medications

The availability of drugs on the open market can change at the drop of a hat here in the United States for many reasons. Sometimes, a new treatment or drug finally becomes available – and that’s a real boon for patients who have been waiting to access it for months or years.

Unfortunately, the opposite can also be true. When drug shortages occur or manufacturers simply stop producing a drug, access can become difficult or even downright impossible in as little as a few short weeks. Patients who once found it easy to fill a prescription might suddenly struggle to find a pharmacy to help them.

A custom compounding pharmacy can help you to access these discontinued or short medications by recreating them from scratch. They essentially offer you a reasonable facsimile containing the same base ingredients, which provide the same benefits you’ve come to trust. There’s no need to change medications or try new drugs until you find something else that works.

If you’re wondering whether you can really trust a pharmacy to manufacture a drug for you, the answer is yes – absolutely. Custom compounding facilities often meet or even exceed the same national standards as drug manufacturers, both in where they source their ingredients from and in the processes they use to create drugs.

2. Avoid Allergens

Medication allergies can be extremely serious. They run the gamut from a simple and mild case of itchy eyes to full-blown hives and even anaphylactic shock. Fortunately, this is rare – but it’s still important to do what you can to avoid known allergens.

Pharmacists work really hard to ensure that patients never come into contact with allergens at any time in the first place. But what happens when every commercially available medication contains the same known allergen or filler (e.g., wheat or gluten)? When there’s no alternative available on the market, your compounding pharmacy might be able to help.

Custom compounding allows the pharmacist to effectively rebuild a drug without known allergy triggers. They simply replace the problem ingredient with another that’s known to be safe for you to ingest or use. For example, they might replace wheat-based fillers with cornstarch. Or, they might take out lactose, which is commonly used as a binder in pills, and replace it with a substance such as calcium carbonate instead.

Whatever it is you’re allergic to – a filler, a binder, or even the drug itself – there is an option available to eliminate it. All you have to do is ask your pharmacist to help you find a solution that works for your needs.

3. Add Flavorings

Taking medication isn’t always a pleasant experience – especially if your medication is extremely bitter, difficult to swallow, or instantly triggers your gag reflex. You know you need to take your medication, but you start watching the clock when medication time rolls around, dreading taking your next dose.

Or, maybe the medication isn’t for you, but your child or the family pet instead. They want absolutely nothing to do with it even if you know it’s what’s best for them because it tastes downright awful. Can you blame them? Just about every parent (pet, child, or otherwise) has experienced this exact situation at least once!

Situations like these are more common than you might think – and they’re also incredibly easy to fix. Your custom compounding pharmacy can help ease the tension by adding special flavorings that make medication time easy, effortless, and even a little bit tasty, all without jeopardizing the drug’s basic effects.

The most common example of this is adding flavorings to particularly bitter or sour children’s medications. In fact, pharmacies often add either banana or bubble gum flavoring to amoxicillin suspension (an antibiotic) when prescribing it to children for this very reason. Kids prefer the flavor and are far more likely to cooperate.

In the case of pets, the flavors offered up are typically a little less palatable to the human tongue. Common examples include fish, chicken, and bacon. While that might not sound entirely appealing to you, it’s a heck of a lot more acceptable to your pet!

4. Change Route of Administration

Your custom compounding facility can do so much more than just adding fun flavors to medications prescribed for little ones. They can also change the format of a drug to better suit your needs. For example, if you’re having trouble swallowing pills, they can sometimes create a liquid, dissolving strip, or chewable lozenge instead. Or, they might turn it into a topical cream that absorbs through your skin instead.

Other potential dosage formulas include:

• Lozenges
• Candies
• Nasal sprays
• Sublingual wafers (these melt under your tongue)
• Suppositories
• Emulsions (these thicker liquids may be easier to swallow)

There are differences in exactly how each specific medication can be reformulated. For example, some pills simply won’t work as liquids, and some liquids just can’t be reformulated into powders or pills. Your pharmacist can help you discover what options exist for your individual medication – all you have to do is ask.

Is Custom Compounding Right for You?

The bottom line, here, is that you shouldn’t suffer in silence when medication time is a struggle. Reach out to your pharmacy and see if there’s anything they can do to help. Treatment should be a time of healing, not of stress and worry!