When you’re feeling unwell, the first thing your doctor will want to know is what’s wrong with you. And if your symptoms seem difficult to diagnose, he or she will request a blood test and order some lab work. But what if none of these tests yield any conclusive answers? You might be put on a waitlist for a specialist or referred to a second opinion physician, but there’s another solution if your condition is chronic: custom compounding medication. Compounding is a process whereby pharmacists combine traditional medications with other ingredients to help people who have unusual conditions that can’t be treated by mass-produced drugs. Here are seven things you ought to know about compounding custom medication.
1. Create Unique Dosage Forms And Tailor Medications
One of the advantages of custom compounding is that it allows for the creation of unique dosage forms. This means that people with allergies to certain ingredients or those who find it difficult to swallow pills can receive their medication in a form that’s more suitable for them. For example, liquid medications can be made without dyes or sugar, while creams and gels can be customized to include cooling elements which can help soothe irritated skin. If you’re unfamiliar with what you might need, you can consult with the team at procare-pharmacy.ca to get a professional’s opinion. In addition to customized dosage forms, compounding pharmacists can also tailor medications to fit the specific needs of each patient. If you have a condition that isn’t well-controlled by mass-produced drugs, your pharmacist might be able to create a custom medication that works better for you. Additionally, pharmacists can change the dosage or frequency of medication depending on your individual needs. For example, if you find that the standard dosage of a medication is too strong or too weak, your pharmacist can adjust it to suit your requirements. Compounding pharmacists also can create medications for patients with special needs. This includes those who are unable to take certain medications due to allergies or other sensitivities, as well as those who require specific dosage forms or dosages that are not available in mass-produced medications.
2. Treat A Wide Range Of Conditions
While custom compounding is often used to treat chronic conditions that aren’t well-controlled by mass-produced drugs, it can also be used to manage other medical problems. For example, compounding pharmacies can create unique antibiotics to fight infections that are resistant to traditional treatments, and they can also prepare topical medications for the treatment of skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. This also includes providing advice on medication, helping to manage chronic conditions, and working with doctors to create customized treatment plans. Compounding pharmacists can also provide patients with information on the latest advances in compounding technology and how they can be used to improve their quality of life.
3. There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Solution
Since everyone’s body reacts differently to medications, there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to compounding. Your pharmacist will work with you to create a medication that’s specifically tailored to your individual needs. This means that you might have to try a few different compounded medications before you find the one that works best for you. One of the main concerns people have about custom compounding is that it’s not safe or reliable. However, this is not the case. Compounding has been used for centuries and is considered to be a safe and effective way to treat a variety of medical conditions. Additionally, all compounded medications must meet the same safety and quality standards as traditional medications, and they are subject to the same level of scrutiny by the FDA.
4. Compounding Is An Old Tradition
Compounding has been used as a form of medication delivery for centuries, and it continues to be an important part of traditional medicine in many parts of the world. In the United States, compounding pharmacies have seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years as more and more people are seeking out customized treatments for their chronic conditions. If you’re not getting the results you want from traditional medications, compounding might be a good alternative for you. Custom compounded medications are specifically tailored to meet the needs of each patient, which means that they can be more effective than mass-produced drugs.
5. There Are Risks Associated With Compounded Medications
Just like any other type of medication, compounded drugs come with risks. These risks can vary depending on the ingredients that are used in the compounding process, so it’s important to talk to your pharmacist about any potential side effects before you start taking a compounded drug. Specifically, those risks include:
- Allergic reactions: Some people may react to the ingredients in a compounded medication. This can range from a mild rash or itch to a more serious allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention.
- Drug interactions: Compounded medications can interact with other drugs you’re taking, which can cause serious side effects. It’s important to tell your pharmacist about all of the medications you’re taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, so they can avoid any potential interactions.
- Improper dosage: If a compounded medication is not prepared correctly, it can lead to an improper dosage. This can cause serious side effects or even death.
6. Compounded Medications Are Affordable
Another concern that people often have about custom compounding is that it’s expensive. However, this isn’t always the case. Compounding can be a more cost-effective option than traditional medications in some cases. This is because custom medications can be tailored to meet the specific needs of each patient, which means that you don’t have to pay for unnecessary ingredients or features. Additionally, compounding pharmacies often offer discounts on large orders, and they may also be able to work with insurance companies to get the medication covered. So, one of the benefits of compounding is that it allows for the customization of medications, which can lead to lower costs for patients. Since there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to compounded drugs, each medication is priced individually, so you can get the exact medication you need without paying for features you don’t need.
As more and more people seek out customized treatments for their chronic conditions, compounding pharmacies are becoming an increasingly important part of the healthcare landscape. If you’re not happy with the results you’re getting from mass-produced drugs, talk to your pharmacist about the possibility of compounding a custom medication for you.
