Compounding is the science of preparing customized medication. Its history can be dated back to the origins of the pharmacy industry, and today advancements in technology and innovative production techniques mean more pharmacists are now able to customize medications to meet specific needs. Compound medications can be prescribed for several reasons, most commonly in the following cases: A patient might be allergic to preservatives, dyes, or standard drug strengths. A compounding pharmacist will be able to change the strength or alter its form or flavor to make it easier for patients to ingest. A compound pharmacist can also prepare unique delivery options, such as sublingual troche or lozenge, lollipop, transdermal gel, or cream, which is absorbed through the skin. For patients unable to swallow a capsule, a compounding pharmacist can also make a liquid suspension.
Almost any prescription can be compounded, and it is an ideal solution for those patients who require a unique dosage or delivery device. A compounding pharmacist is able to create solutions, sprays, oral rinses, suppositories, lollipops, and transdermal sticks as a form of delivery. Compounding can be used for a wide range of applications, including Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy, Pediatric, Veterinary, Dental, Dermatology, Medication Flavoring, Infertility, Chronic Pain Management, Gastroenterology, and Podiatry.
By law, compound medications are exempt from having the National Drug Code ID numbers that manufactured medications carry. This means some insurance companies will not reimburse the compounding pharmacy directly. However, most insurance plans will reimburse the patient if they send in a relevant claim form. This means that while you may need to pay the pharmacy for the compounded prescription, your plan will eventually cover the final cost. We are committed to providing our customers with all of the information they need to be able to submit their claim directly to their insurance company. If you have any questions or need any answers, then our team is here to help you.
Compounding is not usually any more costly than conventional medication. The overall cost will depend on the type of dosage form and the equipment and time required to research and prepare. Most compounding pharmacists will have access to pure-grade chemicals, which drastically lowers overall cost and keeps them competitive with commercially manufactured alternatives.
Compounding is widely used across the medical industry, and the Food and Drug Administration states that compounded prescriptions are ethical and legal as long as they have been prescribed for a patient by a licensed practitioner and compounded by a licensed pharmacy. In recent years, compounding has undergone a resurgence thanks to advancements in technology, research, and quality control. Compounding is also regulated by state boards of pharmacy.
Many doctors are increasingly using compound pharmacists; however, not all yet realize the extent of its resurgence in recent years, so do ask your physician if not suggested.
If you would like to find out more about compounding, get in touch with ACRX Pharmacy today, and one of our experienced team can help you understand the benefits it provides.
The PCCA is an in-depth resource for compounding pharmacies in the country. It has over 3,500 independent community members, with pharmacists from across the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. They provide high-quality fine chemicals and pharmacy equipment to its members, alongside a variety of ACPE-accredited training schemes and educational classes.