Specialized Compounding for Humans

Human Compounding

History of Compounding --

The practice of preparing medications by hand dates back to the origin of the pharmacy. Prior to the onset of large manufactures, in the 1930's and 1940's nearly 60 percent of all medications were actually compounded. Since then, the role of the pharmacist changed from that of a medical formulator to one of a dispenser of manufactured medications. Manufacturers produce a standard dosage size for every medication and in many cases this can pose a problem for the patient. At Rancho Park Compounding Pharmacy a patient can have medications tailored to their individual needs.

Compounding is the art of custom made medications. Taking various basic ingredients, the pharmacist puts together, or essentially compounds, the medication in the correct proportion, formulas, and suspensions (i.e. pills, creams, ointments, etc.) prescribed by the physician. Production of personalized medications can range anywhere from Hormone Replacement Therapy, otherwise known as HRT. Compounding medications also include alternative suspension formats such as injections, oral washes, and flavored troches.

Many patients are allergic to preservatives or dyes used in commercially available medications. Mass-produced medications also have limited strengths and dosage forms which do not meet the needs of all patients. Other medications may have been discontinued by the manufacturer. Compounding fills a genuine need and allows the physician to adjust dosages and select the appropriate dosage form to meet the needs of an individual patient.

There are several reasons why pharmacists compound prescription medications; yet, the most important one is patient non-compliance. Many patients are allergic to preservatives or dyes, or are sensitive to standard drug strengths. With a physician's consent, a compounding pharmacist can change the strength of a medication, alter its form to make it easier for the patient to take or add a flavor to make it more palatable. The pharmacist also can prepare the medication using several unique delivery systems, such as a sublingual troche or lozenge, a lollipop, or a transdermal gel. For those patients who are having a difficult time swallowing a capsule, a compounding pharmacist can make a suspension instead.

Often parents have a tough time getting their children to take their medicine because of the taste. A compounding pharmacist can work directly with the physician and the patient to select a flavoring agent, such as vanilla butternut or tutti-frutti that provides both an appropriate match for the medication's properties and the patient's taste preferences. Compounding pharmacists also have helped patients who are experiencing chronic pain. For example, arthritic patients who cannot take certain medications orally due to side-effects can have a compounding pharmacist provide them with the same medication in a topical gel to be applied at the sight of the pain.

Meeting Patient & Practitioner Needs --

Compounding pharmacists focus on meeting special needs. This may involve compounding height/weight-appropriate medications, injections for impotency, medications for veterinarians in a variety of dosage forms and flavors, alternatives in hormone replacement therapy, or dosage options, such as transdermal gels, when treating hospice patients. The ultimate goal in preparing any of these customized medications is to help the physician and patient achieve a more positive therapeutic outcome.

Setting Standards --

Compounding is achieved through an essential triad relationship: the patient, the physician, and the pharmacist. The physician first prescribes the medication. The pharmacist then takes the necessary ingredients, compounds them, and dispenses the medicines to the patient after a thorough and personal consultation. This enables the patient to receive the type of personalized care they need and allows the pharmacist to provided more patient oriented services; services that many times conventional pharmacies overlook.

Ask a Pharmacist. Rancho Park Compounding Pharmacy also provides pharmacists to answer your health questions. You may submit or call us with any questions about compounding, our natural products, or other medication concerns. Please call us at: (877) 226-6768 or feel free to email us: info@ranchoparkrx.com