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Lifestyle Changes For Diabetes Control

The Pros And Cons Of Using A Compounding Pharmacy

30 August 2015

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A compounding pharmacy is a pharmacy where medications are individually mixed, which is an alternative to using those that are mass-produced by pharmaceutical companies. There can be a number of benefits to using this type of service, but also a few things that need to be taken into consideration before doing so.

Can Provide Discontinued Medications

Sometimes a company stops making a certain medication because it doesn't give them enough profit. However, there are often still people that need that medication or prefer it over the other alternatives available. In this case, a compounding pharmacist can make that medication for the person so they can still take it.

Can Get Specialized Dosages

When people need a special dose that isn't offered by pharmaceutical companies, a compounding pharmacist can create this medication with the required dose, limiting the need to take multiple pills or split pills and risk of the patient getting the wrong dose.

Provides Allergen-Free Medications

Medications often have non-active ingredients that some people can't tolerate or are allergic to. These ingredients include things like gluten, dyes, preservatives, lactose or sugar. When medications are made by a compounding pharmacist, these ingredients can be left out to make the medication safer for the patient to use.

Can Make Medication More Palatable

Young children, older adults and pets may refuse to take medications that don't taste good or may have trouble swallowing pills or liquids. A compounding pharmacist can make a more pleasant tasting version of the medication or alter the form of the medication so it works just as well, but is easier to get the medication into the patient.

Not Always Covered By Insurance

Unfortunately, not all insurance companies will cover medications from a compounding pharmacy, or will only cover these medications under certain circumstances. However, in some cases these medications are less expensive than the conventional alternatives, making it feasible to pay for them out of pocket.

May Not Learn of Recalls

People who get individually formatted medications from a compounding pharmacy may not realize that the medication has been recalled if this happens, especially if the medication is rare. The containers may not be labeled clearly enough with the source and type of medication to determine whether it is part of any recalls that you do hear of.

For more information about compounding pharmacies and how they differ from traditional pharmacies, contact a business like Camelback Pharmacy.

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