Compounding pharmacies are becoming more popular as people seek out personalized health care. These pharmacies create medications tailored to individual needs that aren’t met by mass-produced drugs.
Sometimes, commercially available medications don’t come in the right dose or form. Or maybe you’re allergic to an ingredient. That’s where compounding comes in.
If you’re looking for a pharmacy that compounds near me, it helps to know what they do and how they can help. Read on to find out how compounding pharmacies can help you get the medications you need.
Understanding Compounded Medications and Compounding Pharmacies
What is a Compounded Medication?
A compounded medication is a prescription that’s been customized for your specific needs. The compounding pharmacist can adjust the strength of a medication, change its form (for example, from a pill to a liquid), or alter some of its ingredients. Compounded medications aren’t commercially available; they have to be made specifically for you.
What is a Compounding Pharmacy?
A compounding pharmacy specializes in creating these customized medications. Compounding pharmacies require special equipment and expertise that you won’t typically find at a standard pharmacy.
Traditional Pharmacy vs. Compounding Pharmacy
The main difference between a traditional pharmacy and a compounding pharmacy is that traditional pharmacies primarily dispense drugs that are manufactured commercially, while compounding pharmacies create custom medications tailored to individual needs. It’s worth noting, though, that compounding pharmacies can also dispense commercially available drugs, too.
Benefits and Characteristics of Compounded Medications
Compounded medications can be an excellent option for people who need something a little different from what’s available at a standard pharmacy. Here’s what you should know:
Characteristics of Compounded Medications
- Personalized: Compounded medications are made specifically for you.
- Prescription-based: You’ll need a prescription from a doctor or other licensed healthcare provider to get a compounded medication.
- Custom dosages: If you need a precise dosage that doesn’t come in a commercially available drug, a compounding pharmacy can create it for you.
- Allergy-friendly: Compounding pharmacies can make medications without allergens or irritants that bother you.
Benefits of Getting Compounded Medications
- Medications tailored to your unique needs
- Potentially lower cost compared to some commercially available drugs, especially if you need a very specific formulation
- Convenience, as some compounding pharmacies offer delivery services
What conditions are treated with compounded medications?
A compounding pharmacy can create personalized medications to treat a wide range of conditions, including:
- Skin problems: Compounded creams, ointments, and solutions for various dermatological conditions.
- Hair loss: Customized formulations to address hair loss.
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), which is a natural alternative to synthetic HRT.
- Pain management: Tailored pain relief medications, often for chronic pain conditions.
- Pediatric medications: Special formulations and flavors that make medications more palatable and easier to administer to children.
- Veterinary medications: Compounded medications for animals, with dosages and forms appropriate for different species.
- Wound care: Specialized wound-healing formulations.
Finding a compounding pharmacy near you
Okay, so how do you actually find a compounding pharmacy when you need one? Here are some options:
- Online Search: Fire up your favorite search engine and type in “compounding pharmacy near me.”
- Pharmacy Chains: Some of the big national chains like Walgreens, CVS Specialty, and Kroger Specialty Pharmacy may offer compounding services. Call ahead to confirm.
- Online Platforms: There are online platforms like Miiskin that connect you with dermatologists and compounding pharmacies.
- PCCA: The Professional Compounding Centers of America (PCCA) is a great resource for finding compounding pharmacies.
- Ask Your Doctor: Your doctor or other healthcare provider is a great source of recommendations.
- Other pharmacies: Compounding Pharmacy of America and Solutions Pharmacy are great options to check out!
With a little searching, you should be able to locate a compounding pharmacy that can meet your specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Walgreens do compound prescriptions?
While some larger Walgreens locations might offer limited compounding services, it’s not a standard service across all their pharmacies. It’s best to contact your local Walgreens directly to inquire about their compounding capabilities.
Does CVS do compounded medications?
Similar to Walgreens, CVS typically does not offer extensive compounding services. Some locations may handle basic compounding, but it’s not their primary focus. Contacting your local CVS pharmacy is the best way to confirm if they can fulfill your specific compounding needs.
Do pharmacy techs compound drugs?
Pharmacy technicians can assist with compounding, but they always work under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist. The pharmacist is ultimately responsible for ensuring the accuracy and safety of the compounded medication.
What do you call a pharmacy that mixes compounds?
A pharmacy that specializes in mixing compounds is generally referred to as a compounding pharmacy. These pharmacies have specialized equipment and trained personnel to prepare medications tailored to individual patient needs. They may also be called “specialty pharmacies” if compounding is one of several specialized services they offer.
In Summary
Compounding pharmacies offer a valuable service: They can create medications tailored to your specific needs.
Before you seek out a compounding pharmacy, it’s important to talk with your doctor to see if compounded medication is the right choice for you. A compounding pharmacy is not a substitute for a good relationship with your healthcare team.
Once you have a prescription for a compounded drug, you may be able to take advantage of conveniences like prescription delivery and online consultations to make getting the medication you need that much easier.