What is a Compounding Pharmacy?
Maybe you’ve heard about compounding or compounding pharmacies, but still aren't exactly sure what that means, if it's the right fit for you, or what the benefits are. At Wailea People and Paws Pharmacy, we do everything we can to keep you informed of our process so you feel comfortable and confident knowing we’re doing our very best for you. That’s why we’re here to answer your question of “what is a compounding pharmacy?”
What is a Compounding Pharmacy?
A compounding pharmacy operates similarly to a regular pharmacy but with extra benefits and services, that is where the “compounding” part comes in. Compounding is the complex process and preparation of a customized medication by a pharmacist for an individual patient’s specific needs. To put it simply, a compounding pharmacy can customize your medications. We live in a world where everything is customizable, from your car to your hair care, so why shouldn't medications, which help us live long and happy lives, be customized to suit our needs? The answer is: they should! So to answer your question of “what is a compounding pharmacy?”, we’d say “its a pharmacy that puts you first”.
Tell me more about compounding...
Only a licensed pharmacist with a prescription from a doctor can make compounded medicine, so compounding pharmacies must have skilled and licensed staff members to offer this service. Compounding also requires a clean environment to avoid contamination. While not all pharmacies are able to offer this kind of advanced sterilization, Wailea People and Paws Pharmacy has a state-of-the-art sterile cleanroom. The processes for making compound medications are similar to the production of traditional medicines, and involve compounding or mixing specific ingredients to develop the needed medication.
Who can use Compounded Medicine?
Now that you know the answer to “what is a compounding pharmacy”, you may be asking yourself if it’s a right fit for you (keep in mind we also offer traditional and available medicines, we just offer the additional service of customizing medication). Since not everyone is the same, and not everyone handles medicine the same, compounded medication can be a highly-effective and beneficial option. Anyone prescribed a compounded medication by a doctor can use this medicine. With compounded medication, the type of medicine is safe, customized, and effective since they are tailored and modified to your unique needs. Our compounded medicines are not the usual standard medicine available for purchase at your local pharmacy.
Benefits of Visiting a Compound Pharmacy
- Change the dosage form to make taking your medicine as easy as possible (turn it into a rectal suppository, liquid, or transdermal gel)
- Offer topical medicines to reduce possible side effects
- Have the ability to eliminate unwanted additives to make sure you can tolerate the medication comfortably and with little side effects
- Provide medications that are not available commercially or are discontinued
- Able to add flavor our compound medicines to make them more palatable
BONUS: How about some compounded medicine for your pet?
Hopefully now you understand more fully about “what is a compounding pharmacy”. But did you also know that your pets can get compounded medications? Like people, pets require different dosages or a unique system of care to address their specific needs. We even try to make your job of medicating your pet easier with the option to make flavored treats for your best friend!