Benefit #1 – Healthier and Natural Options
The main active ingredients from compounded prescriptions are the same used in commercially available products, however, the other inactive ingredients can be drastically altered. This is significant for people with allergies or intolerances such as lactose, or specific dyes. In a compounding pharmacy, many medications can be made without these specific inactive ingredients and some compounding pharmacies also specialize in making products more or completely natural a much healthier option. In addition, ingredients that have been pulled off the commercial market can still be produced with the active ingredient at a compounding pharmacy.

Benefit #2 – Lower Medication Cost
The upward trend in medication cost will continue as newer medications coming out are more and more complex. Compounding pharmacies make their medications from the raw powders. In most cases, by buying these in bulk they can significantly lower the cost of the medications. Some compounding pharmacies do run medication insurances for possible coverage, but most plans do not cover compounded prescriptions. This has led to a lot of compounding centers running as a cash pay business, but in many instances a compound pharmacy is still cheaper than copays for similar commercial products.

Benefit # 3 – Customized Dosages
Most medications are studied and commercially produced in doses that are a ‘one size fits all” dose. However, sometimes there is a need to provide patients with doses that are not commercially available or in dosage forms that are not available commercially. Many people think of taking their medication only as a capsule or tablet, when in fact certain medications can be given as a liquid, tablet, capsule, cream to put on your skin, suppository, troche, etc. With extensive experience in changing between these different forms, compound pharmacies will make the medication fit the needs of the patient.

Benefit #4 – Improved Communication
Pharmacists used to be one of the most accessible and trusted healthcare workers, but with the demands of a modern-day retail pharmacy that has changed. Compounding pharmacist must communicate with the providers and patients to find what they prefer or what has or has not worked in the past since so many things can be altered and manipulated. This opens the lines of communication and improves patients’ experience.

Benefit #5 – It Tastes Good
A significant part of medications for children and animals is the importance of flavoring. With access to hundreds of flavors, such as tutti frutti, strawberry banana, cotton candy, beef, and crispy bacon, finding options to better help these patients take their medication will make a difference. With the ability to change doses, dosage forms, and ingredients, compounding pharmacies are the leaders in all medication therapies for veterinary and pediatric patients. Next time you get a medication or are looking over what you currently take, reach out to a compounding pharmacy to learn what options they can offer you. We all deserve the ability to get the best therapy for us and those we love.

Dr. Jonathan Bain, PharmD, BCCCP, BCPS , is the head pharmacist and owner of Rx Compound Centre bringing 15 years of pharmacy experience to the team. He was raised in Columbia, Tennessee, and is excited to be offering specialized medication therapy locally here in Columbia. Finding the right medication, dose, and formulation is what he strives for with everyone.