- A compounding pharmacy is a pharmacy that is skilled in combining medications geared towards a specific individual versus providing medication for the masses.
- Compounded medications have been shown to help people who have different allergies, who are on hormone therapy, have different dermatological conditions, and even for children.
- Compounded medications can come in many forms including oral, topical, and even hormones.
When it comes to healthcare, one size doesn’t fit all. Each person’s body is unique, and their medical needs may require personalized solutions. This is where compounding pharmacies come into play. Put simply, a compounding pharmacy is a specialized facility that customizes medications to cater to individual patients’ specific requirements. By specializing medications to a person’s unique needs, the benefits derived from the medication have a greater effect. Still confused about what a compounding pharmacy is? We’ve got all the answers below.
What is a Compounding Pharmacy?
A compounding pharmacy is a distinct type of pharmaceutical practice that prepares personalized medications based on a healthcare provider’s prescription. Unlike traditional pharmacies that dispense mass-produced medications, compounding pharmacies create tailored solutions by combining and altering ingredients to meet the unique needs of each patient. Compounding pharmacists work in collaboration with healthcare professionals to ensure the right dosage form, strength, and formulation for a specific patient.
The Difference Between a Compounding & Traditional Pharmacy
Ok, so what the heck is a compounding pharmacy vs a traditional pharmacy? The primary distinction between a compounding pharmacy and a traditional pharmacy lies in the medications they dispense. Traditional pharmacies primarily distribute commercially available, FDA-approved drugs manufactured by pharmaceutical companies. These drugs are produced in standard dosages and forms, designed to suit the needs of the majority.
On the other hand, compounding pharmacies create medications from scratch using raw ingredients to prepare formulations customized to the individual. They can tailor medications by eliminating certain ingredients that may cause allergies or intolerances, adjusting dosages, and even creating alternative delivery methods such as creams, gels, or lozenges for patients who struggle with traditional oral medications.
Why Would You Need Compounded Medications?
You might be wondering, would I benefit from compound medications? There are many reasons why a person would need or benefit from compounded medications. Here are some of the major benefits of compounded medications.
Allergies and Sensitivities
Some patients may be allergic to certain dyes, preservatives, or fillers commonly found in commercial medications. Compounding pharmacies can create allergen-free formulations that are better suited to the patient’s needs.
Pediatric Patients
Children often require medications in unique strengths or dosage forms that may not be commercially available. Compounding pharmacies can prepare medicines in child-friendly flavors and forms that make administration easier.
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) often requires precise dosing tailored to an individual’s hormone levels. Compounding pharmacies can create personalized HRT formulations to address specific hormonal imbalances.
Pain Management
Patients experiencing chronic pain may benefit from compounded medications that combine multiple active ingredients, offering more effective pain relief with fewer side effects.
Dermatological Conditions
Compounded creams and ointments can be formulated to treat various skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis, incorporating ingredients that address a patient’s unique skin type and severity of the condition.
Veterinary Medicine
Just like humans, animals can have unique medical needs. Compounding pharmacies also cater to veterinary medicine, providing customized medications for pets based on their size, species, and health conditions.
Types of Compounding Medications
Compounding medications come in many different forms. Mainly so that they can best be used by the person who needs them. Here are some of the different types of compounded medication forms.
Topical Medications
Creams, gels, and ointments are commonly used to deliver medications through the skin, providing localized effects for conditions such as pain, inflammation, and skin disorders.
Oral Medications
Compounded oral medications can be made into various forms, including capsules, suspensions, or lollipops, making them easier to administer for patients who have difficulty swallowing pills.
Bioidentical Hormones
Compounding pharmacies offer bioidentical hormones that are structurally identical to hormones naturally produced by the body, often used in hormone replacement therapy.
Specialized Pain Formulations
Patients dealing with chronic pain or migraines can benefit from compounded medications that combine multiple pain-relieving agents to enhance efficacy and reduce side effects.
Epic Pharmacy Is Your OKC Compounding Medication Pharmacy
Compounding pharmacies play a crucial role in modern healthcare by providing customized medications tailored to individual patient needs. Their ability to create personalized pharmaceuticals offers solutions for those with allergies, unique dosage requirements, or difficulties with traditional medications. From pediatric patients to animals and everything in between, compounding pharmacies unlock a world of possibilities for improving patient outcomes through tailor-made pharmaceuticals.
Epic Pharmacy is one of the few pharmacies in OKC that specialize in compounding medications. With many years of experience in compounding services, our pharmacists are able to tailor the medications you need to be both better on your body as well as more effective. If you are looking to better the overall quality of the medications you need, visit Epic Pharmacy today and have a consultation with one of our pharmacists.
Contact Epic Pharmacy
There are several ways to contact us at Epic Pharmacy.
In Person
We are located at: 2249 NW 39th St, OKC, OK 73112
By Phone
Call us at: (405) 724- 7852
Email Us
You can send us an email at: epicrx@epicpharmacyokc.com