What Is The Importance Of Compounded Medications, What Is It, And How Does It Work?
There are various types of medications available in the market, each with its production method. Some medicines are prepackaged for the customer to take at home. These are “pre-made” medicines because they have already been manufactured and packaged to be sold directly off the shelf. However, some drugs require more attention when formulated for people with special needs. These compounded medications are not always available at local pharmacies or drugstores but are typically found at specialized compounding pharmacies. These medications are specifically tailored to the patient’s needs by a pharmacist, not just by the doctor, ensuring that each drug meets the patient’s unique requirements. This guarantees that each patient receives the most appropriate medicines and avoids the risk of over- or under-medicating. Some significant factors associated with compounded medications are elucidated. Let’s look into it.
They are considered safer.
The compounded medications are made explicitly for you rather than mass-produced and packaged medicines, which are produced without knowing how they might affect your body. Compounded medications provide patients with the proper tools to enhance their overall lifestyle. The individuals who use these medications have distinct needs compared to the general population; therefore, their medicines must be prepared safely and with their particular concerns in mind. Because the drugs have been specifically formulated for you, they carry a lower risk of being dangerous or causing side effects worse than the condition you are being treated for. Thus, compounded medications are sometimes recommended for people with allergies or sensitivities because they are more effective than pre-made drugs.
Why are they expensive?
For example, compounded medications are generally prepared to treat a specific problem, so they’re not something you’ll find ready-made in the refrigerator at your regular drug store. Creating customized drugs takes time and effort, which is why they are expensive. In addition, pharmacies need to invest in equipment and compounding medicine training, which also contributes to additional costs. As they are not mass-produced, compounded drugs are usually not covered by insurance. We will discuss this further in the point below.
Often they don't come under Insurance coverage.
Because compounded drugs are more expensive, your insurance may not always cover them. Suppose you are concerned about the cost of your compounded medications. In that case, you must check with your pharmacist and insurance company to determine the expense. Probably, the medicines will cost you higher if your insurance provider does not consider the medication necessary for you. However, compounding medicines may be the best and most efficient option depending on your specific needs.
For patient's convenience, they are made in different forms
Since compounded medications are designed keeping you in mind, they can come in any form that helps you to take medicine easily. Liquid forms of these drugs are popular because they are easy to mix into smoothies or other beverages for children and adults alike. Some compounded medications are created in patches or suppository form for easy application directly to the area where the medicine is needed most.
They are customized for the patients' necessities.
A prescription from your physician and consultation with the pharmacist is required before obtaining compounded medications. Your pharmacist will work with you to ascertain your definite requirements and how each drug can be prepared to make it as effective as possible. Since everyone’s particular needs differ, medicines must be customized to each individual’s health. It is important to remember that each person’s body chemistry is different. Just because a medication is safe for someone you know does not mean it will have the same effect on you.
They are available not only at pharmacies but also in hospitals.
An increasing number of hospitals are turning to compounded medication to support patients during recovery from a procedure or illness. These drugs are usually made to specific requirements and are therefore suitable for use in particular situations. For example, suppose you are allergic to any ingredients in the medicine your doctor wants you to take. In this case, a compounding pharmacy can remove the allergen and make a safer version of the same drug just for you.
At MEDILAB COMPOUNDING, we understand the importance of having medication that meets your individual needs, from adjusting dosages to combining medications.
We provide a variety of compounding services to meet the needs of the patients, including hormone replacement, fertility, weight management, IV therapy, and more.
Please reach out to us to learn more about our services.
