At some point in our lives, we will all need medications. For some people, this means taking prescription drugs that are available over the counter.
But for others, it may mean taking compounded medications.
Compounded medications are made specifically for each individual patient based on their specific needs.
There are many reasons why you may need compounded medications, and in this blog post, we will discuss six of them! We will also discuss what compounding is, and how it can benefit you.
So, if you are curious about compounded medications, then read on!
What Is Compounding?
Compounding is the process of making a medication specifically for an individual patient.
This means that the medication is made to order, and it is tailored to the specific needs of the patient.
For example, if a patient has an allergy to a certain ingredient in a medication, the compounding pharmacist can make a version of the medication without that ingredient.
Or, if a patient needs a higher or lower dose of a medication than what is available, the compounding pharmacist can make that adjustment.
In short, compounding allows for customization of medications, which can be very beneficial for patients!
As seen on procare-pharmacy.ca website, a compounding pharmacy offers a wide selection of medications that are available at affordable prices for all kinds of health situations.
In Canada, there are over 47,000 brand name, generic and over-the-counter medications.
Now that you know a little bit about compounding, let’s discuss six reasons why you may need compounded medications.
1) Allergies
As we mentioned before, one reason you may need compounded medications is if you have allergies to certain ingredients in medications.
If you have an allergy to a specific ingredient, the compounding pharmacist can make a version of the medication without that ingredient.
This way, you can still take the medication without having to worry about your allergy!
Allergies are a common reason why people need compounded medications.
In fact, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, about 15-30% of people in the United States have some form of food allergy!
And while most allergies can be managed with over-the-counter medications, some people may need compounded medications in order to manage their allergies.
2) Fussy Children
Another reason you may need compounded medications is if you have fussy children.
If your child is picky about the taste or texture of their medication, the compounding pharmacist can make a version of the medication that is more palatable for them.
For example, the compounding pharmacist can add flavor to the medication or change the form of the medication (e.g., from a pill to a liquid).
Making medications more palatable for children is a common reason why people need compounded medications.
In fact, many parents choose to have their child’s medications compounded because they know that their child will be more likely to take the medication if it tastes good!
3) People Taking Lots Of Different Medications
If you are taking multiple medications, you may need compounded medications in order to make sure that all of your medications interact well with each other.
The compounding pharmacist can create a “cocktail” of sorts, which is a mix of all of the different medications that you are taking.
This way, you can be sure that all of your medications are interacting well with each other and that you are getting the most benefit from them!
4) Avoid Unnecessary Side Effects
Another reason you may need compounded medications is to avoid unnecessary side effects.
For example, if you are taking a medication that has a common side effect of dry mouth, the compounding pharmacist can add a medication to your prescription that will help to counteract that side effect.
5) Freedom To Personalise Your Treatment
People also choose to have their medications compounded because it allows them to personalise their treatment.
For example, if you are taking a medication that is available in both pill and liquid form, you may prefer the liquid form because it is easier for you to take.
Or, if you are taking a medication that is available in both regular and extended-release form, you may prefer the extended-release form because it lasts longer and you don’t have to take it as often.
6) Treating Animals
Finally, people often choose to have their medications compounded because it allows them to treat their animals.
If you have a pet that is taking medication, the compounding pharmacist can make a version of the medication that is specifically for animals.
This way, you can be sure that your pet is getting the best possible care!
As you can see, there are many reasons why you may need compounded medications.
If you have any questions about whether or not compounding is right for you, we encourage you to speak with your doctor or a compounding pharmacist.