For most people, getting prescription medications is fairly easy. Your healthcare provider (HCP) calls your local pharmacy, you pick up your medications when they’re ready, and life goes on.
But sometimes people cannot take the standard, mass-produced brand-name medications and generic prescription drugs for various reasons.
This is where compounded medications come into play.
What are Compound Medications?
Compound medicines are medicines that are mixed, combined or changed by a specially trained pharmacist – a compounding pharmacist. These medications are formulated to meet needs that cannot be met by commercially available prescription medications.
For people who need compounded medications, the good news is that virtually all commercial medications can be compounded:
- Tablets
- Capsules
- Liquid medication
- Eye drops
- Creams
- Injectables
Who needs compounded medications?
Up to 3% of all prescriptions in the United States are for compounded medications.
People may need a compounded medication for several reasons. These can include:
- You need a specific dose. If the standard prescription is not available in the dose you need, you may need a compounded medication.
- You need a different form of the medication. For example, some people may find it difficult to swallow tablets, so your doctor may prescribe the medication as a liquid or cream for you to take.
- You are allergic or sensitive to ingredients. Fillers such as dyes and preservatives are common in mass-produced medications. If you are allergic to an ingredient, the pharmacist may make the medication without the substance you are allergic to.
- Your medication is in short supply. If the medication you are taking is discontinued or is in high demand and therefore a shortage, a similar medication can be made to allow you to continue your treatment.
The advantages and disadvantages of compound medications
There are both advantages and disadvantages to consider when it comes to compounded medications.
Compound medications are prescribed on a case-by-case basis and tailored to each person, making a more individualized medication approach attractive to many people. Additionally, compounded medicines mean more people have access to the medicines, regardless of supply.
On the other hand, compounded formulas are not FDA-approved, so there is no guarantee that they will meet the same rigorous standards of safety, effectiveness, and quality as FDA-approved drugs. This opens the door to discrepancies in effectiveness and how much – or how little – of the active ingredients are contained in the drug.
Read: Should you take compound medications during menopause? >>
Find a reputable compounding pharmacy
Compound medications may not be FDA-approved, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t safe or effective when made in a licensed pharmacy.
Compounding pharmacies must meet certain safety standards set by your state’s board of pharmacy. There are some bad guys who make compounded medications from fake or unapproved ingredients, but legitimate compounded medications still use ingredients from the FDA-approved drug – just a little different.
So how do you know if the pharmacy is reputable?
- Find a pharmacy accredited by the Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board (PCAB) or the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP).
- Visit the Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding website to find reputable options in your area
- When purchasing a compounded medication online, make sure the pharmacy:
- Is on the list of NABP-accredited digital pharmacies
- Has a physical address and phone number in the USA
- Requires a prescription for the compounded medication
- Has a licensed pharmacist on staff who can answer questions
When shopping online, look out for low prices that seem too good to be true (which they probably are!) and online pharmacies that don’t require a prescription.
Composite conclusion
A reputable pharmacy can help you get the safe and effective medications you need – but you must take steps to ensure you get the real thing.
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