A compounded medication is a medication that is made especially for the person it has been prescribed to. If your doctor has requested that you pick up your prescription from a compounding pharmacy, read on to learn how this type of pharmacy differs from a standard pharmacy.

Compounded Medication

A compounded medication is a medication that has been specially formulated. A compounded medication will contain a mix of active and inactive ingredients. A compounding pharmacist is in charge of mixing the components that are essential for preparing a special formula. Compounded ingredients are used to prepare creams, capsules, tablets, oral medications, suppositories, drops, and injectables.

Reasons Why Compounding Is Needed

• to alter the flavor of a medication
• to eliminate an inactive ingredient that a patient is allergic to
• to prepare a medication that is out of stock
• to change the form or strength of a medication

Sterile Versus Non-Sterile

Compounded medications will either be classified as sterile or non-sterile. A sterile medication is made in a special environment, such as a pharma clean room. This type of space uses special equipment that will prevent the spread of contaminants.

While sterile medications are prepared, a strict list of guidelines is followed. Some examples of compounded medications that are classified as sterile include eye drops and injectables. These types of medications will be carefully sealed during the manufacturing process.

Non-sterile medications are made in a standard pharmaceutical setting. A non-sterile medication is not as likely to become contaminated. Creams and capsules are examples of compounded medications that are classified as non-sterile.

The Services That Pharmacies Offer

Some standard pharmacies offer limited compounding services. A pharmacist at a standard pharmacy may be licensed to create some basic compounded medications. A basic compounding process may only require that two ingredients are mixed together.

A compounding pharmacy is one that specialized in preparing compounded medications. This type of pharmacy is able to prepare basic and complex medications. 

A compounding pharmacy offers the same level of service that you would expect to receive at a standard pharmacy. You can drop your prescription off or call it in. A pharmacist will verify when your medication will be ready for you to pick up. When you pay for your medication, a compounding pharmacist will explain to you what the dosage requirements for the medication are. They will also advise you on any side effects that you may experience.