What is a compounding pharmacy and pharmacist?
- A compounding pharmacy is a pharmacy that makes (compounds) medications tailored specifically for a patient as prescribed.
- A compounding pharmacist is a pharmacist who works in a compounding pharmacy and is able to calculate and understand how to formulate, verify, and compound customized medications.
Why are compounding medications necessary? Are they safe?
- Compounded medications are prescribed for many reasons. Some common reasons can include: intolerance and/or allergies to commercially available drugs, combining multiple medications into a single one, making medications free of dyes or various fillers, unavailability of commercial drugs, and providing a unique dosage for a patient. There are additional reasons a compounded medication may be prescribed.
- Compounding pharmacies are subject to regulation by state boards of pharmacy along with the FDA, and so all medications meet strict requirements for safe usage by consumers. In addition, certain compounding pharmacies will stand out from the rest due to their specific knowledge, skill, efficiency, and know-how.
How are medications compounded, what guidelines/regulations are followed?
- Compounded medications are generally made using bulk active pharmaceutical ingredients (also known as APIs) and mixing them with inactive bases and wetting agents to create the custom medication. Since most dermatology compounds are topical, the majority of them consist of APIs mixed into a pharmaceutical base with the use of a wetting agent. Next, they are milled to reduce the API particle size for superior absorption and a smoother texture. Finally, they are mixed again before placement into the final container for dispensing.
- Compounding pharmacies are regulated by the state board of pharmacy and the FDA. In Arizona, the board of pharmacy has several requirements for compounding pharmacies including training, cleaning, potency, documentation and many more. There are also recommended best practice guidelines, established by companies such as PCCA and the Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding, that should be followed by compounding pharmacies.
Are compounded dermatology medications? Has it been a game-changer for patient care in dermatology?
- Compounded dermatology medications are absolutely safe. For many patients, compounding can be a game changer. Rather than the one-size-fits-all model with commercial medication, compounding can combine active ingredients into a single product while utilizing pharmaceutical bases that fit the specific needs of the patient.
Can compounded medications be more effective than commercial, one ingredient medications? Are they more effective?
- Compounded, multiple ingredient medications can be advantageous over commercial, single ingredient medications as they save a patient from having to use multiple items. This results in lower costs, time savings, and improved adherence – which is generally the key to improved patient outcomes. Compounded medications can also be easily adjusted to accommodate a patient’s specific needs without having to modify the rest of the compound.