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1. Does a Compounding Pharmacist need further education?
Pharmacists are taught the fundamentals of prescription compounding in pharmacy school. Our pharmacists have furthered their knowledge and expertise in compounding by attending an extensive course offered through Professional Compounding Centers of America (PCCA) in Houston, TX. We regularly attend educational seminars in order to keep current on modern compounding techniques.
2. Is Compounding Pharmacy new?
No, compounding has been used in the creation of medicines since the beginning of time; however, since the latter 20th century we have seen a rise in the rebirth of compounding pharmaceutical alternatives to traditionally manufactured prescriptions and medications.
3. What kinds of prescriptions can
be compounded?
Almost any kind. Compounded prescriptions are ideal for any patient requiring unique dosages and/or delivery devices, which can take the form of solutions, suppositories, sprays, oral rinses, lollipops, and even as transdermal sticks. Compounding applications can include: Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) for menopause and andropause, Veterinary, Hospice, Pediatric, Ophthalmic, Dental, Otic, Dermatology, Medication Flavoring, Chronic Pain Management, Neuropathies, Sports medicine, Infertility, Wound Therapy, Podiatry, and Gastroenterology.
4. Will my insurance cover compounded medications?
Because compounded medications are exempt by law from having the National Drug Code ID numbers that manufactured products carry, some insurance companies will not directly reimburse the compounding pharmacy. However, almost every insurance plan allows for the patient to be reimbursed by sending in claim forms. While you may be paying a pharmacy directly for a compounded prescription, most insurance plans should cover the final cost. Precision Compounding Pharmacy will provide you the proper form and documentation to provide to your insurance company.
5. Is it legal and is it safe?
Compounding has been part of healthcare since the origins of pharmacy, and is used widely today in all areas of the industry, from hospitals to nuclear medicine. Over the last decade, compounding's resurgence has largely benefited from advances in technology, quality control, and research methodology. The Food and Drug Administration has stated that compounded prescriptions are both ethical and legal as long as they are prescribed by a licensed practitioner for a specific patient and compounded by a licensed pharmacy. In addition, compounding is regulated by state boards of pharmacy.
6. Who can take compounded medications?
Compounding medications can be taken by anyone who has difficulty with traditional forms and dosages. Often, parents have a tough time getting their children to take medicine because of the taste. A compounding pharmacist can work directly with the physician and the patient to select a favorite flavor such as vanilla butternut or tutti frutti, that provides both an appropriate match for the medication's properties and the patient's taste preference. [Full list of Flavors]
Compounding pharmacists also help patients who are experiencing chronic pain. For example, some arthritic patients cannot take certain medications due to gastrointestinal side effects. Working with their physician, a compounding pharmacist can provide them with a topical preparation with the anti-inflammatory or analgesic their doctor has prescribed for them. Compounded prescriptions often are used for pain management with hospice care.
In addition to human patients, many veterinaries will work with a compounding pharmacist to create a medicine for your pet that can be more easily administered. Have you ever had to give your cat a pill? Or your dog multiple injections? Compounding can make this job easier by preparing topical dosage forms or tasty chewable forms. [Full list of Veterinary Flavors]
7. How does compounding benefit
me?
There are several reasons why pharmacists compound prescription medications. The most important one is what the medical community calls "patient non-compliance." Many patients are allergic to preservatives or dyes, or are sensitive to standard drug strengths. With a physician's consent, a compounding pharmacist can change the strength of a medication, alter its form to make it easier for the patient to ingest, or add flavor to it to make it more palatable. The pharmacist also can prepare the medication using several unique delivery systems, such as a sublingual troche or lozenge, a lollipop, or a transdermal gel. Or, for those patients who are having a difficult time swallowing a capsule, a compounding pharmacist can make a suspension instead.
8. Does my doctor know about compounding?
Prescription compounding is a rapidly growing component of many physicians' practices. But in today's world of aggressive marketing by drug manufacturers, some may not realize the extent of compounding's resurgence in recent years. Ask your physician about compounding, then get in touch with Precision Compounding Pharmacy who is committed to providing high-quality compounded medications in the dosage form and strength prescribed by the physician. Through this triad relationship of patient, physician, and compounding pharmacist, all three can work together to solve unique medical challenges. Contact Precision Compounding Pharmacy today.
9. What are the types of compounding solutions/forms or dosages?
Below is a list of some common examples of compounding dosage forms:
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Oral/Topical Syringes--improves dosing accuracy
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Capsules--extended-release formulations
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Troches--"lozenges" that dissolve in the mouth
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Popsicles--great alternative, especially during the summer
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Gummy Gels--chewable forms are great with kids
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Lollipops--convenient dosage form for extended delivery and local effect
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Transdermal Gel, Cream, and Stick--great alternative to oral form
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Emollient Cream--helpful for dermatological conditions
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Dauber Bottle--ideal for liquid preparations
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Lip Balm Applications--super for "spot" applications
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Ophthalmic Preparations--for treatment of eye problems
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Otic Medications--for treatment of ear problems
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Injectables
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Suppositories
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Rapid Dissolve Tablets
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Tablet Triturates--easily dissolved tablets under the tongue
10. Who regulates compounding pharmacies?
Compounding is regulated by individual state boards of pharmacy. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated that compounded prescriptions are both ethical and legal as long as they are prescribed by a licensed practitioner for a specific patient and compounded by a licensed pharmacy.
Our mission is to promote collaborative relationships with the public and other healthcare professionals to build a healthier community by providing excellent service, products, and education. We strive to constantly strengthen our role and position as excellent healthcare providers through compassion, integrity, expertise, and innovation.
© 2006 Precision Compounding
Pharmacy
The Kelley Building, 2113
State Street, Suite 3, New Albany, IN 47150
812-941-9300 | 812-941-9417 fax | 1-866-941-9301 toll free
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