Benefits of Pharmaceutical Compounding
Pharmaceutical compounding is a process by which licensed pharmacists combine ingredients in response to medical prescriptions. By combining, mixing and altering ingredients, pharmacists can create tailor-made prescriptions that best meet the medical needs of patients. When done properly, pharmaceutical compounding serves an important health need. It provides treatment for patients who cannot use commercial medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Before the 1940s, almost all prescriptions were compounded. Eventually, pharmaceutical compounding took a back seat to mass drug production. Recent years have seen a resurgence in compounding due to the many benefits the practice offers. Many doctors today prescribe compounded medications to meet the unique health needs of their patients. A Miami compounding pharmacy is responding to this need with quality preparations.
The prescription medications available from a Miami pharmacy offer an attractive alternative to traditional treatment. In some cases, they are necessary replacements for discontinued or hard-to-find medications. However, the benefits of pharmaceutical compounding go well beyond commercially unavailable medications. Here are some examples.
Pain Management
Pain management can be a problem for people with chronic pain. Commercial painkillers can cause drowsiness, dizziness, nausea and stomach discomfort for some people. Compounded prescriptions offer a viable solution. Pharmacists in a Miami compounding pharmacy combine the ingredients in traditional medicines and dispense them in gel, cream or spray forms with fewer side effects.
Hormone Replacement
Hormone replacement therapy is popular medical option for menopausal women and aging men. Since no two people are alike, customized hormones are usually a better option than conventional hormone replacement. A Miami pharmacy can customize synthetic hormones through compounding.
Dental Compounding
Many dental patients are resistant to traditional treatment. Alternative preparations and delivery systems can often solve their problems. Compounding pharmacists can combine ingredients to create medicated lollipops, lip balms, mouth rinses and other dental treatments that are easier to take than conventional medicines.
Dermatology Compounding
Pharmacists in a Miami compounding pharmacy work with dermatologists to the unique needs of their patients. They create customized treatments for acne, eczema, psoriasis, alopecia and other skin or hair conditions. They also compound anti-aging formulas and special treatments for radiation burns related to cancer treatment.
Pediatric Medications
Children, more than any other population segment, are especially suited for compounded prescriptions. Commercial medicines are not easy for most children to take. Compounding pharmacists can combine ingredients in forms that are more easily administered to children.
Veterinary Compounding
Pharmacists in a Miami pharmacy can also prepare medications for dogs, cats and other pets. This is extremely helpful for pet owners, since it is hard to get pets to swallow pills or tablets. Compounding pharmacists combine veterinary medicines in flavored, liquid forms that people can dispense with a dropper.
Closing Thoughts
The benefits of pharmaceutical compounding are not limited to those mentioned above. Doctors, nurses and caregivers often work with compounding pharmacists to obtain special medications for allergy sensitivities, cancer treatment and hospice care. Pharmaceutical compounding is also ideal for commercially unavailable medicines for which the demand is limited.