In 2019, the United States spent about $1,000 per person on prescription medications, and that number continues gets bigger with each passing year. Additionally, three out of four adults believe that prescription drugs cost too much.

If you spend a large amount on prescriptions each year, you should make sure you’re getting the highest quality medications. The best way to do this is to get your prescriptions from a compounding pharmacy.

If you’ve never heard of a compounding pharmacy, you’re not alone. Below, we go over the basics of compounding pharmacies and how they can benefit you and your family.

What is a Compounding Pharmacy?

A compounding pharmacy is a location that can custom make prescription medications. These unique pharmacies get their name from the “compounds” they make out of pharmaceutical ingredients. These pharmacies make either sterile or non-sterile compounds.

Sterile compounds include:

• Injections
• Eye drops
• Infusions

Non-sterile compounds include:

• Creams
• Capsules
• Suppositories

Some pharmacies make medications based on prescriptions from healthcare providers. Other pharmacies make sterile medications in bulk and sell them to hospitals and doctor’s offices. These are sometimes called outsourcing facilities.

Traditional “community” pharmacies can combine creams or mix oral medications to form compounds, but they lack the specialized equipment required to make complex compounds.

Compounding Pharmacy Benefits

There are approximately 7,500 compounding pharmacies scattered across the United States. A compounding pharmacy has many benefits to offer you and your family.

Allows Access to Discontinued Medications

Sometimes large manufacturers stop producing certain meds. This can be harmful to patients who still need those medications. Compounding pharmacies can recreate those medications to ensure that patients get the care they need.

Makes Medications Easier to Use

Some medicines have unpleasant flavors. This makes taking those medications hard for young children, elderly patients, or even picky adults. At a compounding pharmacy, pharmacists can make prescriptions from scratch with added appealing flavors.

Provides Alternative Dosage Forms

In addition to changing the flavor profile, pharmacists can change the dosage form. If you have difficulty swallowing pills, they can make your medication in liquid form. Some medications can even be made into creams or gels to apply topically.

Provides Allergy-Friendly Medications

If you have a dye, lactose, gluten, or alcohol intolerance, getting a safe medication can be tricky. Compounding pharmacists can tailor your medications to your needs by taking out the allergens.

How To Choose a Pharmacy

Many insurance companies have plans that cover compounded medications. However, before filling a medication at a compounding pharmacy, work with your insurance company, the pharmacist, and your doctor. This way you ensure that all the ingredients in the compound are approved by your plan.

Visit a Compounding Pharmacy Today

Your health is important, and your healthcare needs are unique. A compounding pharmacy can make your medication just for you. Talk to your doctor and insurance company to find one today.

If you live in the Austin, Texas area, check out Victory Medical for comprehensive medical care, including a full-service compounding pharmacy. Text us today for directions.