Custom RX - Why do we need compounding?

The Need for Compounding

Over the last 50 years pharmaceutical manufacturers have played a significant role in advancing health care. Although the mass-marketed and mass-produced drugs meet the needs of most patients, there are still a number of patients who require pharmacists to customize medication to meet their unique medical needs. This practice of individualizing or customizing medication is called "compounding". Many pharmacists and physicians are rediscovering the benefits of compounding to improve patient care.

The practice of preparing medications dates back to the origins of pharmacy, yet the pharmacy profession has changed over the years. As late as the 1930's, approximately half of all medications were compounded. During the 1950's and 60's, with the advent of the pharmaceutical manufacturers, the practice of compounding greatly declined. However, today there is still a compelling and vital need for compounded medications. One study suggests that approximately 5% of prescribed proprietary drugs do not meet the true medical needs of the patient, and that a compounded medication may be more appropriate.

One of the most important reasons to use a compounded medication is patient non-tolerance of a manufacture product. Many patients are allergic to preservatives or dyes, or are sensitive to standard drug therapies. Physicians also prescribe compounded medications to change the strength, alter its form to make it easier for the patient to use, and/or to changed the flavor to make it more palatable. The pharmacist can also prepare the medication using several unique delivery systems, such as a sublingual lozenge, a lollipop, or transdermal gel. Thus compounding can substantially improve patient compliance by allowing the physician to prescribe a custom-tailored medication to meet the patient's need.