For most people, getting prescription medication is fairly simple. Your healthcare provider (HCP) calls your local pharmacy, you pick up your medication when it’s ready and life goes on.
But sometimes people can’t take the standard, mass-produced brand name and generic prescription drugs for a variety of reasons.
That’s where compounded medications come in.
What are compounded medications?
Compounded medications are drugs that are mixed, combined or altered by a specially trained pharmacist — a compounding pharmacist. These drugs are compounded to accommodate needs that are not met by the commercial prescription medication.
For people who need compounded drugs, the good news is pretty much all commercial drugs can be compounded:
- Tablets
- Capsules
- Liquid medication
- Eye drops
- Creams
- Injectables
Who needs compounded medications?
Up to 3% of all prescriptions in the U.S. are for compounded drugs.
People may need a compounded drug for a few reasons. These can include:
- You need a specific dose. If the standard prescription is not available in the dose you need, you may need a compounded medication.
- You need a different form of the medication. Pills, for example, may be hard to swallow for some people, so your HCP may prescribe the drug as a liquid or a cream so you can take it.
- You are allergic or sensitive to ingredients. Fillers such as dyes and preservatives are common in mass-produced medications. If you’re allergic to an ingredient, the compounded pharmacist can make the drug without the stuff you’re allergic to.
- Your medication is in short supply. If the drug you’re taking is discontinued or in high demand so there’s a shortage, a similar medication can be made so you can continue your treatment.
The pros and cons of compounded medications
There are both pros and cons to consider regarding compounded medications.
Compounded medications are prescribed on a case-by-case basis and customized to each person, so a more personalized approach to medication is appealing for many people. Also, compounded drugs means more people have access to the medication regardless of supply.
On the con side, the compounded formulas are not approved by the FDA, so they’re not guaranteed to have the same strict standards for safety, efficiency and quality as FDA-approved drugs. This opens the door for inconsistency in potency and how much — or how little — of the active ingredients are in the medication.
Read: Should You Take Compounded Medications for Menopause? >>
Finding a reputable compounding pharmacy
Compounded medications may not be approved by the FDA, but that doesn’t mean that they’re not safe or effective when they’re made at a licensed pharmacy.
Compounding pharmacies are required to meet certain safety standards set by your state’s Board of Pharmacy. There are some bad actors out there who are creating compounded medications from fake or unapproved ingredients, but legitimate compounded medications are still using ingredients from the FDA-approved drug — just slightly different.
So how do you know if the pharmacy is reputable?
- Find a pharmacy that is accredited by the Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board (PCAB) or the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP)
- Check the Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding website for reputable options in your area
- If purchasing a compounded medication online, verify that the pharmacy:
- Is on the list of NABP-accredited digital pharmacies
- Has a physical U.S. address and telephone number
- Requires a prescription for the compounded medication
- Has a licensed pharmacist on staff who can answer questions
If you’re purchasing online, be wary of low prices that are too good to be true (they probably are!) and online pharmacies that don’t require a prescription.
Compounded conclusion
A reputable compounded pharmacy can help you get the safe and effective medication you need — but you need to take steps to make sure you’re getting the real deal.
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