Specialty Compounding is the method of preparing medication from pure raw materials to a medication tailored to the needs of a patient.
Combining two or more medications to create a new medication is referred to as Compounding. Compounded drugs can provide therapeutic alternatives for patients with unique medical needs that cannot be met by available Health Canada approved drug products.
Compounding can provide customized formulations to –
- Create alternative dosage or strength of a medication
- Omit certain components of Health Canada approved drug products to which patients have allergy
There are two types of compounding in pharmacy.
- Sterile Compounding
Sterile compounded medications are intended to be used as injections, infusions or application to the eyes. These products are used for treatment of patients in a sterile environment to prevent contamination and thereby ensure patient safety. - Non-sterile Compounding
Non-sterile medications include the production of solutions, suspensions, ointments, creams, powders, capsules, tablets and suppositories.
A compounding pharmacy can customize medication based on a doctor’s prescription. Compounding applications can include: Paediatrics, Podiatry, Pain management, Dentistry, Dermatology, Infertility, Sports medicine and many more.
Compounded drugs are not Health Canada approved. But various entities including Ontario College of Pharmacists inspect facilities that compound drugs. These facilities or pharmacies should be compliant with NAPRA model standards of Pharmacy Compounding.
Lifecare Rx Pharmacy is compliant with NAPRA model standards and is therefore approved for compounding all non-sterile preparations.
Needs of Specialty Compounding:
- Compounded medications can be made in different dosages or flavours for children. In pets also this type of medication is commonly used
- To avoid side effects of commercialised drugs
- When commercialized medication runs out of stock, compounding medication is prescribed
- When the ailment may not exist commercially or it might have exhausted all other options, compounding drugs is advised to use
- If the customized dosage of medication is not commercially available
- In case of the patient unable to take oral medication and prefer topical treatments like gels or creams
The cost of compounding medication compared to commercial medication depends on –
- The types of ingredients used
- Equipment required and
- Pharmacist’s time for researching and preparing the medication
Pharmacists can leverage patient medical history for formulating effective medications. Subsequently, the patients can also benefit from a single dosage, greater efficiency, and affordability of compounded drugs.
There is a unique art and science behind compounding drugs. The compounded drug preparation should be carried out with a proper dose of the API and the appropriate quality and purity of all ingredients under sanitary conditions. For the development of more complex compounded formulations, a professional specializing in formulation science may be needed. Formulation services combine ingredients in specific amounts according to a customer’s processing instructions.
Compounding Pharmacy a growing market
Specialty Compounding Pharmacy is a rapidly growing market. The growing demand for compounded drugs is also reflected in their use to treat a wide spectrum of conditions. These conditions are spread across a range of therapeutic areas including men and women health.
Our pharmacist at Lifecare Rx Pharmacy Authorized Speciality Compounding Centre at Oakville) can collaborate with you and your doctors to help with compounding problems. You can schedule a meeting to discuss the best and most secure ways to take compounded medications. Set up a 20 to 30 minute private consultation with our pharmacist right away.
Book your free review now. Call us at 9058451945
Or visit lifecarerxpharmacy.com
