Compounding involves the preparation of customized medications by a licensed pharmacist. This can be in the form of creams, ointments, pills, or liquid formulations that are specifically made to meet a patient’s needs, particularly when off-the-shelf options are unavailable or unsuitable. For example, a doctor might prescribe a compounded medication when they need a drug in a specific concentration or a combination that isn’t commercially available.
Doctors often choose compounded medications for several reasons:
Customization: Patients may need medications in unique forms or concentrations that are not available in standard dosages or formulations.
Cost: For some patients, compounded medications might offer a cheaper alternative to commercial drugs, especially when insurance doesn’t cover certain treatments.
Preference: Some patients may have preferences regarding topical vs. oral medications, the inclusion of certain inactive ingredients, or may need a combination therapy that’s not available commercially.
When Is Compounding Truly Beneficial?
There are many cases where compounding can be beneficial. For example, compounded products are often used for concentrations that aren’t commercially available. For instance, salicylic acid is commonly compounded in higher concentrations (e.g., 10%) for certain skin conditions, such as warts or acne, because commercial formulations typically don’t reach these higher percentages.
Another example is compounded finasteride for hair loss, where some patients may prefer a lower concentration than what’s available commercially. For women, especially those who are sensitive to the side effects of finasteride, such as increased hair growth on unwanted areas, a lower dose may be appropriate. This flexibility can be a huge advantage when no commercially available product offers the right solution.
Check out our compounding pharmacy, Montague Apothecary!