pharmacist talking to patient

Everything You Need to Know about Compounded Medications

various forms of medications
December 6, 2023

Standard dosages and forms of popular prescriptions don’t always fit the needs of every individual. The science of compounding allows us to personalize a prescription without affecting the quality or effectiveness of the drug. Keep reading to learn more about compounded medications and how our local, independent pharmacy can help you!

What are compounded medications?

compounding lab

So what exactly is compounding? It’s the process of customizing a drug by a certified pharmacist to remove unwanted additives, change the form, or alter the dosage. For example, we can turn a standard pill or capsule into a cream, gel, oral rinse, gummies, troches, and suppositories. Or, if you want to have preservatives, sugar, or dyes removed from your meds, we can take them out. This type of medication is accessible by prescription only, and we work closely with you and your doctor to ensure that we get it just right. These medicines are made in a compounding lab to protect the safety and efficacy of the drug, and compounding can be life-changing for many!

What about compounded prescriptions for pets?

Compounded medications aren’t just for people but for their pets too. We accept compounded prescriptions from vets and can adjust dosages and dose forms according to the animal’s needs. It’s a much easier way to administer pet medications and is a more positive experience for both owner and pet.

What are some of the most common compounded medications?

Every person is unique and deserves personalized care as a result. Tailored medications are safe and can be beneficial for a variety of treatment options. Here are 2 of the most popular treatments that benefit from compounding:

LDN (low-dose naltrexone)

prescription pad saying hormone therapy

If you have chronic pain or an auto-immune disorder such as Hashimoto’s, lupus, MS, or fibromyalgia, low-dose naltrexone could be a great help. This medication helps to regulate the immune system as well as block opioid receptors in the brain, which tricks your body into making more endorphins. Each individual may require a specific amount of this drug and need to change dosage levels over time, so having access to a compounding pharmacy will be incredibly convenient while taking LDN.

BHRT (bioidentical hormone replacement therapy)

Another popular prescription that can be compounded is hormone therapy. We offer bioidentical hormone therapy, which uses natural, plant-based hormones rather than synthetic ones. Whether you’re a woman struggling with the effects of menopause or a man dealing with the symptoms of low testosterone, a hormone imbalance can be treated with HRT. Is hormone therapy right for you? Don’t hesitate to ask us for support and advice about whether or not BHRT could be a good choice for your health!

Compounding Services at Harrison Pharmacy

Having the ability to compound medications sets us apart from the big chain pharmacies. In addition to providing LDN and BHRT compounded medications, we can customize your prescriptions in various areas of your health. Take a look at some of our specialties:

  • Dermatology: We use non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, and paraben-free formulas and use ingredients that enhance the absorption of topical medications.
  • Palliative Care: We offer pain creams to aid in wound healing and flavored meds to alleviate dry mouth and other symptoms to improve quality of life.
  • Dentistry: We can make lip balms to combat viral sores, mouthwashes for sores caused by cancer treatments, and more.
  • Pediatrics: From making transdermal gels to adding natural flavors to liquid medicine, we can help reduce drug waste during administration and improve the experience for you and your child.
  • Podiatry: Compounded medications can be used to treat fungal infections, plantar fasciitis, hyperhidrosis, and diabetic neuropathy.

At our Cincinnati compounding pharmacy, we are passionate about providing families with convenient and quick access to compounded medications. Our goal is to make your life a little bit easier by ensuring your prescriptions are working for the maximum benefit! Reach out to us today about our compounding services and see how we can best serve your needs.