Becoming Your Own Health Advocate – Know Your Compounding Pharmacist

by webmaster

January 21, 2023

Know Your Neighbor – A Band of Bearded Brothers

With Florida’s population boom in the past 10 years, residents must find health care that matches their needs. Getting to know the local compounding pharmacist can help with referrals to area doctors and help customize medications to meet their patients’ needs.

Guide is here to help anyone with a diagnosis figure out how to navigate health care. The “Becoming Your Own Health Advocate” series will have several future stories. These articles will break down the process. They will also arm readers with information to help along every step of the way.

Who are Compounding Pharmacists?

Compounding pharmacists work in laboratories, medical facilities or independent labs and can be associated with a medical doctor’s practice. These labs are a controlled, highly sterile and safe environment. Compounding pharmacists also work closely with area veterinary clinics to assist in compounding medications for pets and animals.

These specialized pharmacists are trained to understand all aspects of chemical compatibility. They must continue training throughout their careers to keep current on the trends and innovations in the pharmaceutical industry.

Services Compounding Pharmacists Can Provide

Both doctors and patients benefit from the services these specialists provide:

Customize dosage forms like gels, creams, ointments, syrups, suppositories, capsules and other formulations
Customize flavors of oral medications to ease the taste
Create appropriate dosages for children
Combine multiple drugs or supplements to lessen the amount taken each day
Remove allergens, dyes or fillers in prescriptions that the patient may be allergic to
Manufacturing of discontinued medication
Veterinary medicines and supplements for pets can be compounded by a CP for the same reasons listed above
CPs will work closely with the medical team to provide a patient-specific prescription

Accreditation Matters

Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board (PCAB) Accreditation is provided by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care. This rigorous accreditation lets patients know the pharmacy has achieved the most extensive compliance in the industry.

Some of this industry’s adherence includes sourcing reliable chemical suppliers, ongoing comprehensive training and education and meeting their facility’s environmental standards. Only 3% of compounding pharmacies in the U.S. can claim this accolade. The PCAB or ACHC accreditation will be posted on their websites.

Many CPs specialize in various services and program areas, such as the following: