Pharmaceutical compounding is the preparation of custom formulations that are tailored to meet the exclusive needs of each patient being treated. Compounding enables medical providers and pharmacists to collaborate and uniquely design a medication therapy that cannot be met by commercially manufactured products. The true roots of pharmaceutical care originate from compounding. Prior to government involvement, compounding was the sole method of drug delivery.
While both pharmaceutical compounding and manufacturing share similarities, the processes involved with each are quite different. Compounding allows for pharmacies and licensed healthcare providers to create custom medications from bulk, raw materials. This allows compounding pharmacies to be judicious on ingredient selection, source, and formulation development. Compounding allows for flexibility and thoughtful consideration to dosing, allergens, common irritants, and dosage form.
Drug manufacturing, on the other hand, is an industrial means of creating medications in pre-set formulations and dosages.
You may be wondering how compounded medications are made. The components of compounded formulations are virtually identical chemically to those used in manufacturing. However, these ingredients are combined in-house pursuant to patient specific prescription orders.
So, what are the benefits of compounding? The list is extensive!
- Precise dosing
- Specialized medications
- Limited ingredient formulations
- Drug shortage fulfillment
- Concentrated formulations for small-volume dosing
- Combining multiple active ingredients, decreasing overall medication burden
- Targeted drug delivery
- Flavoring
- Improved compliance to medication therapy
- Minimize potential side effects associated with conventional therapies
- Multiple active ingredients in one dosage form for reduced medication/pill burden
What types of therapies do compound pharmacies offer? The list is endless, but here are some specialties where compounding is commonly relied upon:
- Dermatology
- Pain Management
- Hormone Therapy
- Sports Medicine
- Veterinary Medicine
- Wound management
- Pediatrics
- Hospice care
While compounding originates back to ancient medicine, the practice is highly specialized and has evolved over generations. Compounding requires advanced training, knowledge, and experience to execute safely and effectively.
At PerforMix, our in-house compounding facility incorporates two labs that implement advanced technology and include highly trained, certified personnel. In fact, PerforMix maintains two independent accreditations through the Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board of ACHC and the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.
What does accreditation mean? By successfully completing the rigorous application and inspection process for both PCAB and NABP Compounding Pharmacy accreditations, PerforMix demonstrates an ability to maintain and exceed state Board of Pharmacy regulations, federal regulations, and United States Pharmacopeia (USP) guidelines for complex and high-risk compounding. These accreditations are elective and are granted by third party organizations that are pillars in the pharmaceutical industry. In other words, not all compounding pharmacies are created equally.
At PerforMix, we take seriously the quality, accuracy and safety of each medication formulated. We diligently follow quality control and quality assurance parameters to ensure each, and every medication dispensed meets the highest standards. Combined, our pharmacists and technicians have over 30 years of compounding experience! All members of the PerforMix team maintain a passion for patient care, safety and delivery of high-quality medications putting patient care at the forefront.
If you are interested in learning more about our services or how we can serve you, connect with a pharmacist by calling 603-870-9618 or email customerservice@performixpharmacy.com
~Natalie Cote, PharmD RPh
Pharmacy Manager