When children’s cold and flu medications were in short supply in Ottawa and other Ontario pharmacies, many parents turned to compounding pharmacies for solutions. In areas like Cornwall, where families were particularly affected, compounding pharmacies provided a valuable alternative, offering custom medication options to meet specific health needs. So, who are compounding pharmacists, and how do they contribute to improved patient outcomes in Canada and across North America? This article will cover these topics.
Compounding pharmacies specialize in preparing special medications when standard, mass-produced options don’t meet unique patient needs. Unlike regular pharmacies, which give ready-made drugs, compounding pharmacies can adjust the form, flavor, and dosage of a medication to accommodate specific requirements. Here is an example. If a child or pet has trouble swallowing pills, a compounding pharmacist can create a liquid form. They can also add taste or remove allergens to make the medication safer for sensitive individuals.
Doctors typically prescribe readily available medications, but a compounding pharmacy can provide a more suitable option if needed.
Compound vs. Regular Pharmacies: 10 Key Differences
You might be wondering, what is a compound pharmacy? Compounding pharmacies stand out more than traditional pharmacies by providing personalized medication solutions when standard, mass-produced drugs don’t meet unique patient needs. Instead of replacing regular pharmacies, compounding pharmacies offer an option for those who need special treatments. This includes custom hormone doses for HRT or child-friendly medications in liquid form.
Here are ten crucial differences that set compound pharmacies and regular pharmacies apart.
Customization and Formulation
Compounding pharmacies create custom-made drugs for patients who realize that already prepared medications do not fulfill their unique medical needs.
So, they will combine different pharmaceutical ingredients to craft compounding medications that meet your particular requirements. For instance:
- A patient who is allergic to certain ingredients found in regular medications
- Adjusting the dosage of the active ingredient to increase the drug’s potency
However, a regular pharmacy will issue mass-produced medications. The same flu medication that you will buy in New York will be the one you can buy in Ontario (given they have a single manufacturer).
So, going to a normal pharmacy will give you a general solution.
Making Dosage Adjustments
If you require a medication with a dosage tailored to your specific needs, compounding medications offer a practical solution. If a 75mg dose is needed, but only 50mg or 100mg options are available, a compounding pharmacy can create the right dosage. Unlike regular pharmacies, which dispense pre-manufactured dosages, compounding pharmacies customize medications to meet individual requirements.
This customization is particularly beneficial for pediatric patients, who often require changed dosages due to rapid growth, changing hormonal levels, and unique metabolic needs. Regular pharmacies, limited to standardized doses provided by suppliers, cannot accommodate such adjustments, but compounding pharmacies specialize in providing these personalized solutions.
Variety of Dosage Forms
Compounding pharmacies also offer the option to change the form of a medication. For example, if you are unable to swallow a pill, they can create the medication in a variety of formats, based on your preference or medical requirement.
- Liquids
- Creams
- Gels
- Powders
- Flavorful options
In contrast, regular pharmacies typically stock commercially manufactured forms of medications, which may not accommodate all patient preferences.
Canadian Regulatory Framework for Compounding Pharmacists and Medications
In Canada, compounding pharmacies adhere to strict guidelines set by the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) to ensure patient safety and the quality of custom medications.
These guidelines help maintain a high standard of care in the preparation and dispensation of compounded drugs. Compounding pharmacies customize each formulation to address the unique needs of individual patients, unlike regular pharmacies.
Handling Particular Needs
When patients can’t tolerate standard medications from a regular pharmacy, they turn to compounding pharmacists for customized solutions.
Compounding pharmacies cater to specific needs by offering personalized formulations. Here are a few examples:
- Gluten-Free Medications: For patients with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, a compounding pharmacy can create gluten-free versions of medications, ensuring they are both safe and effective without triggering gluten-related symptoms.
- Lactose-Free Alternatives: Some medications contain lactose as a filler, which can be problematic for lactose-intolerant patients. A compounding pharmacy can prepare lactose-free versions, allowing these individuals to take their medications comfortably.
- Dye-Free Formulations: Many medications contain artificial dyes, which can cause reactions in people with dietary sensitivities or allergies. Compounding pharmacies can produce dye-free alternatives to meet these patients’ needs safely.
Scope of Services
What is a compound pharmacy? It’s more than just a place to dispense medication; a compounding pharmacy provides a wide array of specialized solutions across multiple fields. These tailored services address the unique needs of patients in areas like dermatology, HRT, pain management, veterinary care, geriatrics, and beyond, highlighting a commitment to personalized healthcare that standard pharmacies may not provide.
Non-Sterile Compounding Solutions:
- Ointments and Creams: Ideal for skin issues and pain management, offering targeted relief directly to the skin.
- Suppositories: For patients who need medication through alternative routes for specific conditions.
- Tablets, Capsules, and Sublingual Forms: Custom-dosed in easily edible formats.
- Liquids: Simplifies administration, especially for children or older patients who may have difficulty swallowing pills.
Specialized Compounding Services:
- Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy: Customized hormone replacement therapies for patients experiencing hormonal imbalances.
- Pediatric Compounding Solutions: Includes gummies, lollipops, and flavored liquids to make medication more appealing and easier to administer to children.
- Veterinary Medications: Dosage and form adjustments for pets, ensuring animals of all sizes receive appropriate care.
- Cosmetic and Anti-Aging Solutions: Topical treatments tailored to skincare and anti-aging needs, from creams to serums with customized ingredients.
Patient-Centric Approach of Compounding Medications
One unique aspect of compounding pharmacies in Canada is their patient-centered approach.
Pharmacists in these settings often consult directly with patients and their healthcare providers to understand specific treatment needs and create solutions accordingly. Regular pharmacies primarily focus on dispensing medications as prescribed, offering a different experience from the individualized attention compounding pharmacies provide.
Compounding pharmacists work closely with patients, often requiring additional skills in patient communication, empathy, and collaboration with healthcare providers to provide a smooth treatment experience.
Ingredient Sourcing & Quality Control
Compounding pharmacies carefully source each ingredient to ensure that the final product is both safe and effective. For instance, pain management medications might use precisely selected ingredients like baclofen or lidocaine.
Hormone replacement therapies may contain adjusted levels of estradiol or testosterone, tailored to an individual’s hormonal profile. By following strict NAPRA guidelines, compounding pharmacies maintain a high standard of quality, especially critical in custom-tailored treatments.
Cost Considerations
Compounded medications tend to be more expensive than standard prescriptions. The higher cost reflects the time and expertise involved in preparing each formulation, as well as the quality of the specialized ingredients.
However, for patients in Canada who need personalized care—such as pediatric patients, individuals with allergies, or those undergoing complex therapies—the investment in compounded medication can offer enhanced health benefits, improved medication adherence, and better therapeutic outcomes.
In some cases, insurance providers in Canada may offer coverage for compounded medications, but it varies by policy and provider.
Training & Expertise of Compounding Pharmacists
Becoming a compounding pharmacist requires extensive and special training beyond what’s typical in standard pharmacy practice. Compounding pharmacists must develop a strong understanding of chemistry, especially how various ingredients get along.
They actively study how various active ingredients interact with each other, which combinations are safe, and how to adjust formulations for optimal effectiveness.
For instance, some compounds remain effective only for a limited time or under specific conditions, making this expertise essential to create safe, reliable medications fit for each patient.
Final Thoughts on Compounding Pharmacists
At our Cornwall area pharmacies, we understand that each patient has unique health needs, which aren’t always met by standard medications made in large batches. Through non-sterile compounding, we’re able to prepare solutions for those specific needs. From topical creams for skin conditions to flavored liquid formulations for pediatric patients, and even custom vitamin capsules, our non-sterile compounding services are designed to provide you with precisely the care you require.
If you’re in the Cornwall area and are interested in a healthcare experience focused on your individual needs, our pharmacy team at Long Sault Pharmacy and Pharmasave Ingleside Pharmacy are here to help. Stop by or call us to learn more about how compounded medications might be the right fit for you or a loved one. We’re committed to guiding you on your health journey with solutions crafted just for you.
Français 
English