Compounding

Pharmacy Compounding is the art and science of preparing customized medications to fit the unique needs of a patient. Compounding enables the prescriber and pharmacist to tailor prescriptions to the most appropriate strength and dosage forms. 

Customized prescription compounding is most useful for:

• patients requiring doses of a medication which are not commercially available
• patients requiring a different formulation of a medication for reasons such as difficulty swallowing pills 
• patients who are allergic to certain additives
• children who desire flavored medications
• veterinary medications which usually require different doses, dosage forms, and flavoring more palatable to the specific animal  

Other more specific examples include: 

Compounding for Pain Relief:
Chronic pain can be caused by different conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, migraines, nerve pain, muscle pain, or bone pain. Many patients are struggling daily with this pain despite treatments. There is more to treating pain than with what is commercially available. Oral medications may cause stomach irritation and other unwanted side effects. Not all aspects of pain are targeted with the medications we have on the market today. We can compound topical pain preparations using a “transdermal gel”  to enhance penetration through the skin. Compounding allows us to combine multiple ingredients into a single topical gel which can be applied directly to affected areas.

Compounding for the Pediatric Patient: 
Each child is unique. Commercially available medications don’t always consider the variations in size, weight, allergies, and drug tolerance. Let’s also not forget that not all kids have the same taste buds! Almost every prescription can be flavored to each child’s liking when preparing a compounded medication. We can compound flavored suspensions as well as medicated lollipops. Topical preparations for conditions such as diaper rashes, psoriasis, and eczema are some other examples of preparations that can be customized for each individual child.  

Compounding for the Menopausal Woman: 
More and more woman are seeking natural approaches for treating their symptoms of menopause. Treating menopausal symptoms can be challenging, especially when using traditional medications. Every woman experiences menopause symptoms differently. Likewise every woman has a unique hormone profile. At NuCare Pharmacy, pharmacists work closely with patients and doctors to customize each woman’s treatment. We can compound estrogen, progesterone, and/or testosterone in a variety of dosage forms. Hormones can easily penetrate the skin, therefore one of the most common forms we see are topical. Topical hormone creams are conveniently dispensed in prefilled syringes to assure accurate dosing. Other dosage forms include capsules for oral administration and sublingual drops. 

Compounding for Men's Health (Andropause): 
What sort of drugs can be compounded for men?  Any drugs really if the problem is one where you can't swallow pills and would rather have it in a flavored syrup.  But a compounding pharmacy really comes of its own in the treatment of andropause in men.  Okay, we've all heard of menopause in women but andropause?  As men age, their testosterone levels drop and oestrogen levels increase and this leads to the typical signs of male andropause which include erectile dysfunction, low libido, sleep disorders, depression and mood swings.  Treatment involves re-establishing that balance by supplementing with natural hormone testosterone.  Compounding pharmacies can customize treatment according to your hormone requirements and establish equilibrium in your life again.  Not every man is the same and their hormone levels and requirements will vary.  A tailor made solution for your problem is the ideal treatment option.  Ask about Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy.  

Compounding for the Breastfeeding Mom: 
A common issue encountered by moms who breast feed is yeast infection of the nipple. Yeast is a fungus that thrives on milk on the nipples, in the milk ducts, and in the baby's mouth. Some common signs and symptoms women experience are intense pain of the nipple/and or breast, cracked nipples, itchy and/or burning nipples. Over the counter products as well as prescribed treatments are often used. Many prescribers prefer to treat with a "compounded" prescription which contains multiple ingredients. A common "nipple cream" contains one or more antifungals, an anti-inflammatory and an antibacteral agent. The combination addresses many causes of nipple pain and/or trauma.