For patients all around the world, getting medication for numerous chronic diseases has always been a straight path. They get a prescription and visit the nearest retail pharmacy. It’s the easiest and quickest way to get the medication but there’s little to no room for personalization. There’s no guarantee a drug that suits the majority of people is going to give the same results to those with special health needs. So, what’s the solution?
Compounding Medication
Lately, there is an increasing demand for individualized medication to fill gaps in the healthcare system. Compounding pharmacies have become a go-to solution for many patients who need a tailored formula. As you might already know, the medication sold at retail pharmacies is made using the same formula worldwide. A flue capsule of a specific formula is the same no matter where you go. But compounding pharmacy isn’t the same as a traditional pharmacy. It is a specialized pharmacy that uses a client-centric approach to tailor medications according to the patient’s unique needs. From removing allergens to changing dosage, compounding pharmacies provide a range of services. While compound pharmacies have several benefits, it’s important to conduct your research on what to expect before visiting a compounding pharmacy. Here are a few tips to help you find a genuine compound pharmacist.
- Check Authenticity
You can begin your search on Google by typing “compounding pharmacy near me”. It’s best to find a local pharmacy but when it comes to medication, don’t limit your search to the nearest options available. Customizing medication required proper qualification and training. So, make sure to check the authenticity of a compounding pharmacy and ensure it’s PCAB accredited. Browse their website to get details like their license, ratings, and accreditation. Compounding medications are not regulated by the FDA which makes it important to check their accreditation. PCAB (Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board) has the responsibility to regulate these pharmacies. If a pharmacy is PCAB accredited, it shows they are authentic and follows the best industry standards.
- Product Sources
Besides the accreditation and qualification of the pharmacists, another important factor is the product sources. You need to check if the pharmacy is sourcing raw materials from an accredited supplier. Many pharmacies provide the details of their sourcing partners on their websites. But if you can’t find details online, contact the pharmacy and ask if their material suppliers are licensed and authenticated. A PCCA-registered pharmacy uses the highest quality ingredients and complies with stringent quality regulations. Besides ingredients quality, you should also find out what type of equipment they use, their testing program, and documentation. Certified compounding pharmacies conduct batch testing of their products to ensure their safety and efficacy.
- Labs & Sterile Environment
Next, you need to find out if they have a professional sterile environment. There are two types of compounding- sterile and non-sterile. If you need sterile compounding, make sure the pharmacy adheres to the strictest sterile compound preparation standards. Sterile laboratories and cleanrooms refer to a controlled atmosphere (temperature, humidity, and pressure) with as few pollutants as possible. It means the medication is prepared in an environment free from contaminants such as dust, airborne germs, vapors, or particles. A cleanroom is set up to guarantee that no contamination occurs during the preparation of your compounding drug.