Types of Compounding

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Types Of Compounding

What types of formulations can be made?

Capsules, creams, ointments, gels, troches, suppositories, solutions, suspensions, syrups, sublingual tablets/drops are all examples of non-sterile products. Any product used for injection or inhalation are examples of sterile formulations.

What types of illnesses can compounded medications help treat?

Contemporary compounding has been providing solutions to help with many areas including, but not limited to: Chronic Pain Management, Hormone Replacement Therapy, Pediatric, Veterinary and more.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) – MenM

Introduction:

Hormonal imbalances can occur at any age and affect both men and women. The primary hormone in men is testosterone. As age increases, testosterone levels decline and can lead to a condition known as andropause or more commonly “low-T.” Testosterone deficiency may lead to decreased concentration, lethargy, loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, and depression among other side effects.

How can compounds help?

There are several effective products that exist on the commercial market to help with symptom management. If you have low testosterone and if the current available treatment options are not a good fit for you, your compounding pharmacies can work with your medical provider to create a testosterone formulation for you. These medications may be for oral or topical use. With proper monitoring and dosage adjustments, compounded testosterone formulations can help control symptoms associated with low-T in a safe manner.

Serious side effects have been reported with testosterone including the following:

  • Blood clots in the legs or lungs. Contact your healthcare provider if you notice pain or swelling in the legs, redness of the legs, difficulty breathing, or chest pain.
  • Possible increased risk of heart attack. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of a heart attack. Symptoms include:
    • chest pain
    • feeling of pressure in the chest
    • shortness of breath
    • discomfort in the neck, back, shoulder, or arms
    • nausea/vomiting
    • dizziness or lightheadedness
    • sweating
  • Possible increased risk of stroke. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of a stroke. Symptoms include:
    • sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body (can be in the face, arm or leg)
    • sudden confusion
    • difficulty speaking
    • sudden change in vision
    • sudden trouble walking (may experience loss of balance or coordination).
  • Possible increased risk of prostate cancer. Your healthcare provider will check for prostate cancer before and during treatment with testosterone.
  • Edema with or without heart failure. Contact your healthcare provider if you notice swelling of your ankles, feet, or body.

This is not a complete list of testosterone serious side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Compounding requires a relationship between the patient, physician, and pharmacist. Together, they will work to provide an alternative treatment option when and if the current available treatment options are not the best fit for you.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) – Women

Introduction:

Hormonal imbalances can take place at any age and affect both men and women. Many women experience side effects when dealing with menopause and hormone imbalance. Unstable hormone levels can lead to chronic symptoms and disorders that can disrupt daily activity. Some of these symptoms include but are not limited to: unexpected weight gain, hot flashes, migraines, depression, difficulty sleeping, loss of libido, and fatigue.

The primary hormone of importance in females is estrogen, which exists in three different forms in the body: estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), estriol (E3). Other important hormones include progesterone (P4), testosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). These substances may help restore natural balance in the body and may help alleviate chronic symptoms arising from imbalance.

How can compounds help?

There are several effective products that exist on the commercial market to help with symptom management. Compounding allows for a more personal and tailored dose for you. In addition, compounding offers a variety of dosage forms that will best fit you. By working with your medical provider, compounding pharmacies can create various formulations that may include any combination E1, E2, P4, E3, DHEA, and/or testosterone to help manage your symptoms with the lowest possible dose to alleviate symptoms for the shortest period of time.

Complete medical histories will be taken and evaluated to create a product that will help you manage any issues you might be experiencing. The amount of these hormones will be limited to mimic how they naturally exist in your body to ensure safety. Formulation examples include topical and vaginal creams, oral capsules, and orally dissolving or sublingual tablets. With sufficient monitoring, formulations can be adjusted to help relieve your most bothersome symptoms.

Compounding is a relationship between the patient, physician, and pharmacist. Together, they will work to provide an alternative treatment option when and if the current available treatment options are not the best fit for you.

Chronic Pain Management Compounding

Introduction

Millions of individuals across the world suffer from chronic pain. Chronic pain can be a burden for both patients and their healthcare providers. Optimal pain management is essential for patients to lead productive, enabling lifestyles. Pain can arise due to a variety of different conditions, and as a result, healthcare providers have to use many different approaches for successful treatment.

How can compounds help?

Many medications that are traditionally used to manage symptoms of chronic pain can cause undesirable side effects. Opioid-related medications such as codeine, hydrocodone or oxycodone can be very intolerable in the gastrointestinal system. Treating pain topically is an alternative option to avoid these undesirable side effects. Many pharmacies are able to compound topical preparations that contain various medications to help control symptoms of pain. Because these formulations are applied topically, just enough of the medication is absorbed through the skin to help relieve symptoms at the site of the pain.

Pediatric Compounding

Introduction:

Many medications are not available in child-friendly dosage forms. The most common factors that influence medication compliance among children include taste and appearance. The commercial market does not produce many formulations of medications that are easy to use in the pediatric population.

How can compounds help?

Compounding is an option for helping children get the medications they need in a suitable form. Many medications that may not be available in liquid forms can be compounded into solutions, suspensions, and syrups. In addition, gummy bears, freezer pops, lollipops, topical creams are examples of formulations that may be more child-friendly. Many of the oral alternatives can be flavored to help with medication administration in children.

Veterinary Compounding

Introduction:

Giving a pet medications can be a struggle. Compounded medications are a simple solution for pet owners who have difficulty giving their pets medicine. We understand that your pets are a very important part of your family. A pet can suffer from a variety of medical conditions and because animals differ in their bodily systems across species, treating conditions can be difficult.

How can compounds help?

Together with veterinarians, pharmacists can provide compounded medications to expand the amount of treatment options available for veterinary conditions. Medications can be made in oral liquid, topical, and animal treat forms. These medications can be flavored to appeal to animals, making them easier to administer.