The Advancements in Compound Pharmacy

Before expanding on the latest developments in compounding pharmacies, it’s important to understand what it is. Basically, compound pharmacy is term used to explain the process of customizing a drug for an individual. The idea of pharmaceutical compounding has been around for quite a while. In the past, many pharmacists would take the liberty of mixing and altering a drug to fit a patient’s specific needs. This was a very common practice for many years. It sunk out of existence for most of the 1900’s, due to the pharmaceutical companies managing and packaging their own drugs. However, in the past two decades, compounding has made a comeback. Here are some of the recent advancements in compound pharmacies, as well as the emerging benefits of the system. 

National Accreditation and Recognition

Mixing and altering drugs requires an experienced pharmacist with an extensive understanding of how compounding works. In order to recognize these pharmacists as lawful and certified professionals, there needed to be standards and guidelines for these practices. That’s one of the reasons why the Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board was formed. Becoming an accredited compound pharmacy meant that there was more structure, authority, and safety added into each establishment that provided this service. From there, many more organizations and advocacy groups began to form allowing the movement to grow and flourish.

Advancements in Academia

Implementing certain requirements and specifications has spread into the education system, allowing colleges and universities to write more pharmaceutical compounding techniques into their curriculum. Interested students can now learn more about specializing in this area. Continuing education tools, websites, and journals have also been created to help current pharmacists stay up to date on the entire operation. With national recognition, an accreditation board, and educational developments, it’s clear to see that compounding is becoming a normalized method among the pharmaceutical industry.

Connecting the Patient, Physician, and Pharmacist

One of the many benefits of pharmacy compounding is the open communication and the genuine connections formed between the patient, doctor, and the pharmacist. Too often, doctors will prescribe you a certain drug, the pharmacist will prepare it, and you pick it up. There’s not a lot of discussion on side effects, strength of the drug, or alternate dosage. Most of the time, patients will attempt to self-diagnose and take other over the counter drugs to curb side effects, without the advisement of the pharmacist or the physician. When utilizing compounding pharmacy techniques, all individuals involved have an open and intimate discussion on what is best for a patient. This method can include deciding if the medication should be in pill or liquid form, if it should be mixed with other drugs to diminish side effects, or if the strength should be altered. If you’re a person who suffers with any kind of chronic illness, knowing that your drug is designed specifically for you is a relieving experience. While this practice isn’t right for everyone, there’s no denying that individualizing medication is an amazing alternative for many. Find an innovative compound pharmacy in Acworth, GA, and ask your pharmacist if it’s right for you.