What are compounding pharmacies?
Compounding pharmacies have been around since the dawn of medicine. In ancient times, those with knowledge of plants, animals, and other environmental materials would work to heal or cure ailments. Often these practitioners would make a tailored solution for an individual and their afflictions. While intentions were good, they didn’t always get it right. In works from the 1740s like John Wesley’s Primitive Physick, or, An Easy and Natural Method of Curing Most Diseases, it was recommended asthma could be cured through a strict diet of boiled carrots.
Modern pharmaceutical science has come a long way since then and now relies on strict scientific peer-reviewed studies and clinical trials to ensure safety. This partnered with rigorous FDA compliance for bringing drugs to market is designed to protect us, the users, and educate us on potential side effects. While over-the-counter drugs are fairly common, what happens when an individual is allergic to a common additive in Ibuprofen? How can safe dosing be provided for people needing hormone replacement therapy when weight, health risks, and deficiencies vary from individual to individual?
Enter compounding pharmacies. Compounding pharmacies provide tailored solutions for patients. This can include over-the-counter medicines with additives removed in case of allergies, changing the method of delivery, or adjusting the dosage to fit an individual. By looking at different types of compounded medications and the purpose of these drugs, we can gain a better understanding of the importance of compounding pharmacies. Read more >
