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Your Introductory Guide To Compounding Pharmacies

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If your doctor has given you a new prescription and has told you to take it to a compounding pharmacy, it may not be clear to you what it is. Below are some introductory questions with answers about the basics of this pharmaceutical specialty.

What Does A Compound Pharmacist Do?

Unlike the pharmacists that you are likely used to, a compound pharmacist measures out and mixes prescription medications. These measurements are provided by the doctor and include the exact ingredients they wish for you to have. This is done because the formula is not already made.

Why Has The Doctor Sent Me To A Compounding Pharmacy?

There are a couple of reasons why your doctor may be sending you to a compounding pharmacy with a specially written prescription. The first reason might be that the amount of a particular medication they feel you need is not available in a pill that is already made.

For example, if you take the beta-blocker atenolol for your heart, your physician may feel that 65 milligrams is the optimal dosage for you. However, since this drug is not manufactured in this dose, the doctor will write out the formula for the pharmacist to follow so that you can have the amount you need.

The second reason your physician may want the pharmacist to make your prescription is because of allergies. In the above example, the physician may be concerned about your allergy to the dye or filler used in the heart medicine. A prescription can be written that instructs the compounding pharmacist not to include these in your medicine.

Are The Medications They Make Safe?

Yes, the medications that are made for you are perfectly safe. The pharmacist who has this specialty has taken extra courses and training. They are also required to take training classes every year to maintain their license.

Compounding pharmacists are also regulated by the boards of pharmacy in each state. If you question your pharmacist's qualifications, you can research their background by contacting the board in your state. They can give you information about the pharmacist's training, as well as any complaints or actions that may have been brought against them, as well as the outcomes.

The above explanations are meant to give you a preliminary understanding about taking your prescriptions to a compounding pharmacy. If you have more questions, you may want to contact Camelback Pharmacy or a similar location.


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