We may all need to rely on medication for our well being at some point in our lives. But unfortunately, the standardised dosages in some commercially available medications do not meet the specific needs of some individuals. In such cases, a compounding pharmacy may be required to customise the patients’ medication.

Most people don’t know about the concept of compounding pharmacy, or its difference from a regular pharmacy. In this article we explain the basics and why you may need one.

What is compounding?

Compounding (in the field of pharmacy) is the art and science of creating and customising pharmaceutical products depending on the patient’s unique needs, which cannot be met by commercially available products.

It is a service provided by some pharmacies, performed by a trained pharmacist who works with prescribers and doctors to bridge gap left by commercially available medications.

What’s the difference from a normal pharmacy?

The main function of both types of pharmacies is to prepare the medications prescribed for patients. The major difference is that normal or regular pharmacies provide a commercial version of a drug with a standardised dosage, while a compounding pharmacy can offer you a personalised medication and can provide the perfect dose for you depending on your medical condition.

Compounding pharmacies are really important for those patients who were not able to use commercially manufactured medications. Here are some of the benefits with a compounding pharmacy:

1. Compounding pharmacy helps the patient to take medication easier
2. Compounding pharmacy allows patients to have access to discontinued medications  and even  hard to find medications
3. A compounding pharmacy can provide the proper dosage of medication with exact strength for you
4. A compounding pharmacy can make your medication allergy-friendly.
5. A compounding pharmacy offers unique services that you will never experience in other larger Pharmacy chains.

What is involved?

Some people experience challenges in taking medication such as; stomach problems, hesitancy in taking medication due to taste, struggling with swallowing pills, needing different dosage than that made available commercially, and refusing medication (pets and children).

To solve these problems experts came up with the safest solution by compounding medication to:

1. Create an exact dosage perfect for the specific need of a patient
2. Customise the medication in another form to make it easier to use like changing unpleasant flavor to fruity flavor, and pill to liquid form.
3. Eliminate offensive ingredients that cause problems without sacrificing the effectiveness of the medication, especially for a patient who is sensitive and has allergies.
4. Meet patients dietary preferences like in a vegetarian (eg. cellulose) capsule rather than a meat-sourced capsule (eg. gelatin)

Compounding pharmacists can develop expert formulas specialty for animal or veterinary medicine, cosmeceuticals. dermatology, hormone therapy, ain management, and sports medicine.

Rules Around Compounded Medication – FAQs

Can anyone use compounded medications?

Yes! Anyone can be prescribed a compounded medication. This medication is intended especially for people who need special medical services that cannot be treated by commercially manufactured drugs

Is compounding legal and safe?

The registration for pharmacists including compound is scrutinised and validated by the Pharmacy Board of Australia. Even though most pharmacies can prepare simple compound medicines, some should still undertake further training and education to assure the effectiveness and safety of the medication.

Does compounded medication require a prescription?

Yes, the prescription is the primary document you need for your compound medication. This will serve as the basis of the expert in tailoring the best medication for you.

Is compounding expensive?

The cost of compound medication depends on the type of dosage form and equipment required, duration of researching and preparing the medication, and the necessary raw ingredients.

Services Commonly Provided by Compounding Chemists

Customisation of Medications

Compounding chemists can adjust dosages, change medication forms, and combine multiple drugs into one, ensuring each patient receives a solution that fits their needs.

Helping People with Allergies

For patients who are allergic to certain ingredients, compounding chemists can create medications without these components, allowing for safer treatment options.

Helping People Who Can’t Swallow Pills

Some patients have difficulty swallowing pills. Compounding chemists can prepare medications in alternative forms like liquids or lozenges to make administration easier.

Combining Multiple Medications

For those who take multiple medications daily, compounding chemists can combine these into a single dose, simplifying the process and improving compliance.

Improving Flavours

Compounding chemists can enhance the taste of medications, particularly for children, by adding flavors that make the medicine more palatable.

Unavailable or Discontinued Medications

When certain medications are no longer available commercially, compounding chemists can recreate them, ensuring continuity in patient care.

Compounding Specialities

• Veterinary Compounding – Creating custom medications for pets.
• Pediatric Compounding – Child-friendly medication forms and flavors.
• Sports Medicine – Tailored medications for athletes.
• Palliative and Aged Care – Specialised formulations for elderly and terminally ill patients.
• Pain Management – Customised pain relief solutions.
• Fertility and Hormones – Hormonal treatments adjusted to individual needs.
• Anti-Aging and Skincare – Personalised skincare formulations.

Diabetes Management at Greg Keily Chemist

A compounding pharmacy is the best place for people with unique medication needs. If you require a compounding pharmacy on the Gold Coast you can send your prescriptions to Greg Keily Chemist in Southport.

We are a compounding pharmacy that provides a large range of specialist compounded medicine, teamed with our knowledge and skills to suit your specific needs.

We are also an NDSS accredited pharmacy. This means that we can supply consumables (such as Blood Glucose testing strips, Syringes, and Needles) at a reduced price, to people suffering from Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational diabetes.

If you need any further information regarding compounding pharmacy, our Pharmacist and staff are happy to talk. Contact us or call us on 07 5555 7877.

You can also email us on info@gregkeilychemist.com.au.