Healthcare costs have been on the rise for awhile now, making it harder and harder for patients in the U.S. to be able to afford medication. The cost of medication, in general, has skyrocketed thanks to a handful of pharmaceutical companies that have tight control over the market. Fortunately, compound pharmacies can offer patients improved healthcare choices.

What is a Compounding Pharmacy?

Compounding pharmacies provide patients with personalized medications instead of having to rely on pharmaceutical companies and their higher medication costs. These pharmacies have licensed pharmacists who combine or create mixtures of drug ingredients to give patients a customized medication at a lower cost. These customized medications can also suit their needs better than medications that pharmaceutical companies manufacture. In addition to keeping prices lower and making medication more affordable, these pharmacies offer several advantages that help give patients better options.

Different Forms of Medication

One of the ways in which compounding pharmacies offer better options for patients is in the forms of medication that are available. Some patients have difficulty swallowing pills, for example. A compounding pharmacist can create medications in forms that are easier to use, such as a liquid form. In other cases, oral medications from pharmaceutical companies do not provide the desired results. A compounding pharmacist can make the ingredients into a topical cream, lotion or gel that patients can apply onto their skin in the affected area. Since the ingredients are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream through this method, they can often produce more effective results in a shorter amount of time. 

Improved Convenience and Ease of Use

Patients sometimes have trouble taking commercially available oral medications due to the flavor they’re given. This is especially true for younger children, as well as pets and some senior citizens, which can make it more difficult for them to get the treatment they need for better health. Compounding pharmacies can create oral medications in a more desirable flavor to make it easier for patients to take. This helps ensure that patients end up taking their medication as directed rather than refusing to take it or not finishing an entire dose. 

Safer Choices

Those who have allergies to ingredients that are commonly used in medications from pharmaceutical companies can benefit from using a compounding pharmacy instead. These pharmacies can make medications that don’t contain ingredients that cause allergic reactions, such as artificial dyes, preservatives or gluten. This makes medications safer for patients with sensitivities or allergies while also helping them keep costs down. 

At Arena District Pharmacy and Central Ohio Compounding Pharmacy, we are proud to offer improved healthcare options for both patients and physicians. Our pharmacies have been 100 percent owned and operated by our pharmacist for more than 20 years. Contact us to learn more about our healthcare options.