MDNews - Central New York

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + + ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ COMPOUNDING SPOTLIGHT +++ +++ Compounded Medications Getting PersonalWith IT'S A PRACTICE AS OLD AS MEDICINE — COMBINING INGREDIENTS TO CREATE CONCOCTIONS DESIGNED TO CURE A PATIENT'S EVERY AILMENT. TODAY, COMPOUNDING PHARMACIES CONTINUE THIS TRADITION, BUT WITH A MUCH SAFER APPROACH. absorption under the skin. Vitamins and minerals such as vitamin K and magne- sium can be easily added to the cream according to the patient's needs. These transdermal compounded creams are useful in the treatment of complex regional pain syndrome, diabetic peripheral neu- ropathy, fi bromyalgia, lumbar and cervical spine pain, and other difficult-to-treat pain. Compounded medications can also minimize negative side effects. "Transdermal creams have the added C OMPOUNDING PHARMACIES HOLD a unique place in the pharmaceu- tical process. In addition to the normal duties of a pharmacist, a compounding pharmacist can combine a patient's multiple medications into one drug or alter a medication to exclude certain ingredients or perfect the dosage. Developed through a process known as polypharmacy, these bundled or modifi ed medications are unique in that they can be prepared as traditional pills, rapid-dissolve tablets, sublingual lozenges, transdermal creams or even lollipops. "Compounding pharmacies can pro- vide prescription medications that, for whatever reason, are not readily available in the desired form or dosage," says Doug Yoch, owner of Stanley Apothecary, a compounding pharmacy based in Charlotte, NC. "By preparing medications in a customized way, patients are more 16 | Central New York MD NEWS ■ MDNEWS.COM likely to use the medications as directed. That compliance directly correlates to successful medical outcomes." Why Compound? As Yoch notes, compounded medications provide a special benefi t to patients who don't like to or are unable to swallow pills. Being able to change a medication's fl avor and method of consumption is especially useful for young children who may have more selective palates. Compounding pharmacists can also bypass allergenic substances sometimes found in traditional pills, such as preservatives, dyes, lactose and gluten. One of the most common applications of pharmaceutical compounding is the creation of topical pain medications. These creams are lipophilic and hydrophilic and include driving agents such as bromelain and pentoxifylline to ensure maximum benefi t of bypassing the gastrointestinal tract, decreasing the potential for con- stipation, bleeding and other problems," Yoch says. "We are also able to remove or reduce the amount of acetaminophen in oral combination hydrocodone pills so patients with nonlocalized chronic pain can continue taking their medications orally without the risk of liver toxicity." Customizing Capsules The real advantage compounding phar- macies offer patients is the ability to adjust a medication or group of medications to fi t a patient's specifi c needs and preferences. Compounding pharmacists can alter the strength, dosage, ingredients, form and fl avor of a compounded medication as the need arises, creating a drug that's tailor-made for a specifi c patient. These medications afford patients a wider range of options than what is commercially available. Medications that have been discontinued for economic reasons can still be reproduced in a compounding pharmacy, allowing a patient continued access to such a drug if the prescribing physician feels it is more effi cacious than available alternatives. ■

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