Compounded Medications

What is compounding?

Frequently asked questions about compounding.

How do compounded medications benefit me?

There are several reasons why pharmacists compound prescriptions. Many patients are allergic to preservatives or dyes or are sensitive to standard drug strengths. With a physician’s prescription, Lancaster Wellness Pharmacy can change the strength of a medication, alter its form to make it easier for the patient to ingest, or add flavor to it to make it more palatable. As a compounding pharmacy, we can also prepare the medication using several unique delivery systems, such as  lozenges, lollipops, or even a transdermal gel. For those patients who have a difficult time swallowing a capsule, a compounding pharmacist can make a suspension or suppository instead.

What are the most common conditions that can
be treated with compounded medications?

Topical Pain Medication: •Arthritis/Neuropathic/Joint pain •Migraine Pain

Skin Treatments: •Safe Skin Treatments (eczema) for infants •Anti-Aging Creams

Rectal Rockets: •Hemorrhoids

Sildenafil Troche: A faster acting and more affordable treatment for erectile dysfunction in men.

Specialized Cream and Ointments: •Eczema •Psoriasis •Acne (for treating resistant patients)

Scar Treatments

Oral Treatments including: •Ulcers, •Burning Mouth

Foot Ailments including:
•Athlete’s foot •Diabetic wounds and ulcers •Dry, calloused skin •Hyperhidrosis •Inflammation •Nail fungus •Neuropathic pain •Non-surgical nail removal •Plantar fasciitis •Warts

Natural, Compounded Hormone Replacement Therapy, including:
•Andropause (male menopause) •Decreased libido •Estrogen excess •Hypothyroidism •Infertility •Menopause •Perimenopause/Pre-menopause •Progesterone deficiency

Can my child (or my elderly parent) take compounded medication?

Yes. Children and the elderly are often the types of patients who benefit most from compounding. Often, parents have a tough time getting their children to take medicine because of the taste. Our compounding pharmacist can work directly with the physician and the patient to select a flavoring agent, such as, vanilla, chocolate or tutti frutti, that provides both an appropriate match for the medication’s properties and the patient’s taste preference.

Compounding pharmacists also have helped patients who are experiencing chronic pain. For example, some arthritic patients cannot take certain medications due to gastrointestinal side effects. Working with their physician, we can provide them with a topical preparation with the anti-inflammatory or analgesic their doctor has prescribed for them. Lancaster Pharmacy is pleased to offer patients the Ultimate Arthritis Kit which offers patients effective relief with our specially compounded formula.

What kinds or prescriptions can be compounded?

Almost any kind. Compounded prescriptions are ideal for any patient requiring unique dosages and/or delivery devices, which can take the form of solutions, suppositories, sprays, oral rinses, lollipops, and even as transdermal sticks. Compounding applications can include; Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy, Veterinary, Hospice, Pediatric, Dental, Otic, Dermatology, Medication Flavoring, Chronic Pain Management, Neuropathies, Sports Medicine, Infertility, Wound Therapy, Podiatry, and Gastroenterology.

Is prescription compounding safe?

Compounding has been part of healthcare since the origins of pharmacy and is used widely today in all areas of the industry, from hospitals to nuclear medicine. Over the last decade, compounding’s resurgence has largely benefited from advances in technology, quality control and research methodology. Compounded prescriptions are both ethical and legal as long as they are prescribed by a licensed practitioner for a specific patient and compounded by a licensed pharmacy like Lancaster Wellness Pharmacy in Kitchener.

Does my doctor know about prescription compounding?

Prescription compounding is a rapidly growing component of Kitchener/Waterloo physicians’ practices. But in today’s world of aggressive marketing by drug manufacturers, some may not realize the extent of compounding’s resurgence in recent years. Lancaster Wellness Pharmacy is committed to providing high-quality compounded medications in the dosage form and strength prescribed by the physician. Working together with patients and physicians, we solve many unique medical problems.

Is custom prescription compounding right for me?

Ask your physician or call Lancaster Wellness Pharmacy today to learn about the benefits of custom prescription compounding. Depending on your condition, we may have access to treatment options your doctor is not familiar with or is not aware can be supplied in Kitchener/Waterloo. If you have a condition like Multiple Sclerosis, recurring pain, thyroid problems, or anything which you have not found satisfactory treatment for, check with Lancaster Wellness Pharmacy to find out if you have options you didn’t know about that you can then share with your physician.

 What is veterinary compounding?

Pharmacy compounding is becoming a popular solution to veterinary problems. As any pet owner is well aware, animals may be extremely difficult to treat with medications. Cats are notorious for refusing to swallow a pill, and will usually eat right around one disguised in food. An antibiotic that works for an 80 lb. Golden Retriever is far too much for a six lb. Yorkie to handle. Humans and their animals often have variations of the same diseases, including skin rashes, heart conditions, eye and ear infections, cancer and diabetes. Pet medications, though, present unique problems that are often best dealt with through compounding. By working closely with your veterinarian, the Pharmacists at Lancaster Wellness Pharmacy can prepare medicines into easy-to-give flavoured dosage forms that animals devour, whether your pet is a cat, dog, ferret, bird or snake.

Just like their owners, animals are individual and unique. They come in different shapes and sizes. As a result, not all commercially available medicines are appropriate for your pet. Commercial medicine often comes in large tablets or capsules of 100 mg or more. But a small kitten may need a dose of only 15 mg. That’s where veterinary compounding is especially helpful. In this situation, your veterinarian can prescribe a tuna flavoured suspension with an amount that is exactly right for your pet’s size and condition.

From time to time, a manufacturer will discontinue a medication used in veterinary applications. In a situation where a medication has worked well for a particular animal, we can obtain the ingredients and prepare a prescription for the discontinued product at a dosage strength and dose form appropriate for that pet’s specific needs. We can compound for pets in many different formulations including creams, ointments and lotions, yummy flavours, sugar-free, powders, gels, chewable flavoured lozenges, drops, rectal suppositories and individual concentrated doses.

Still have questions?

Call us at 519-745-4444, email us or simply drop in. We are always available to answer any and all questions you may have about compounded medications.