Solving problems with custom medications
Our compounding professionals can compound medications which are not commercially available.  Indications where this may be beneficial include:
*Providing a medication in a strength not made by manufacturers
*Providing the drug in a dosage form not made by manufactuerers
*Providing a dosage form that is free from an ingredient that the patient is sensitive to such as dyes, alcohol, preservatives, etc.
All of the ingredients we use are top quality and meet all government regulations.  We do not copy commercial formulations as that would be patent infringment. By making a custom medication specifically designed for the patients,  outcomes can often be better than just using what is commercially available. In addition to preparing very precise formulas, we provide mechanisms for the patient or caregiver to accurately measure and administer the medications. The following are some examples of therapy where compounding has proven to be very successful.

Bio-identical hormone therapy
Our staff can prepare dosage forms using hormones such as progesterone, estrogens, and testosterone to treat hormone imbalances.  These ingredients are the same exact chemicals that are present in the human body.  Therefore, the therapy is just replacing what is deficient.  Topical gels and creams which are absorbed through the skin are commonly used enabling dosage adjustments which are not possible with commercial oral preparations. Our service includes a detailed evaluation, accompanied by a saliva test, which enables our trained pharmacists to recommend or monitor the hormone therapy for both men and women.

Pain and nausea control
Often times, patients in severe pain or nausea are unable to tolerate medications by mouth.  This is very common with hospice patients.  Therefore topical administration may be a preferred route.  By preparing topical gels and creams that are absorbed through the skin, the goal of pain and nausea control can be achieved, and many times without some of the side effects experienced with oral dosage forms.  One of the biggest benefits of compounding is the ability to fine tune the dosage to fit the needs of the patient thereby maximizine the effectiveness while minimizing the unwanted side effects.

Nail fungus
Patients who have unsightly toenails or fingernails due to fungal infections may benefit by a topical solution prepared by our staff which includes one or more antifungal ingredients. This solution penetrates the nails and kills the fungus.  The actual ingredients are determined by the physician,.All are antifungals currently in use in other dosage forms. 

Veterinary
Because animals come in so many species, sizes, and shapes, there is a need to provide custom dosages for them.  Many times the best drug for treatment may not be commercially available in a dosage form suited to the animal.  For example, a topical medication applied to a cat‘s ear would be more acceptable to the owner to use than trying to get the cat to swallow a capsule or a powder added to food.  Our compounding pharmacists are available to formulate these kinds of medications for almost any non-meat producint animal.

Summary
Compounding strives to solve problems which have not been taken care of by conventional medications.  Our pharmacists work in a triad relationship, patient-physician-pharmacist, to determine the best course of therapy.  All of our compounds dispensed require a prescription order from a licenses physician.  Compounding may offer a therapeutic advantage, financial advantage, or both.