Compounded, simply means made from scratch for an individual patient. This is distinguished from a manufactured medication that is made for mass distribution. So, please think of Andrews Apothecary as a pharmacy that specializes in custom blended formulations that are made for individual patient needs. Compounding goes way back in history (think biblical times), but manufacturing of medications really came onto the scene in the late 1800’s. From that point until present day, manufactured medications have been the overwhelming majority of medications dispensed in the United States.
So, why would you need a compounded medication? Great question! If you have a sick child that needs a medication and the manufacturer only provides the medication in a capsule, then we (Andrews Apothecary) can compound that medication for your child into a flavored suspension with your doctor’s approval. Should you have a hospice patient in your home, we can formulate a pain medication (with physician approval) that can be applied topically so that the comatose patient might be comforted, but does not have to be bothered with swallowing a pill. If you have a cat that needs a thyroid medication, then we can work with your veterinarian to compound a formulation that can be rubbed into “Fluffy’s” ear instead of your having to risk life and limb to her teeth and claws. To distill compounding down, we are problem solvers for individual patient needs. As part of the healthcare team, we stand ready to jump in to help when the large manufacturers may not have the best answer for the patient.
If you have been prescribed a compounded medication, then you should know that: The medicine was compounded specifically for you in our pharmacy to fill the prescription your prescriber wrote for you. It was specially made to meet your individual needs. For this reason, no standardized information or literature is available with your prescription. But, this does not mean that we cannot address any questions that you might have. If you have not done so, please discuss this medicine with your pharmacist or prescriber to assure that you understand (1) why you have been prescribed a compounded medicine, (2) how to properly take this medicine, and (3) the interactions, if any, this medicine may have with any other medicines you are taking. Compounding is a long‐standing pharmacy practice that allows prescribers to treat their patients’ individual needs without being restricted only to off‐the‐shelf medicines or devices. This medicine was prepared in our compounding pharmacy to meet the specifications ordered by your prescriber.
Call your pharmacist or prescriber if:
You experience any side effects.
You are taking additional medicines that may interact with this compounded medicine.
You have allergies or other medical conditions that should be noted.
Call our pharmacists if:
Information on the label is not clear to you.
You have any concerns regarding precautions, ingredients, or proper storage.
Our pharmacists are available to address any additional questions or concerns.
Andrews Apothecary — 336-723-1679
