Pharmaceutical compounding is the creation of customized medication. The combined ingredients are in the exact strength and dosage required by the patient according to their own set of unique needs. The benefits of compounding include the removal of ingredients from medicine that cause allergic reactions and customized dosages not available through mass marketed pharmaceuticals. Compounding pharmaceuticals allow for the medication to be created in different forms such as capsules to a cream base for topical application, or in a syrup for easier swallowing. Taste and colour can also be customized for patients, making their medication more palatable.
Pharmaceutical compounding is practiced by licensed pharmacists as regulated by provincial authorities. Under federal jurisdiction, manufactured drugs are reviewed for quality, safety and efficacy, then authorized for sale by Health Canada. Pharmacists who are engaged in compounding must comply with all regulations and standards for this service. Compounding and manufacturing activities are made on a case-by-case basis and customized drugs may be prepared in very limited quantities in anticipation of a prescription order. Also, compounding is only done if there is a lack of product availability and therapeutic need for customized pharmaceuticals. It is good to know that if there is a shortage of a commercial product, the drug may be compounded during this time. A specialty of the field is sterile compounding. Sterile pharmaceutical compounding is a licensed practice only permitted in hospitals or other practice settings with established standards for sterile rooms then the drug is dispensed directly to patients or to those who can administer to their patients in a healthcare relationship.
The Association of Compounding Pharmacists of Canada voluntarily advocate for the historical art of compounding to professional standards of practice. For more information on this association, please see acpcrx.org.
Summerland Guardian Pharmacy has been serving the local community for over a century and we continue to serve our community through these unusual times. If you have any questions about compounding pharmaceuticals or need to talk to one of our pharmacists, please call us. If you need a prescription refill, we have an online service for your convenience.