20 October 2008, Monday
Customized Prescriptions
Every person is unique. We have different preferences and needs and this becomes more evident when we get sick. Most of the time, we can take what everyone else takes and get well — but even then, the recovery time varies greatly. We react differently to medications. This is where compounding comes in. Pharmacists mixing, or alter pure, active ingredients to create customized medications for patients according to a licensed practitioner’s prescription.
NECC (New England Compounding Center) is a compounding-only pharmacy that provides patients and prescribers with the highest quality compounded medications and customized prescriptions.
Why is there a need for Compounding?
Availability — there are a number of restrictions for products so there are a lot of limitations to what physicians can prescribe; but if they work with compounding pharmacies, they can prescribe custom-tailored medications for patients.
Stability — as with other things we ingest (i.e. food), medications also have a shelf-life so they cannot be mass-produced. Compounding pharmacies can produce smaller batches for patients to ensure stability.
Allergies — some patients may be allergic to certain contents of commercially available medications. Compounding Pharmacists can alter these medications and remove the allergens.
For example, NECC can provide specialty medications for Interventional Pain Management. Pain is something we deal with everyday. I, for one, make it a point not to take painkillers if I can bear it. I have a high pain threshold but when I reach a certain point where the pain leaves me in tears, I have to take meds. And I don’t take just any painkillers, not all of them work for me anyway. Compounding ensures that the meds you take are the most appropriate for your needs.
