Personalized Medicine Meets Your Needs
By Scott Vallee, R.Ph., Northshore LIVING WELL Magazine
Do you have exactly the same needs and wants as everyone else you know? Of course not. Then why do you have to settle for “one size fits all” treatment for your health? Most drugs today are mass-produced, mass-marketed medications. While standard prescription drugs have their place, sometimes you may need something different. On those occasions, compounded medications may be the best alternative.
What Is Compounding?
Compounding is the art and science of preparing customized medications using FDA-approved ingredients by specially trained pharmacists. At one time nearly all prescriptions were compounded, but with the mass production of drugs compounding nearly became a lost art. Recently a resurgence in compounding has been seen as modern technology, innovative techniques, and research allows pharmacists to bring you all the many benefits of compounding.
Who Benefits Most?
It doesn’t matter how effective a medication is if a patient can’t take it. Anyone having difficulty taking any medication or those patients not being appropriately treated by commercially available products is a good candidate for compounding. Sometimes it’s as simple as changing the strength of a medication, its flavor, or the method of administering the medication. Delivery systems available by compounding can include lollipops, gummy bears, sublingual lozenges, suppositories, suspensions, injectables, oral rinses, nasal sprays and rinses, and transdermal gels and creams, just to name a few.
Common uses for compounded medications are bio-identical hormone replacement, pain management, dermatological conditions, anti-aging, treatment of radiation burns, shingles, dental, ophthalmic, pediatric, and hospice care. Even your family pet can benefit from compounding!
Does My Insurance Cover It?
Many insurance plans cover compounds just like a normal prescription. Some that don’t will reimburse patients when a claim form is submitted. Many times compounds are not much more expensive than prescription co-pays. Ask your compounding pharmacist about your specific plan.
How Can I Get Personalized Medicine?
Access to personalized compounded medications is as easy as asking your doctor, dentist, or veterinarian. A compounding pharmacist should be available to answer questions and communicate with your doctor to ensure the best plan for your health care.
For more information on compounding, call C and C Drugs Vital Care in Mandeville at 985-626-0234.
