All Patients Are Not Created Equally
Healthcare has gone through a seismic shift. Patients no longer accept standard prescription drugs recommended by doctors and dispensed by pharmacies. Many patients are well-informed and want personalized solutions to stay healthy for longer. Modern patients understand that mass-produced medication is not for everyone but struggle to find customized drugs. That’s where pharmaceutical compounding can help. With the right expertise and resources, pharmacies can use custom compounding to create alternatives to mass-produced medications. This additional step not only increases patient satisfaction but helps pharmacies stand apart from competitors, becoming essential healthcare providers.
Should one size fit all in medicine?
Statistics show that almost 50% of American adults use prescription medication to treat chronic disease, address unpleasant symptoms, or manage pain. With this high demand comes mass-produced drugs to help patients. At the same time, these millions of patients are not the same and should not fit into predefined categories used to manufacture drugs. Some patients have allergies or sensitivities to standard doses, while others are allergic to allergens or preservatives. A select group of patients struggle with dysphagia, which is difficulty swallowing pills. These patients need a solution that is sometimes unavailable on the market. Chronic conditions can need specific drugs or combination therapies that are difficult to source. While mass-produced drugs struggle to meet the unique changing needs of patients, compounding can offer a much-needed lifeline.
The compounding advantage
Customizing drugs is still an option, thanks to compounding. There are several benefits for patients who do not require a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment. Creating a custom drug allows for personalized dosages and forms. The compounding pharmacy can make dosages not available on the market or change to liquid, sublingual tablets and topical creams. Customization also means removing gluten, lactose, dyes, and stabilizers that can cause allergic reactions. Compounding also means custom medication for pediatric, geriatric, hormone, and veterinary uses. These groups all need unique forms, flavorings, combinations, and doses. Compounding furnishes endless possibilities.
Should you invest in compounding?
Is there any benefit to compounding? While patients can receive positive health outcomes from mass-produced options, a compounding solution is not hype. Patients do have unique needs and are willing to work with doctors and pharmacies that offer personalized health solutions. Pharmacies that add compounding services can achieve higher patient retention and customer differentiation. Sometimes, compounding can be more expensive than standard prescriptions, so the service adds an additional revenue stream. Best of all, pharmacies have become more involved in the healthcare landscape, collaborating with physicians, specialists, and unique patients for more effective care.
Custom compounding challenges
Compounding is effective, especially for patients who need custom solutions, but this alternative is not without challenges. Meeting strict production and preservation guidelines is difficult. Pharmacies must keep up with changing or updated standards for sterility and quality control. Along with standard Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines, pharmacists must establish personal, rigorous quality control procedures for sterile and non-sterile drugs. Compounding pharmacies also deal with supply chain issues and drug shortages, which are necessary to create custom solutions. The benefits are outstanding, but compounding should not be taken lightly. The team should look at the potential strengths, weaknesses, and threats and then implement contingency plans as needed.
Meet the demands of patients with compounding
Medication should not be a one-size-fits-all solution. Patients are becoming increasingly aware of the personal, unique nature of healthcare. Standard drugs may not always meet the requirements. Pharmacies that offer compounding can customize drug dosage, forms, and ingredients. The result is a healthier and more satisfied patient. Compounding also allows pharmacies to proactively address shortages, diversify offerings, and become leaders in the community.
