As a premier compounding pharmacy in Virginia, our pharmacists at Gainesville Pharmacy provide answers to some commonly asked questions about compounding:
- Q: What is compounding?
A: Compounding is the practice of altering the ingredients of a drug or combining two or more drugs to create a medication that is customized according to the needs of the patient. It can only be performed by a licensed pharmacist or a licensed physician. - Q: Why do some people need compounded drugs?
A: Here are some of the most typical reasons why some people need compounded drugs:
- They are allergic to a certain ingredient present in their medication
- They want to add some flavor to their medication to make it more palatable
- Their medication is no longer available commercially or has been discontinued
- They are looking for a more convenient way to take their medication (e.g. liquids, pills, lozenges, etc.)
- Q: What medications can be compounded?
A: Almost any kind of medication can be compounded. Some common compounding applications include Hospice Compounding, Dental Compounding, Dermatology Compounding, Chronic Pain Management, Hormone Replacement Therapy, Sports Medicine, and more. - Q: Do insurances cover compounded medications?
A: This depends on your insurance plan. While many insurance companies do reimburse compounded medications, we suggest that you consult with your insurance provider for more details. - Q: Is compounding expensive?
A: The price of a compounded medication can differ from one product to another, also, since it is different from commercially made medications, their prices are not always comparable. The price of your compounded medication will be discussed by your pharmacist. - Q: Can children drink compounded medications?
A: Yes. Children can actually benefit the most from compounded medications. Parents typically find it hard to get their children to drink their medication – be it because they don’t like the taste or they can’t swallow the medication itself. This is where compounding can help. Remember, through compounding, flavors can be added to your child’s medication and its delivery form can be changed as well – making it easier to swallow and more palatable.
At Gainesville Pharmacy, we strive to be the most trusted retail pharmacy in Gainesville, Virginia. So, if you have other compounding-related inquiries and other questions about our services, don’t hesitate to give us a call at 703-743-5603.