Differences between Compound and Commercial Pharmacies
One question we get a lot is “What’s the difference between a compounding pharmacy and commercial pharmacy?”. While they are both quality pharmacies, there are subtle nuances between the two that should be understood, and why a TRT clinic would prefer to use a compounding pharmacy instead of a commercial one.
The history of commercial pharmacies and compounding pharmacies
Commercial pharmacies first began to appear in the early nineteenth century. Prior to this, most pharmacists were involved in compounding, which is the process of making medications from scratch using raw ingredients. This allowed them to tailor medications to the needs of individual patients. However, as mass-produced medications became more available, compounding began to decline. Pharmacists increasingly found themselves dispensing ready-made medications rather than preparing them from scratch. Today, commercial pharmacies are the dominant type of pharmacy, and compounding has become a niche practice. Nevertheless, there is a growing demand for compounding services, as patients increasingly seek personalized care. In response to this demand, many compounding pharmacies have opened in recent years. These pharmacies offer patients the opportunity to receive medications that are specifically tailored to their needs. As more and more people seek customized care, it is likely that compounding will continue to grow in popularity.
How do commercial pharmacies and compounding pharmacies differ
Commercial pharmacies and compounding pharmacies serve different purposes. Commercial pharmacies mainly dispense medications that are ready-made and approved by the FDA. Compounding pharmacies, on the other hand, mix custom medications for patients based on a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. One key difference between the two types of pharmacies is that compounding pharmacies must follow USP standards, while commercial pharmacies are not subject to these same standards. This means that the medications dispensed by compounding pharmacies must meet certain quality requirements set by the USP, while commercial pharmacies are not held to this same standard. As a result, patients can be confident that they are receiving safe and effective medications from a compounding pharmacy.
What are the benefits of using a compounding pharmacy
A compounding pharmacy is a type of pharmacy that specializes in creating custom medications. This means that the active ingredients in the medication are specifically tailored to the individual patient’s needs. In addition, compounding pharmacies are able to create medications in different forms, such as gels, creams, or suppositories. This can be beneficial for patients who have difficulty taking traditional oral medications. Compounding pharmacies are also able to flavor medications to make them more palatable for children or adults who have an aversion to certain medicines. Finally, compounding pharmacies can create cheaper generic versions of commercial, brand-name drugs. This can be helpful for patients who are unable to afford expensive medication. Overall, compounding pharmacies offer many advantages for both patients and doctors.
Why do TRT clinics prefer Compounding pharmacies over commercial?
TRT clinics use compounding pharmacies to make patient-specific medications. There are several reasons why a TRT clinic might use a compounding pharmacy.
First, compounding pharmacies can make medications in small batches, so each patient gets a custom-made medication that is specific to their individual needs or for a patient following a specific medication protocol.
Second, compounding pharmacies can make medications that are not available commercially.
Third, compounding pharmacies can make medications that are easier for patients to take, such as liquids or topical gels. For example, compounding pharmacies have ED pills that are chewable and rapid dissolve tablets for easy digestion. These are unavailable commercially.
Fourth, compounding pharmacies can make cheaper medications than what is available commercially. This is extremely important for TRT clinics due to the fact that TRT clinics do not accept insurance. Fifth, compounding pharmacies can make medication that is not FDA approved but may be legal in some states.
Finally, some patients prefer to get their medication from a compounding pharmacy because they believe that the quality of the medication is better than what is available commercially.
The quality of compounded medications is unparalleled. Compounded medications are made specifically for each patient, which means that the best possible quality can be achieved. In addition, because compounded medications are not mass-produced, they cost a fraction of the cost of commercial medications.
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