Q: What exactly is pharmaceutical “compounding”, and how can it benefit me?
A: “Compounding” is the art and science of custom-making personalized medications from scratch by trained personnel using quality ingredients. The ingredients are mixed in the exact strength and dosage form required for therapy, and the final product can be a capsule, liquid suspension, suppository, lozenges and troches, topical cream, soft chews, lollipops, etc. At Pharmasave Steveston Village, this means both prescription and non-prescription medications can be personalized for you and your pets.
A major problem with compounding is that many pharmacies claim they “can compound” but compounding is not fully regulated in Canada, so it is up to you to choose a pharmacy that truly knows what they are doing because a slight mix-up in calculations or deviation in formulation could have dire consequences. How can you tell if a compounder can be trusted? A good place to start is to see if they are a member of the Professional Compounding Centers of America (“PCCA”). Membership is only granted to independent pharmacies whose team has completed stringent training and who compounds with passion using the highest quality ingredients, and dedicated tools (eg. Mazerustar Planetary Mixers, ointment mills, electric mortor and pestle; capsules machines… Youtube these!). It is like choosing between a fine restaurant using quality ingredients, as opposed to a fast food restaurant using questionable ingredients, except in this case, we are talking about medications that could have a cascade of reactions in the body, both beneficial and adverse.
Compounded specialties at Pharmasave Steveston Village range from medications in strengths or combinations not available commercially (eg. low doses or flavours for kids; medications for pets; and, elimination of allergens), to those not available on the market any longer (eg. “Pyridium” aka. phenazopyridine for urinary tract pains associated with infections; or, “Bonamine” aka. meclizine used for nausea and vomiting associated with sea- or motion-sickness), to custom paingels and hormone therapy for specific needs of each individual. Come see one of our compounding pharmacists for details.
(Christine and Fred Cheng are a passionate, charismatic sister-brother pharmacist team at their unique, family-owned and operated Pharmasave stores in Cloverdale and Steveston, B.C.)
***All information posted and shared by Pharmasave Steveston Village is offered to provide information and choices regarding nutritional support for various health concerns, none of which is intended to be a treatment protocol for any disease state. The information does not replace seeking professional advice from your physician. Consult your health care practitioner before taking dietary supplements.
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