Compounding is the process of mixing drugs by a specially trained professional to fit the unique needs of a patient. Originally, compounding was a standard means of providing prescription medications before drugs began to be produced in mass quantities by pharmaceutical manufacturers. Today, compounding is still fundamental to the profession of pharmacy and the demand for compounded medications is increasing. Patients and healthcare professionals realize that the strenghts and dosage forms of commercially available medications are limited and do not always meet the special needs of many patients. A physician can prescribe an individually compounded medication for a patient with an unusual health need. This allows the physician to tailor a prescription to each individual. |
