Most prescriptions are filled with a medication made by a manufacturer in standard strengths and forms. Compounding is different. A pharmacist combines, mixes or alters ingredients to create a preparation for an individual patient, based on a prescription from a licensed prescriber.
Why a prescriber might order a compounded preparation
- The patient cannot swallow a tablet and needs a liquid.
- The patient is allergic to an inactive ingredient, such as a dye or a filler.
- The needed strength is not made commercially.
- An animal patient needs a dose sized for its weight, or a flavor it will accept.
What compounding is not
Compounding is not a way to make a cheaper copy of a drug that is already available and suitable. Federal and state rules limit pharmacies from regularly preparing copies of commercially available products. Compounded preparations are also not FDA-approved, a point covered in more detail in our article on the difference between compounded and approved medications.
Where Cambria fits
Cambria Pharmacy has a nonsterile compounding laboratory. Nonsterile preparations include capsules, oral liquids, creams, ointments and gels. Cambria does not prepare sterile products such as injections or eye drops.
This article is educational and is not medical or veterinary advice. Talk with your prescriber, veterinarian or pharmacist about your own situation.