Compounding Pharmacy Questions?

Is this your first experience with a Compounding Pharmacy?

With the following answers, we hope to cover some basic questions and share why Compounding Pharmacy can be great solution.

What is Compounding Pharmacy?

A compounding pharmacy is a specialised type of pharmacy that has highly skilled Pharmacists and staff, that create pharmaceutical grade medication ‘from scratch’ using the raw materials (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients API) that give the product its active nature.
The facilities are fitted with high quality machinery and specialised equipment to ensure the products get made in an environment that excludes unwanted contaminants. For more information visit our page here.

How can this help me as a Patient?

Often the medication that is commercially available on prescription is not an ideal fit for every patient. Because compounded medication is formulated specifically for each patient, it enables dosage, administration method and other variables to be altered to get the right fit for the patient. There are other changes which can be made to medicines, such as converting a oral capsule to a topical transdermal cream. This can be helpful if the patient has a difficult time swallowing.

How do I order a Compounded Medicine?

The process normally begins with a consultation from your Doctor. If your doctor is familiar with compounded medicine then it is as simple as emailing, faxing, bringing in the prescription and we can begin the order process.
If your doctor is unfamiliar with compounded medicine, the best way to order is to book a consultation with you doctor and have them call us 1300 731 755 during your consultation and speak directly with a compounding pharmacist.

Is Compounding legal? Is it safe?

Compounding has been part of the pharmacy profession since the beginning of time, and is widely used today in all areas of the industry, including hospitals and chemotherapy. Over the last few decades, compounding’s resurgence has benefited largely from advances in technology, quality control and research methodology.

Compounding is regulated by 2 regulatory bodies. The Pharmacy Board of Australia and the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia. The TGA, Therapeutic Goods Regulations state that compounded medicines are exempt from registration by the TGA if they are dispensed for a specific patient and compounded by a pharmacist in a registered pharmacy.

Is Compounded Medicine expensive?

This is hard to say in general terms without having specific items. There are some medicines which when compounded can be cheaper than Commercial medicines and some Compounded medicines may contain expensive active ingredients and therefore be expensive.

Some private health insurance companies subsidises Compounded medicine because they are not under the PBS and Medicare benefits.

What can be a Compounded Medicine?

Because of the customisation of compounding pharmacy, nearly any type of preparation can be made. The following list is an example of the different type of medicines and delivery devices.

If there are any unanswered questions please call 1300 731 755 or email us and we will help answer any.