Working together for healthier living
What is compounding? Compounding is the art and science of preparing custom medications to meet patients unique needs and prescribers exact specifications. The practice dates back to the origins of medicine, although compounding s place in the practice of medicine has changed over the years. Until the mid-20th century, the majority of prescriptions ordered by doctors were compounded. With the advent of mass drug manufacturing in the 1950s and 1960s, compounding began to decline. The pharmacist s role as a preparer of medications changed to that of a dispenser of massmanufactured medications in standardized, one-size-fits-all dosages and forms. Today, doctors are once again seeking more customized solutions for their patients, and leading compounding pharmacies are rising to the challenge. Using state-of-the-art technology and best-practice methodologies, specially trained pharmacists are creating a wide array of innovative, effective preparations, including creams, gels, lozenges, sprays, lacquers and more. MegaAid is among the elite 10% of U.S. pharmacies that have invested in the most state-of-the-art compounding technology available. What this means to our patients is that our pharmacists can deliver more consistent and effective custom-blended medications.
How does compounding benefit me? Comfort, convenience and patient compliance are the top reasons why prescribers choose compounded medications for patients. Many patients are allergic to preservatives or dyes, or require a dosage that is different from the standard drug strengths. Others are unable to use standardized forms of medication due to health issues or personal tastes and preferences. With a physician s consent, a compounding pharmacist can: Adjust the strength of a medication. Eliminate unwanted ingredients, such as dyes, preservatives, lactose, gluten. Add flavor to make the medication more palatable. Prepare medications using unique delivery systems. For example, patients who find it difficult to swallow capsules may instead receive their medication in the form of a flavored-liquid suspension. Parents having a tough time getting children to take medication because of taste can select a flavoring agent that provides both an appropriate match for the medication s properties and their child s taste preferences. Compounded prescriptions are often used with great results in the treatment of chronic pain. Arthritic patients who cannot take certain medications due to gastrointestinal side effects can often tolerate these medications when compounded into gels or creams absorbed through the skin. This transdermal delivery not only significantly reduces the unpleasant side effects, direct application of the medication to the site of pain may even improve its effectiveness.
Frequently asked questions about compounding Will my insurance cover my compounded medications? Check with your plan. In most cases, insurance covers the final cost for compounded medications in the same way they cover standard prescriptions. If your plan requires you to pay your pharmacy directly for compounded prescriptions then submit your invoice for reimbursement. Please ask your pharmacist for assistance in filing claim forms. We re here to help! Is compounding expensive? Fortunately, compounding pharmacists have access to pure-grade, quality chemicals that can dramatically lower overall costs, making these custom preparations very competitive with commercially manufactured products. Is compounding safe and legal? The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has stated that compounded prescriptions are both ethical and legal as long as they are prescribed by a licensed practitioner for a specific patient and compounded by a licensed pharmacy. In addition, pharmaceutical compounding is regulated by state boards of pharmacy. Does my doctor know about compounding? Prescription compounding is a rapidly growing component of many physicians practices. But in today s world of aggressive marketing by drug manufacturers, some may not realize the extent of compounding s resurgence in recent years. Ask your physician about how compounded medications might help you, then contact your MegaAid compounding pharmacist. We ll work together with your medical professionals to help you find solutions.
Prepared specially for you. At MegaAid Compounding Pharmacy, solving individual health-care needs with customized medication is our specialty. Thanks to advances in medicine, and the experience and knowledge of your physician, we re able to provide individualized formula alternatives to make healthier living within every patient s reach. Our trained, dedicated professionals follow strict guidelines in the preparation of this and all the custom medications we produce, so you can rest assured that your unique formula is of the highest quality. To ensure maximum effectiveness from your compounded medications, we recommend you follow your doctor s directions. You ll find complete, easy-to-follow instructions on every package you receive from MegaAid. Do you have questions about your medication? Call your physician or reach out to the Mega Aid Compounding Pharmacy team. We re here to help! Working together for healthier living 1013 Broadway Brooklyn, NY 11221 212-920-4500 Phone 212-320-0434 Fax mega-aid.com Visit Us: