Custom Medications, Modern Care
What Is Compounding Medicine?
A compounding pharmacy creates prescription medications in many forms and delivery systems—suppositories, emulsions, eye/ear/nose drops, troches, transdermal gels, and more—so patients get therapy that fits how they can best take it. We combine today’s science with pharmacy craftsmanship to tailor strength, ingredients, and format for each individual.
At CareFirst Specialty Pharmacy we value the patient’s right to choose their pharmacy. At the patient’s request we will process a prescription, contact their doctor for a new or refill, or transfer a prescription to the pharmacy of their choice. We are dedicated to our patients and to providing the highest quality of care.
Compounding brings to mind a traditional, well-trained pharmacist formulating medications to order. Today, our accredited team uses state-of-the-art technology and the latest pharmaceutical knowledge to create customized medications in precise strengths and delivery methods.
Mass-produced drugs are not always available in the right dose or in a format that works for every patient. Compounding lets us adjust dosage, combine compatible medications into one preparation, and omit unwanted inactive ingredients like sugar, dyes, alcohol, or lactose.
Our pharmacy follows rigorous Standard Operating Procedures and performs potency testing to ensure every compounded medication delivers the exact dose your therapy requires.
Compounding is ideal when you need:
- Medications that are not commercially available.
- Formulas without unwanted excipients (sugar, dyes, alcohol, lactose).
- Alternative dosage forms that make administration easier (lollipops, sublingual drops, “chewies,” transdermal gels, troches, creams).
- More precise or combined doses tailored to the prescription and patient.
The goal: better adherence, better comfort, and better therapeutic outcomes through personalization. Contact the CareFirst team to discuss the exact dosage form and strength your patients need.
A Brief History
- Early 1900s: most medications were prepared by compounding pharmacists.
- 1950s–60s: mass drug manufacturing surged; many pharmacists stopped compounding.
- Late 1900s: personalized medicine regained importance to meet patient-specific needs.
Prescription Snapshot
- 4.19 billion prescriptions are filled yearly in the U.S.
- Average filled prescriptions per person: 12.7 (ages 19–64), 23.9 (65+), 2.6 (18 & under).
- Compounding makes up roughly 1% to 3% of the prescription market.
- Up to 1% of all prescriptions are compounded daily; 76% of independent pharmacists compound when needed.
Why It Matters
- Allows ingredient adjustments for allergies or sensitivities.
- Changes dosage form for easier administration or better adherence.
- Provides access to medications that are discontinued or in short supply.
- Supports individualized therapy to hit the right dose the first time.
How Compounding Helps Patients
Allergy‑Friendly Formulas
Remove unwanted ingredients such as preservatives, gluten, dyes, sugar, alcohol, or lactose when the therapy allows.
Easier to Use
Change the dosage form—turn a tablet into a liquid, troche, cream, or gel—to make dosing simpler for adults, kids, or pets.
Precise & Personalized Dosing
Dial in the exact strength prescribed or combine compatible medications to reduce the number of separate doses.
Access When Supply Is Limited
Recreate medications that are hard to find or discontinued so therapy is not interrupted.
Patient‑Centered Experience
Match the format to patient preference—chewies, sublingual drops, topical options—to improve adherence.
Quality & Testing
Follow strict SOPs and potency testing so every compounded preparation delivers the labeled dose.