Compounded medications are quite the opposite of generic drugs. While generic drugs are mass-produced to copy name-brand pharmaceuticals, compounded medications are custom made according to specific prescription directives from a physician.
Custom-compounded medications may be used in such cases as:
The medication that would have been prescribed is now discontinued or scarce. Sometimes a manufacturer will cease production on drugs because they are no longer making money.
The patient has allergies to certain ingredients (such as binders or dyes) that happen to be in the medication they need.
The patient has specific dosage needs that don’t match the strengths available in ready-made pharmaceuticals. Some patients may need a lower dose or a much higher dose and compounding accommodates this.
Combining medications to make it easier to ingest.
Offering medication in another form to accommodate a patient’s needs. Liquids, creams, and flavoring are alternatives that make it easier for people to take the medication.