For example: A patient may require a dose of thyroid medication (T4 and/or T3), but the dose necessary to balance their levels is not commercially available. A prescription can be compounded to make the required dose and can even combine the T4 and T3 into one capsule. This formulation can be immediate-release or sustained-release based on the prescriber's specifications.

Elimination of problem-causing excipients such as dyes, sugar, lactose, or alcohol

For example: A patient has an allergy to gluten, but some of the medications they take list gluten as one of the inactive ingredients. A compounding pharmacy can formulate many medications with inactive fillers other than gluten or lactose or whatever the problem causing agent may be.

Combining preparations for easier administration and improved compliance

For example: A patient's provider finds their lab results to be low in Estradiol, Progesterone, and Testosterone. If the prescriber states that all of the hormones may be taken at the same dosing interval (ex. twice daily), then a compounding pharmacy can formulate all three ingredients into a topical cream or sublingual troche or sustained-release capsule for more convenient administration.

Creative devices for ease of administration and improved accuracy

For example: A patient is directed to apply a gram of cream, but the cream is in a tube and no measuring device is provided. While it is sometimes acceptable to say that a gram of cream is about the size of a dime, there are often times when a more accurate measurement is required. A compounding pharmacy can dispense creams in topical syringes, metered pumps, or a variety of other devices that keep dosing as accurate as possible.

Innovative options in libido enhancement

For example: A patient is interested in some form of libido enhancement, but is reluctant to try one of the oral medications for fear of the possible side effects as well as the inconsistent results in oral dosing for women. Primarily designed forwomen, a compounding pharmacy can formulate topical libido creams that work locally to increase sensitivity and blood flow. The pharmacy can work with your provider to choose from the many formulations available.

Powerful topical gels and creams for pain management

For example: A patient with painful osteoarthritis is beginning to show signs of gastrointestinal ulceration after many years of taking oral pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications. A compounding pharmacy can work with your prescriber to design a powerful topical medication that you can apply directly to the painful area and avoid the astrointestinal complications associated with many of the oral alternatives. Some of the possible ingredients include: Ketoprofen, Ketamine, Cyclobenzaprine, Clonidine, Piroxicam, Gabapentin, Menthol, and Capsacian.