Yes. Children and the elderly are often the types of patients who benefit most from compounding. If prescribed by your health care provider, a compounding pharmacist can alter the strength of a medication or change the form so that it is easier to use. A compounder can also work with a physician and patient to select a flavor based on the patient’s preference. Flavoring options include bubble gum, grape, tutti frutti and vanilla butternut, among many others. Compounding pharmacists also can help patients who experience chronic pain. For example, some arthritic patients cannot take certain medications due to gastrointestinal side effects. Working with a physician’s prescription, a compounding pharmacist can provide these patients medications as topical creams that can be absorbed through the skin. Compounded prescriptions frequently are used to ease pain, nausea and other symptoms for hospice patients as well.
