What Is a Compounding Pharmacy? A Patient & Prescriber Guide to Personalized Medication

What Is a Compounding Pharmacy?

A compounding pharmacy prepares personalized medications based on a prescriber’s order when commercially available drugs are not the best fit for a patient.

Most patients first hear about compounding after their doctor mentions it—often because a medication is unavailable, causes side effects, or needs to be customized. Compounding pharmacies serve patients throughout Indianapolis and Indiana by creating medications tailored to individual needs, rather than dispensing one-size-fits-all products.

A Simple Explanation

Compounding is the practice of putting together a medication exactly as prescribed, adjusting things like:

• Dose or strength

• Dosage form (liquid, topical, capsule alternative, etc.)

• Ingredients (removing dyes, sugar, or allergens)

• Combination therapies when appropriate

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In many ways, compounding represents the original practice of pharmacy, where medications were prepared specifically for each patient.

Why Patients and Prescribers Use Compounding Pharmacies

Commercial medications work well for many people—but not all. Compounding helps when standard options fall short.

Common reasons patients are referred to compounding include:

Hormone Therapy

Hormone-based treatments often require individualized dosing or formulations not available commercially.

Pain Management

Customized pain preparations, including topical formulations, may help improve tolerability and adherence.

Allergies and Sensitivities

Compounding allows medications to be prepared without dyes, sugar, corn-derived fillers, or preservatives when clinically appropriate.

Alternative Dosage Forms

Some patients cannot swallow capsules or tablets. Compounding can convert medications into liquids or other patient-friendly forms.

Medication Shortages or Discontinuations

When a medication is unavailable or discontinued, compounding may offer a clinically appropriate alternative to maintain continuity of care.

Real Examples From Our Practice

Compounding is practical problem-solving:

• Liquid medications for patients who cannot swallow capsules

• Customized prescriptions for patients with severe corn allergies

• Dye-free and sugar-free preparations

• Continued therapy when medications are discontinued

• A pediatric case where an autistic child was able to take a needed medication after it was compounded into a custom-flavored gummy

Is Compounding Regulated?

Yes. Compounding pharmacies are highly regulated.

Oversight begins with the State Board of Pharmacy, which licenses and inspects pharmacies. The FDA also has authority to inspect compounding pharmacies and may do so when appropriate.

Compounding pharmacies follow strict quality standards, including:

• USP non-sterile compounding standards

• USP sterile compounding standards

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There are also clear limits on what may be compounded. Certain medications are prohibited, and compounding cannot be used simply to copy a commercial product or reduce cost. Pharmacies may appropriately refuse to compound when regulations do not allow it.

Why Chain Pharmacies Typically Do Not Compound

Most chain pharmacies lack the infrastructure required for compounding, which includes:

• Dedicated laboratory space

• Specialized airflow and compounding hoods

• Extensive documentation, cleaning, and quality procedures

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Because of these requirements, compounding is typically performed by specialized pharmacies with the appropriate facilities and expertise.

For Prescribers: When to Refer to a Compounding Pharmacy

Prescribers may consider compounding when:

• A required dose, strength, or combination is unavailable commercially

• Inactive ingredients are causing intolerance or allergic reactions

• A patient cannot tolerate standard dosage forms

• A medication is discontinued or unavailable

• Individualized therapy may improve adherence or outcomes

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At Dr. Aziz Pharmacy, we collaborate with prescribers to review formulation options while ensuring compliance with USP, FDA, and state regulations.

Compounding Services at Dr. Aziz Pharmacy

Dr. Aziz Pharmacy provides clinically focused compounding services, including:

• Hormone therapy

• Pediatric compounding

• Veterinary compounding

• Low-dose naltrexone

• Pain management

• Gastroenterology preparations

• Dermatology formulations (hair loss, skin conditions)

The Takeaway

Compounding pharmacy exists to answer a simple question:

What is the best medication for this specific patient?

By personalizing therapy when appropriate, compounding supports safer, more effective care.

If you believe a customized medication may be helpful, ask your prescriber about compounding or contact Dr. Aziz Pharmacy to learn more.

*These statements are culmination of the knowledge and experience of the team at Dr. Aziz Pharmacy. The information provided here is for informational purposes only. Please consult your healthcare provider with questions concerning any medical condition or treatment. Compounded medications are not reviewed by the FDA for safety or efficacy.