When you fill a prescription, you may assume every medication comes from the same place: a large pharmaceutical manufacturer. But that's not always the case. Sometimes, your doctor or pharmacist may recommend a compounded medication—a personalized prescription made just for you.

So, what's the difference between compounded and commercial medications, and why does it matter?

Commercial Medications: One Size Fits Most

Commercial medications are mass-produced by pharmaceutical companies. These are the pills, capsules, creams, and liquids you commonly see in retail pharmacies. They come in standard doses and formulas that work well for many people.

• 50 mg and 100 mg tablets of a common blood pressure medication
• A brand-name topical cream for eczema
• An oral suspension available in only one flavor or filler

These medications go through FDA approval at their exact specifications (i.e. dosage, form, delivery, fillers, etc.) and are made in large batches for widespread use.

Compounded Medications: Custom-Tailored to You

Compounded medications are made by specially trained pharmacists using raw ingredients from FDA-inspected facilities to create a customized formulation that isn't commercially available.

Enter heading here...Why might a patient need compounding?

• The commercial version contains an ingredient you're allergic to
• You need a strength or dosage that's not sold by commercial prescription manufacturers
• You require a different form (e.g., converting a pill into a liquid)
• You're a pediatric or elderly patient with unique dosing needs
• You prefer a flavor or delivery method that makes it easier to take

Compounding allows us to personalize medications to meet individual needs, to your prescriber's exact specifications.

Which One Is Right for You?

That depends entirely on your health needs. Commercial medications are convenient and typically widely available—but compounded medications offer solutions when commercial options fall short.

If you're ever unsure why your provider has recommended a compounded prescription, we're happy to help explain the reason. Personalized medicine is all about finding what works best for you.

This blog post is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider with any questions you may have about a medical condition or treatment option.