Compounding
Since our formation in 1996, The Apothecary Shops has been a leader in compounding and specialty pharmacy care and services. Our compounding pharmacists work as problem solvers for both patients and physicians.
Compounding Defined
Compounding pharmacy is the long-standing art and science of preparing medications to fit the unique needs of patients and physicians. Physicians and pharmacists work together with the patient, in an essential triad relationship, to tailor prescriptions to each individual. Our pharmacists participate in detailed counseling sessions with each patient to ensure understanding and compliance.
Our Pharmacists
Compounding pharmacists and certified laboratory technicians employed by The Apothecary Shops receive on and off-site training in compounding techniques and formulations. The Apothecary Shops only use pharmaceutical-grade chemicals and precise equipment. Our sterile compounding facilities are state-of-the-art and comply with both federal United States Pharmacopeia Convention (USP) 797/795 guidelines for sterile and non-sterile preparations.
Examples of Compounding Medications
Compounded medications are made for patients and companion animals that have needs not met by commercially manufactured products. Compounding pharmacists focus on providing innovative care which may involve
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Flavoring
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Making the medicine into a different delivery system such as a liquid instead of a pill
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Preparing the prescription dye-free, sugar-free or preservative-free
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Varying the strength of a medication
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Combining formulations into one, easy-to-use medication
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Compounding an eye drop in a sterile compounding lab
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Preparing medications for veterinarians
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Custom-tailoring medication not commercially available
Quality Assurance
The Apothecary Shops is committed to safety, quality and education. In 2006, we had one of our locations became the first pharmacy in the nation to earn The Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board’s (PCAB) Seal of Accreditation—a system of standards created by some of the leading organizations in Pharmacy.
With the high volume of prescriptions compounded each year, there has been a need for an enhanced, profession-wide system of standards by which each compounding pharmacy can test its quality processes. While pharmacies are regulated by the state, PCAB Accreditation is an even more comprehensive way to ensure a compounding pharmacy is meeting the highest quality, safety and educational standards. It is the goal of The Apothecary Shops to achieve full PCAB Accreditation for all stores by the end of 2010.