Personalized Medications Tailored for You
At Haber’s Compounding Pharmacy, we specialize in both sterile and non-sterile compounding, providing personalized medications to meet the unique needs of each patient. Our compounding services are available at our convenient location, ensuring you have access to the highest quality customized medications.
What is Compounding?
Compounding is the art and science of creating personalized medications tailored to meet the specific needs of individual patients. Unlike mass-produced medications, compounded medications are prepared by specially trained pharmacists who mix ingredients to the exact strength and dosage form required by the patient and prescribed by their doctor. This process allows for customization in various aspects, including flavor, dosage, and form (such as capsules, creams, gels, or liquids).
Why Choose Compounding?
Commercial Medications are Unavailable
Shortages or discontinuations of commercially available drugs can leave patients without essential medications. Compounding provides an alternative source.
Allergies and Sensitivities
Patients with allergies or sensitivities to dyes, preservatives, or other additives can receive medications free from these ingredients.
Unique Dosage Requirements
Pediatric, geriatric, or veterinary patients often require doses that are not commercially available.
Alternative Dosage Forms
Compounded medications can be prepared in forms that are easier for patients to take, such as flavored liquids, transdermal gels, or suppositories.
Sterile vs. Non-Sterile Compounding: Understanding the Difference
Understanding the difference between these two types of compounding is essential for ensuring the right approach to your medication needs.
Sterile compounding involves the preparation of medications in an environment free from bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. This type of compounding is used for medications that are to be administered via injection, infusion, or application to areas of the body that are highly susceptible to infection, such as the eyes.
Common Sterile Compounded Medications:
- Injectables: Medications administered directly into the bloodstream, muscles, or under the skin.
- IV Infusions: Intravenous solutions used for hydration, nutrition, or medication delivery.
- Ophthalmic Preparations: Eye drops and ointments.
Key Features of Sterile Compounding:
- Controlled Environment: Performed in a cleanroom or laminar airflow hood, where air quality and surfaces are strictly controlled to prevent contamination.
- Stringent Protocols: Follows rigorous protocols to ensure sterility, including the use of sterile equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE), and aseptic techniques.
- Regulatory Standards: Adheres to National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities’ (NAPRA) Model Standards for Pharmacy Compounding, which set the standards for sterile compounding practices to ensure patient safety.
Non-sterile compounding involves the preparation of medications that are not required to be sterile. These medications are typically administered via routes that do not require sterility, such as oral, topical, or rectal.
- Common Non-Sterile Compounded Medications:
- Oral Solutions and Suspensions: Liquid medications for patients who have difficulty swallowing pills.
- Topical Creams and Ointments: Medications applied to the skin for localized treatment.
- Capsules and Tablets: Customized dosages in solid form.
- Suppositories: Medications administered rectally or vaginally.
Key Features of Non-Sterile Compounding:
- Flexible Formulations: Allows for a wide range of formulations, including changes in dosage strength, flavor, and form.
- Customized Medications: Ideal for patients with allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients or those who need specific dosage adjustments.
- Regulatory Standards: Adheres to Canada’s Policy on Manufacturing and Compounding Drug Products (POL-0051), which set the standards for non-sterile compounding practices to ensure consistency and safety.
Quality Guidelines for Compounding
Ensuring the highest quality of compounded medications involves adherence to rigorous standards:
Ingredient Quality
Only high-quality, pharmaceutical-grade ingredients are used in compounding.
Sterile and Non-Sterile Compounding
For medications that must be sterile (such as eye drops or injectables), compounding is done in a controlled, clean environment to prevent contamination. Non-sterile compounding follows stringent hygiene and preparation protocols.
Training and Certification
Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians involved in compounding must undergo specialized training and certification to ensure they are knowledgeable about compounding techniques and safety practices.
Equipment and Facilities
Compounding pharmacies must use state-of-the-art equipment and maintain facilities that meet or exceed regulatory standards.
Testing and Verification
Compounded medications undergo rigorous testing for potency, purity, and stability. Regular quality checks and third-party testing help ensure that each medication meets the required specifications.
Commitment to Excellence
Haber’s Compounding Pharmacy is dedicated to providing personalized care and high-quality medications tailored to the unique needs of our patients.
We adhere to all regulatory guidelines and quality standards.
If you have any questions about compounding or need a customized medication, please contact us. Our experienced pharmacists are here to discuss your needs and provide you with the best possible solutions. Your health and well-being are our top priorities, and we are committed to delivering the highest standard of care.