Pain can arise from various conditions or injuries, and each individual’s pain management needs are unique. At Haber’s Compounding Pharmacy, our goal is to address these needs with customized medications, whether the pain is acute or chronic. Acute pain is a type of pain that typically comes on suddenly and is usually caused by a specific event or injury. It is short-term and often resolves once the underlying cause is treated or heals. Chronic pain is a type of pain that persists for a long period, typically longer than three months, and may continue even after the initial injury or illness has healed. It can occur without a clear cause and may become a health condition on its own.
Common conditions that may require tailored pain management include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Cancer
- Multiple sclerosis
- Stomach ulcers
- Gallbladder disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Chronic pain
- Traumatic injury
- Congenital conditions
- Excess weight
- Nerve damage
Challenges with Standard Pain Medications
Many patients face difficulties with over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications when trying to manage acute or chronic pain. Common challenges include:
With OTC Medications:
- Limited Options: OTC medications may not cover all pain management needs.
- Lack of Guidance: Patients often lack specific instructions on using OTC solutions effectively.
- Limited Efficacy: Lower doses of OTC medications may not be effective for all pain types.
- Inadequate for Certain Pains: Some pain types do not respond well to OTC options.
With Prescription Medications:
- Risk of Addiction and Abuse
- Undesirable Side Effects: Including drowsiness, dizziness, and nausea.
- Ineffectiveness for Some Pain Types
- Difficulty Swallowing: Especially with pills.
- Complex Regimens: Managing multiple medications can be overwhelming.
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Such as ulcers.
Benefits of Compounded Pain Medications
Customized Formulations
Tailored to meet the specific needs of each patient.
Variety of Forms
Available as creams, gels, ointments, capsules, and liquids, allowing for easier administration based on patient preference.
Combination Therapies
Multiple ingredients can be combined into a single dosage form to help enhance and simplify therapy.
Allergy/Sensitivity Considerations
Formulated without certain fillers, dyes, or preservatives that might cause allergic reactions.
Pain Management Resources
Managing Pain with Braces, Supports, and Custom Medications
Many pain issues can be caused by biomechanical problems. These can be a result of a traumatic event (accidental or sports), repetitive or overuse, or degenerative due to wear and tear. Many times a substantial amount of the pain can be dealt with by addressing the
source of the biomechanics. This can often be resolved thru surgery or by means of the proper support or brace to take the pressure off the involved joint. Pain medication, commercial or compounded then can be used effectively for breakthrough pain. The proper brace or support can substantially reduce the amount of systemic pain modifying the amount of drugs necessary, thereby reducing the potential side effects that might occur otherwise. An example of this scenario is a degeneration of the medial aspect of a knee joint. This can just be an overuse issue, which might occur during someone’s senior years. There are knee braces called Unloader knee braces that, if measured and fitted properly can help prevent the pain from bone-on-bone gravitational pressure.
At the Amcare Department at Haber’s Compounding Pharmacy you can receive the proper brace that your physiotherapist, orthopedic surgeon, chiropractor, sport medicine practitioner or family physician is recommending. If the brace is going to be claimed through an insurance company a practitioner’s prescription is required.
At Haber’s Compounding Pharmacy, we compound a variety of pain medications to address different types of pain:
- Topical Pain Creams: Applied to the skin for localized pain relief.
- Oral Pain Medications: Customized capsules and liquids for systemic pain relief.
- Transdermal Gels: Gels that deliver medication through the skin for sustained pain relief.
- Suppositories: For patients who cannot take oral medications or need targeted pain therapy.
Our pharmacists work closely with healthcare providers to prepare compounded pain medications tailored to each patient’s needs.