Unique Dosage Forms

An important benefit is the compounding pharmacist’s ability to alter the delivery system of medications.


Working closely with a healthcare provider, a compounding pharmacist can develop a dosage form that works best for the patient. Many medications, such as some used to treat aches and pains, are commonly available as capsules or tablets. However, medications taken orally must pass through a patient’s digestive tract before making their way into the system, which may delay the effect of the medication or result in gastrointestinal side effects.

With the prescriber’s consent, a compounding pharmacist can prepare many of these medications as topical preparations — creams, lotions, solutions, or gels which are applied directly to the skin. Topical preparations allow the drug to be absorbed through the skin and enter tie bloodstream, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract and potentially minimizing the related side effects. Some medications also may be formulated in dosage forms such as flavored troches, which dissolve in the mouth and quickly enter the bloodstream.

Testosterone Supplementation

Your compounding pharmacist can tell you that hormone replacement therapy isn’t just for women — many men can benefit from it too! Recent research has identified a number of common physical and emotional symptoms experienced by men as they age, including: decreased libido, muscle mass, strength, and stamina; impotence; osteoporosis; heart disease; sleep disorders; depression and anxiety. Many of these men might be diagnosed properly with “andropause” or & “male menopause” a condition related to decreasing levels of testosterone or increasing levels of estrogen.

Your natural balance may be restored though supplementation of the hormone testosterone, which has been shown to relieve the symptoms of andropause. Of course, not all men are the same — different men may need different amounts of testosterone to help address their individual symptoms. The value of hormone replacement through pharmacy compounding is its ability to fit your unique body and hormone levels, resulting in better accuracy and a healthier balance.