Medication compounding is the pharmacy practice of combining pure chemicals to create one-of-a-kind medications specific to doctor-prescribed dosages and formulations. Staff members at our compounding pharmacies have extensive training to mix, prepare and package customized medications.

Pharmacists may compound prescription medications to:

• Create patient-specific dosages to accommodate an in-between dose or to match a particular patient's weight and size
• Combine some multiple medications into a single dose
• Prescription delivery upon request, in select areas.
• Change the dosage form to one that's easier to take. For example, we can create a liquid suspension for a child who has trouble swallowing capsules or tablets
• Develop allergy-free formulations, change or remove inactive ingredients such as preservatives, dyes or lactose

Compounded Dosage Forms

Each compounded prescription comes with instructions that will help you properly take your medication. Dosage forms can be compounded for pain management, hormone replacement therapy, pets and more.

Common dosage forms include:

• Capsules
• Creams, gels, lotions and ointments
• Liquid formulations such as suspensions and solutions
• Lollipops
• Lozenges
• Mouthwashes
• Suppositories

Q: Why would your doctor prescribe a compounded medication?

A: Based on your specific health needs, your doctor determined creating a customized medication for you or loved one is the best treatment plan available. Some reasons may include:

• The medication prescribed is no longer commercially available
• You may be able to take a single dose of certain combined medications
• One dosage form may be easier to take (e.g. converting a tablet to a liquid)
• Changing inactive ingredients could help you avoid allergy issues
• Creating pediatric dosages and formulations that may not be readily available

Q: What type of medication formulas can be compounded?

A: At Black Oak we can fill prescriptions that are considered "simple compounds" such as those requiring the addition of flavorings, or a combination of two or more liquid dosage forms. For example, we can compound medication that's easier to swallow, or easily applied to the skin or combined with a medicated mouthwash. Some of the more complex dosage forms include:

• Regular and slow-release capsules
• Creams, gels, lotions and ointments
• Lollipops/lozenges
• Suppositories
• Suspensions

Q: Why compound my medication at Black Oak?

A: We feature dedicated staff with extensive training in order to mix, prepare and package customized compounded medications. Guidance is provided, along with instructions that will help you properly take your medication. All of our compounding recipes are fully researched, standardized, referenced and stored in our central database. This will ensure accurate and consistent medication compounding.