Medicine has never been a one size fits all solution. While standardized, well-regulated treatments have brought lifesaving benefits to many, there are cases where individualized care may be required.
Compounded medications, when prescribed by licensed healthcare providers, may offer a customized option for patients whose needs are not met by commercially available products. In cases where standardized treatments are not suitable, compounded medications—when prepared in accordance with applicable guidelines—may support individualized care plans.
How can physicians reintroduce the option of compounding to their patients after a half-century of standardized medicine? A recent survey found that 93% of respondents expressed their concerns about the safety of compounded weight-loss medications. However, a separate survey of patients actively taking compounded medicine revealed that more than 95% were satisfied with all non-monetary aspects of their treatment. The gap between these statistics highlights the need for greater transparency and communication. Physicians can play a critical role in bridging this gap. Below are three ways they can foster informed discussions with their patients:
1. Collaborate With Pharmacists Who Do It Right
The public’s concerns about compounded medications underscore the importance of quality assurance and regulatory compliance—priorities shared by reputable compounding pharmacies like MediVera Compounding Pharmacy™. Because compounded medications are not FDA-approved and do not follow standardized formulations, they are regulated differently from mass-produced pharmaceuticals. This highlights the need for patients to receive prescriptions from experienced, accredited facilities.
Accredited pharmacies—such as those certified by the Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board (PCAB)—follow strict guidelines, including USP standards, and provide physicians with a dependable source for patient-specific medications.
Physicians can help build patient trust by explaining how compliant pharmacies prepare medications under tightly controlled conditions, using rigorous protocols for cleanliness, accuracy, and documentation. Transparency around compounding practices and facility standards can help patients feel more confident in their care.
2. Address Questions Thoroughly
Even when a prescription is filled by a reputable compounding pharmacy, patients may still have questions about compounded medications—particularly around their use, regulation, and how they differ from commercially available products. This curiosity is essential: patients should feel empowered to make informed decisions about their healthcare. These questions may arise during in-person visits or through telehealth interactions.
Physicians can support informed decision-making by providing clear, patient-friendly explanations that outline the role of compounded medications when clinically appropriate. Discussions might include how compounded options are tailored to individual needs, what regulatory oversight applies, and what quality standards the compounding pharmacy follows.
Most often, patients are interested in understanding how compounded medications are prepared and whether they are right for their specific situation. By framing the discussion around the patient’s unique health needs—such as sensitivities to inactive ingredients or the need for a specific dosage form—physicians can foster understanding and trust.
Transparent, individualized communication helps ensure that patients feel comfortable and informed when considering compounded treatments as part of their care plan.
3. Provide Context Through Clinical Experience
Physicians have a responsibility to offer objective, evidence-based information about treatment options. While patients may naturally seek reassurance, it’s important to anchor those conversations in clinical appropriateness rather than anecdotal experiences.
Compounded medications, when prescribed in situations where commercial products do not meet patient needs, may serve as part of an individualized care plan. Discussing these situations—such as dosage customization, ingredient sensitivities, or delivery method limitations—can help patients better understand when and why a compounded option might be considered.
Physicians may choose to reference published case studies or survey data to illustrate clinical considerations, while ensuring they do not make generalized claims about safety or effectiveness. Any references to patient outcomes should respect privacy regulations and be framed appropriately within the scope of individualized care.
Empowering Physicians to Bridge the Gap in Compounded Medicine
No matter how clinically appropriate or innovative a treatment may be, patient understanding and trust are essential to successful care. When patients are unsure about the purpose or preparation of their medications, they may hesitate to proceed, even when a compounded formulation has been prescribed to address a specific clinical need.
By staying informed and taking time to educate their patients, physicians can help address these gaps in understanding. Collaborating with trusted compounding pharmacies supports this effort by ensuring that medications are prepared in alignment with regulatory and quality standards.
At MediVera Compounding Pharmacy™, we work closely with healthcare professionals to prepare customized formulations for patients whose needs are not met by commercially available products. Read on to learn how we support prescribers in delivering individualized care.
