How Compounding Pharmacies are Stepping up to COVID-19
Compounding pharmacies are finding new adaptations during the coronavirus pandemic.
Compounding pharmacies have long been the place to go for a customized formulation or dose of any certain medication. They are extremely beneficial in niche situations that require a non-standard dose or dosage form for easier administration. COVID-19 has brought forth new problems for the world, and as always compounding pharmacies are finding some solutions.
The most common way I’ve seen compounding pharmacies aid in the pandemic is through compounded hand sanitizer. Stores like Target, CVS, Amazon, and more are all sold out of hand sanitizer after waves of panic buying that are still affecting us today. Even items like isopropyl alcohol and aloe vera have sold out as people have been making their own sanitizer at home. Compounding pharmacies have gallons of similar ingredients either already available in their stockroom, or for order through bulk industrial suppliers that the public doesn’t have access to. Multiple news stories of compounding pharmacies across the nation have popped up highlighting the in-house hand sanitizer.
VLS Pharmacy, a compounding pharmacy in Brooklyn New York was featured in a BusinessWire article for their custom hydroxychloroquine containing formulation dispensed to over 70 COVID-19 positive patients. This compound was a combination of hydroxychloroquine and other antiviral medications that was specially prescribed by doctors who were unable to find a similar combination. While many traditional retail pharmacies started limiting access to hydroxychloroquine to inhibit hoarding and eventual backorders, compounding pharmacies are still able to order the API as a powder in bulk. VLS Pharmacy was dispensing their formulation in either tablet or capsule dosage forms, but it can also be customized into an oral solution for a pediatric patient, or even a transdermal or rectal form for a patient who cannot tolerate anything by mouth.
Compounding pharmacies have long been the solution to road blocks presented in traditional pharmacy practice, and it has again filled this role when presented with the COVID-19 pandemic.
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