What Are Compounded Medications?

Compounded medications are custom-made prescriptions prepared by licensed pharmacists to meet specific patient needs when standard, mass-produced drugs aren’t suitable. According to Harvard Health, compounding allows for personalized solutions that address ingredient sensitivities, allergies, or unique dosage requirements that aren’t available in typical formulations¹.

Why Can We Compound Medications?

In healthcare, it’s widely recognized that “one size fits all” rarely works. Compounding provides the flexibility to tailor medications for patients who need something outside of the usual options, whether that’s because of dosage requirements, drug shortages, or sensitivities to certain ingredients. Under a doctor’s guidance, compounding pharmacists prepare these medications, ensuring each one is safe and effective for the individual’s needs. This level of customization offers a reliable alternative when standard medications fall short².

GLP-1 receptor agonists, like semaglutide and tirzepatide (commonly known under brand names such as Ozempic®, Wegovy®, and Mounjaro®), are prime examples of medications in high demand that have faced nationwide shortages³. In response, the FDA permits compounding pharmacies to produce these medications when they’re listed on the FDA’s drug shortage list, ensuring continued access for patients during supply disruptions⁴. However, while compounded medications provide a vital alternative, they are not evaluated by the FDA in the same manner as commercially manufactured drugs, underscoring the importance of sourcing from reputable pharmacies⁴.

What’s in Compounded Medications?

Compounded medications contain the same active ingredients as their brand-name counterparts but can be adjusted in strength, form, or administration method. For example, compounded semaglutide contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic® or Wegovy®, and compounded tirzepatide mirrors medications like Zepbound® and Mounjaro®. This means patients receive the same therapeutic benefits in a customized form⁵.

Additionally, compounded medications may use different inactive ingredients, making them a great option for patients with allergies to specific additives found in commercially available drugs⁵.

How Do Compounded Medications Differ from Brand Names?

Unlike brand-name medications that are mass-produced in standardized doses, compounded medications are crafted in small batches by specialized compounding pharmacies. This allows for adjustments in dosage, form, or combination with other ingredients to enhance effectiveness or reduce side effects. Compounding can also help overcome issues with availability, making it possible to get treatments when branded medications are out of stock or unavailable in the desired form⁶.

This customized approach offers flexibility and accessibility, ensuring patients have the medications they need without compromising on safety or quality⁶.

Are Compounded Medications Safe?

Absolutely. When prescribed through a reputable provider like Measured, compounded medications are both safe and effective. At Measured, we offer compounded medications made with the highest standards in mind. All injectable compounded medications are prepared in sterile, clean-room environments using strict aseptic techniques to ensure they’re free from harmful microorganisms⁷.

Each medication is created by licensed pharmacists in specialized pharmacies that are regulated by state Boards of Pharmacy and periodically inspected by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. These safeguards ensure that compounded medications meet rigorous safety standards, so patients can have confidence in their quality and reliability⁷.

Is Compounding Right for You?

Compounded medications may be ideal if you’ve struggled with the limitations of standard prescriptions, have specific ingredient sensitivities, or need a different dosage form. At Measured, we work closely with our patients to determine if compounded medications could be the best approach, ensuring each treatment plan is tailored for individual health needs and goals.