The National Library of Medicine has announced that compounded medications may offer therapeutic alternatives for patients with unique medical needs that cannot be met by U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs.
According to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, compounded medications can provide these alternatives by removing components to which a patient has an allergy or offering an alternate dosage form, such as converting a pill into a liquid for those unable to swallow. This practice allows for personalized treatment options tailored to individual patient requirements.
As reported by the Houston Chronicle, compounding pharmacies create customized medications tailored to individual patients' needs, including specific dosages or alternative drug forms not commercially available. These pharmacies use active pharmaceutical ingredients to prepare new formulations and have evolved from small-scale operations to large manufacturers capable of serving hospital systems and addressing drug shortages. This adaptability ensures that patients do not face prolonged treatment delays.
The National Academy of Sciences is described as a private, nonprofit organization comprising the country's leading researchers. Established in 1863, it provides independent, objective advice on matters related to science and technology. Members are elected by their peers for outstanding contributions to research.
