Veterinary Compounding is Like a Spoon Full of Sugar that Helps the Medicine Go Down

Long gone are the days of George Bailey helping Mr. Gower at his local pharmacy.  Back then, pharmacists compounded drugs by mixing various ingredients.  The practice has been replaced by mass-produced pharmaceuticals that are often limited in dosage increments and filler ingredients.  That poses a problem for pets and humans alike.  Trying to get a pill down a cat’s throat can be both challenging and dangerous for pet owners.  Not to mention, pets and humans are often more allergic to the filler ingredients in the pills which prohibits them from taking certain medications.

The Medicine Shoppe is one of the few pharmacies left that actually does formulary compounding.  Although most aren’t connected to a soda shop, they still have the home-town feel where you can get to know your pharmacist and tailor your medication to meet your or your pets’ needs.  The Medicine Shoppe also works with many veterinary clinics to provide them with drugs in different formats for easier administration.

Dosage in the pet world is a big concern.  For humans, you basically have 2 sizes: Adult and Child.  For pets the sizes range from a 6-lb. yorkie to a 90 lb. great dane, not to mention all the exotic pets such as birds, hamsters, snakes, ferrets, etc. who may not be so willing to take a pill from you slathered in peanut butter.  This is why it is important to get the right dose for the appropriate pet species, size and condition.

Here today.  Gone tomorrow.  Sometimes it is difficult to find the type of medication that is optimally effective and limited in side-effects.  When you find one that works, you want to continue using it.  Big pharmaceutical manufacturers will often discontinue drugs that are not selling as well, or to give a boost to a slow market with a new drug.  That is often frustrating for people who have relied on these drugs, as well as pet-owners who have finally discovered the perfect drug for their baby.  Compounding pharmacists can prepare prescriptions for the discontinued product at the dosage strength and form appropriate for a pet’s specific needs.