Do Pharmacists Make Medicine?
A common question people have when they’re considering whether to work in a pharmacy is, “Do pharmacists make medicine?” Pharmacists do create customized treatments for patients.
Not all medications come ready to take. Some people may need different dosages from the standard, and this requires a pharmacist to put their compounding skills to work.
Drug compounding is the process of mixing, combining, or otherwise altering drug ingredients to create a customized treatment that addresses a patient’s unique needs. It can also be an option if there are medication shortages that require providing the same medical benefits to patients but using different formulations.
Some compounding processes are simple reconstitution, such as adding water to a powder formula, while others can be more complex and require a sterile environment. These could involve filling capsules or even preparing injections.
There are very strict protocols in place for compounding, especially involving sterile processes. This is why pharmacists and pharmacy techs who provide compounding services need to obtain additional certifications.
Understanding the Drug Compounding Process
The compounding process in a pharmacy involves three critical steps, beginning with the formulation of the medication. Once the pharmacist receives the prescription from a doctor stating that the patient requires a compound drug, they will usually speak with the healthcare provider to get a good sense of why the compounded drug is necessary.
There could be numerous reasons, including allergies or the need for different dosage strengths. In some cases, formulations might be needed in liquid form when they’re originally in pill form.
Once the pharmacist understands exactly why the custom medication is necessary, they can determine the best formulation and dosage form. The pharmacist will look at the most appropriate form of administration, too, like capsules, liquids, or gels.
They’ll calculate the right dosages and then select appropriate active pharmaceutical ingredients and excipients. The formulation can include stabilizers, preservatives, and flavorings, depending on what the patient requires.
Using specialized equipment, including mortars and pestles, balances, capsule machines, and a variety of other tools, they can seamlessly blend the ingredients so that they’re distributed as needed.
There are two forms of compounding — sterile and non-sterile. Sterile compounding requires a sterile environment to ensure patient safety and prevent contamination. This is essential for medications that are administered intravenously, for example. Non-sterile compounding, on the other hand, doesn’t require the same stringent aseptic conditions.
Once the drug has been made, it goes through quality checks to ensure it’s safe, stable, and as potent as necessary. The checks will monitor the weight variations and the uniformity of the ingredients. Then, the labeling process begins, which includes listing all the required instructions for patients.
Pharmacists & Pharmacy Technicians in Compounding
Both pharmacists and pharmacy technicians can perform compounding, with the pharmacist always supervising the technician.
State laws, employer rules, and training requirements may vary, but often permit technicians to do both sterile and non-sterile compounding. Being able to do this, however, requires the appropriate level of training and adherence to the standards set forth by the United States Pharmacopoeia.
Whether you’re a pharmacist or pharmacy tech, you will need sterile and nonsterile compounding certification. With these certifications, you ensure you are fully compliant with all safety regulations.
Pharmacy technicians will generally prepare and formulate the medication under the guidance of a pharmacist and will follow all accepted protocols to prepare the room for either sterile or nonsterile compounding. They will also prepare the label for the process.
The pharmacist manages all the quality control, ensuring the medications are safe and that they are consistent throughout the batch. They are the ones in charge of setting medication strengths and guiding the pharmacy tech throughout the preparation.
Ultimately, the pharmacist bears the responsibility for the safety of the medication. They decide whether it’s ready for the patient to take.
How RxCe Prepares Pharmacists & Pharmacy Technicians for Roles in Compounding
With the number of healthcare professionals out there, one of the best ways to make yourself a more attractive candidate for competitive positions is to earn additional certifications. Pharmacy tech and pharmacist nonsterile compounding certifications provide the chance for you to stand out from the crowd of potential candidates.
You have the opportunity to apply to compounding pharmacies, too, giving you more opportunities. Additionally, you can use the courses necessary to earn certification as part of continuing education credits to maintain your existing credentials.
