There are specific services that a pharmacy must be able to offer. One of these is compounding medications, which is done by a licensed pharmacist. There are different steps involved when compounding medications. Compounding involves the creation of medications by adding, mixing, altering, or removing various ingredients of a drug or drugs.
One type of compounding is sterile compounding. What is it and why is it important? Find out in this article.
Myerlee Pharmacy is trusted for its sterile compounding service in Fort Myers, Florida. For prescription refills, transfers, or inquiries, call a pharmacist at (239) 482-3022 or contact us online.
What is Sterile Compounding?
Sterile compounding is the process of creating a medication that is free from bacteria, viruses, or any other potentially infectious microorganisms. Sterile compounding is required for medications that need to be administered through injection, IV, or directly into the eyes. There is a very high risk of infection through medications that need to be administered through these routes, so there is a need to perform sterile compounding to achieve a significant decrease in these potential risks.
Sterile Compounding Techniques and Procedures
There are various steps followed during sterile compounding to make sure there is zero contamination of medications. These include:
- Use of PPE. The use of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as goggles, gloves, masks, and hair coverings, is a crucial step in sterile compounding.Myerlee Pharmacy upholds this in our Fort Myers sterile compounding pharmacy.
- Use of a compounding hood. The use of a compounding hood prevents the undesired entry of potentially infectious microorganisms into a work area.
- Sterilization of equipment. Different glassware and equipment are used in sterile compounding. These include spatulas, syringes, flasks, beakers, and an autoclave, which is used to sterilize equipment at very high temperatures.
- Treatment of compounding surfaces. An oxidizing material is used to deactivate compounding surfaces. These areas are also cleaned and disinfected with germicidal material.
What is the Importance of Sterile Compounding?
The importance of sterile compounding is related to its uses Sterile compounding is performed when a physician and/or pharmacist recommends a compounded drug. This happens when there is only one method that a patient can receive the required medication or when a patient requests a different method of administration.
Sterile compounding is important because a compounding drug offers an alternative mode of delivery that works well with a particular patient. Elderly adults and young children often find it difficult to swallow pills, and a compounding pharmacist might provide the same drug in liquid form when it is commercially available in pill form. They can also add flavors and compound the medication to accommodate allergies.
In addition, there are patients who have problems with their digestive systems that do not allow them to take oral medications. A compounding pharmacist usually provides the drug as a transdermal or suppository gel.
Sterile compounding is also important for the following reasons:
- Safety in critical treatments - Many medications prepared through sterile compounding are used in critical care situations, such as treatments for chronic diseases, surgeries, and care for newborns. The purity and safety of these medications help prevent complications or worsening of the patient's condition.
- Access to discontinued medications - Sometimes, pharmaceutical manufacturers discontinue products for economic reasons, not because the products are ineffective or unsafe. Sterile compounding enables pharmacists to recreate these essential medications, ensuring that patients continue to receive vital treatments without interruption.
Sterile compounding has varied uses that make it important in the goal of health, which is to provide the best healthcare solution. At Myerlee Pharmacy, we understand this and continue to deliver effective sterile compounding services in Fort Myers, FL to keep you safe and healthy.
We care about you and your health! Myerlee Pharmacy offers sterile compounding and other medications for all your health needs and issues. Contact our Fort Myers office at (239) 482-3022 or contact us online. We are here for you.
