Welcome to another edition of the Doctor’s Note where we talk about what’s on our minds when it comes to your health.
I often talk about how important compounding pharmacies are to healthcare. Compounding pharmacies are the embodiment of personalized medicine. They provide a service that is tailored to the individual’s unique need and preference, making it possible for everyone to receive optimal health.
I am honored today to have two pharmacists with me on the podcast to share some of their success stories in the compounding world. Hannah Blackwell, PharmD and Catherine Marcum, owner/PharmD of Marcum’s Pharmacy, Kingsport, Tennessee are wildly enthusiastic about the possibilities of compounding medications. In this podcast we talk about LDN success stories, the rise of personalized medicine, as well as the many benefits of bioidentical hormones for women.
Understanding all that compounding pharmacies can do for you is a part of “staying educated and staying healthy” in today’s healthcare environment. I hope you’ll check out the full episode.
PODCAST NOTES
Compounding pharmacies excel in creating customized medications tailored to the specific needs of individual patients. This approach is invaluable for patients who require unique dosages, alternative delivery methods, or ingredients not found in commercially available drugs. For example, they can alter the form of a medication from a solid pill to a liquid, making it easier for children or elderly patients to digest.
One of the standout services provided by compounding pharmacies is the formulation of bioidentical hormones. These hormones are designed to mirror the body’s natural hormones, aiding significantly in addressing hormonal imbalances. The benefits of bioidentical hormones extend beyond symptom management to potentially preventing serious health conditions like heart disease, strokes, osteoporosis, and dementia.
Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN), which compounding pharmacies can customize, has been shown to benefit patients with autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, as well as those suffering from eczema and severe allergies. LDN has minimal side effects and can significantly improve the quality of life for patients with these chronic conditions. Recent research, including work done at Stanford University's Long Covid clinic, also shows promise for LDN in treating long haul Covid symptoms.
Compounding pharmacies provide advanced topical treatments for localized infections, which often lead to quicker healing with fewer systemic side effects. In this episode, Hannah gave a couple of examples that showcase the potential for specialized wound care formulations.
Compounding pharmacies are known for their innovative approach to medication. They often devise unconventional treatment options for complex medical cases, like compounding Methylene Blue capsules with Vitamin C to enhance absorption, and provide benefits such as increased focus, energy, and improved respiratory function.
Compounding pharmacies often go beyond just dispensing medication. They can perform point-of care testing for common conditions like strep throat, flu, and COVID-19. This capability allows them to provide immediate, on-site treatment, ensuring quicker recovery times and enhancing the overall patient experience.
We talked a lot about the distinct advantages of independent compounding pharmacies over large chain stores. These independent establishments provide a more personalized and family-oriented approach, fostering long-lasting relationships with patients. They offer specialized services like medication packaging and regular health check-ins, which contribute to better patient adherence and overall health outcomes.
The economic aspect of drug pricing is a concern for us all. Hannah and Catherine both expressed concern over how Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBM’s) and insurance companies influence medication costs, often leading to higher prices for patients. Independent compounding pharmacies, by contrast, can sometimes offer more cost-effective solutions by allowing patients to pay cash prices directly, bypassing some of the complexities and markups associated with insurance billing.
The role of compounding pharmacies in advancing personalized medicine and preventive care extends beyond just customizing medications. By tailoring medications to the specific needs of the particular disease and the patient, they are also contributing to disease prevention and better treatment outcomes.
With compounding pharmacies like Marcum’s Pharmacy, the prospects for personalized medicine are limitless. Thank you Hannah and Catherine for your role in helping others live their best life.
Stay educated. Stay healthy.
Till next week.
