A pharmacy can create custom medication for kids or pets through a process called compounding. This means specially trained pharmacists mix and adjust medicine to fit your child’s or pet’s exact needs—like changing the flavor, strength, or form.
If your child refuses to swallow pills or your dog spits out medicine hidden in food, you’re not alone. About 40% of pet parents find it hard to give their pets medicine, and around 30-70% of children with chronic illness don’t take their medicine as prescribed. Custom medication from a compounding pharmacy can solve these problems. This article will explain what compounding is, how it works, when you might need it, and how to find a trusted pharmacy that can help your family.
What Is Compounding?
Compounding is when a pharmacist creates medicine made just for one person or pet. Instead of giving you a pill that comes in one size and flavor, the pharmacist mixes the ingredients to make something that works better for your needs.
It involves combining pure chemicals and active ingredients to create one-of-a-kind medications. Think of it like a baker making a custom cake instead of selling one from the store shelf.
How Compounding Is Different From Regular Pharmacy
At a regular pharmacy, you pick up medicine that’s already made by a drug company. These medicines come in standard doses and forms. But at a compounding pharmacy, the pharmacist makes your medicine from scratch.
Here are the main differences:
- Regular pharmacy: Pre-made pills, liquids, and creams in fixed doses
- Compounding pharmacy: Custom-made medicine mixed for each patient
Who Can Make Compounded Medicine?
Only licensed pharmacists, licensed physicians, or people working under a licensed pharmacist’s supervision can make compounded medicine. These pharmacists get special training to safely mix ingredients and create medicine that works just right.
Why Kids and Pets Need Custom Medicine
Children and pets have special needs that regular medicine can’t always meet. Here’s why custom medicine helps.
Problems With Regular Medicine for Children
Many medicines are made for adults, not kids. This creates several problems:
- Wrong dose: Pills come in adult sizes that are too strong for small bodies
- Can’t swallow: Young kids often can’t swallow big pills or capsules
- Bad taste: Children refuse medicine that tastes gross or smells bad
- Allergies: Some kids react to dyes, gluten, sugar, or other ingredients in regular medicine
Up to 8% of children have food allergies that can show up in medicine ingredients too. About 10% of children between ages 6 and 11 can’t swallow pills, making liquid or chewable forms necessary.
Problems With Regular Medicine for Pets
Pets face similar challenges:
- Size differences: A tiny cat needs much less medicine than a big dog
- Refusing medicine: Pets smell and taste medicine hidden in food
- Wrong form: Most pet medicine comes as pills, but not all pets can swallow them
- Discontinued drugs: Sometimes the exact medicine your pet needs isn’t made anymore
Each pet’s species, weight, and health needs are different, so one-size-fits-all medicine doesn’t always work.
How a Pharmacy Creates Custom Medication
The compounding process follows careful steps to make safe, effective medicine.
Step 1: Get a Prescription
You can’t just walk into a pharmacy and ask for custom medicine. You need a written prescription from a doctor or veterinarian first. The prescription tells the pharmacist:
- What medicine you need
- How much (the dose)
- What form would work best
- Any ingredients to avoid
Step 2: Pharmacist Reviews the Prescription
The pharmacist looks at the prescription and talks to you about:
- Your child’s age and weight (or your pet’s species and size)
- Any allergies or sensitivities
- Favorite flavors
- What forms are easiest to give (liquid, cream, chewable, etc.)
This conversation helps the pharmacist make medicine that actually works for your situation.
Step 3: Mixing the Medicine
Pharmacists use pure chemicals and active pharmaceutical ingredients to create the medicine. They work in clean, controlled spaces to keep everything safe.
The mixing process includes:
- Measuring exact amounts of each ingredient
- Combining them in the right order
- Adding flavors or colors if needed
- Putting the medicine in the right container
Step 4: Quality Checks
Before you get the medicine, pharmacists do safety checks. Some pharmacies use a two-step verification process where two pharmacists check every prescription for accuracy before it leaves the pharmacy.
Step 5: Pick Up or Delivery
You can usually pick up your medicine at the pharmacy or have it shipped to your home. Many compounding pharmacies offer free delivery to make things easier for families.
Different Forms of Custom Medicine
Compounding pharmacies can make medicine in many forms. Here are the most common.
For Children
Flavored Liquids
Pharmacists can transform medications into pleasantly flavored liquids that kids will actually take. Popular flavors include:
- Bubblegum
- Grape
- Cherry
- Strawberry
- Watermelon
The liquid makes it easy to measure the exact dose for your child’s weight.
Gummy Bears and Treats
Some pharmacies make medicine into fun shapes like gummy bears, lollipops, or chewable treats. Kids see them as candy instead of medicine, making treatment much easier.
Creams and Gels
For children who can’t take oral medicine, topical forms applied to the skin work well. The medicine absorbs through the skin, so no swallowing needed.
Dissolving Tablets
These tablets melt quickly in the mouth, perfect for kids who struggle with swallowing or have sensory issues.
For Pets
Flavored Chews and Treats
Compounding pharmacies offer pet medications in more than 18 flavors, including chicken, beef, tuna, and fish. Your pet thinks they’re getting a treat, not medicine.
Transdermal Gels
For pets that refuse oral medicine, transdermal gels are gently rubbed into the skin, usually on the hairless part of the inner ear. The medicine absorbs without any fighting or stress.
Liquids and Suspensions
These work great for pets who won’t eat pills. You can mix the liquid with food or give it directly with a syringe.
Custom-Sized Capsules
Compounding allows for precise dosing needed for your pet’s specific size and health condition. A 5-pound cat gets a much smaller dose than a 50-pound dog.
Conditions That Benefit From Compounding
Custom medicine helps with many health problems.
Common Conditions in Children
Personalized medication through compounding helps treat:
- ADHD and autism: Custom doses without dyes or allergens
- Skin conditions: Antifungal creams made without irritating ingredients
- Nausea and vomiting: Flavored medicine kids will keep down
- Fungal infections: Creams and solutions in strengths that work
- Diaper rash: Gentle ointments without harsh chemicals
- Epilepsy: Precise seizure medicine in liquid form
Up to 3% of children under 15 have celiac disease and need gluten-free medicine. Compounding makes this possible.
Common Conditions in Pets
Veterinary medications through compounding treat:
- Hyperthyroidism in cats: About 90% of cats respond well to methimazole therapy
- Heart problems: Medicine for congestive heart failure in easy-to-give forms
- Diabetes: Custom insulin doses for each pet
- Kidney disease: Renal-friendly medicine in flavors sick pets will accept
- Pain management: Pain creams and oral medicine in the right strength
- Seizures: Precise anticonvulsant doses
- Anxiety: Calming medicine in treats or gels
Safety and Regulations
You might wonder if custom medicine is safe. Here’s what you need to know.
FDA Oversight
Compounded drugs are not FDA-approved, which means the FDA does not review them for safety, effectiveness, or quality before they reach patients. However, this doesn’t mean they’re unsafe.
The FDA does conduct inspections of compounding facilities and enforces laws against insanitary conditions. Compounding pharmacies must follow strict rules set by state pharmacy boards.
Two Types of Compounding Pharmacies
There are two categories of compounding facilities: 503A pharmacies and 503B outsourcing facilities:
- 503A pharmacies: Regular compounding pharmacies that make medicine based on individual prescriptions. Regulated mainly by state pharmacy boards
- 503B outsourcing facilities: Larger facilities with stricter FDA oversight and inspections
Quality Standards
Good compounding pharmacies follow quality standards from:
- USP (United States Pharmacopeia): Sets standards for how to make sterile and non-sterile compounds safely
- PCAB (Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board): Independent group that checks pharmacy quality
- State pharmacy boards: License and inspect pharmacies
When choosing a compounding pharmacy, ask if they follow USP standards and have PCAB accreditation.
What Makes Compounding Safe
Safety comes from:
- Pharmaceutical-grade ingredients: Only high-quality, pure ingredients
- Clean facilities: Special rooms with controlled air and temperature
- Trained pharmacists: Experts who understand how ingredients work together
- Testing: Checking medicine before it goes out
- Proper labeling: Clear instructions for how to use the medicine
When to Consider Compounded Medicine
Compounding isn’t always needed, but it’s great for specific situations.
For Your Child
Consider custom medicine if your child:
- Can’t swallow pills or capsules
- Refuses medicine because of taste or smell
- Needs a dose not available in stores
- Has allergies to common medicine ingredients (dyes, gluten, sugar, lactose)
- Has autism or sensory issues with textures
- Takes multiple medicines that could be combined into one dose
For Your Pet
Consider custom medicine if your pet:
- Spits out pills or treats with medicine
- Needs a very small or large dose not sold in stores
- Has allergies to ingredients in regular pet medicine
- Takes medicine that’s hard to find or discontinued
- Struggles with standard forms of medicine
Talk to your doctor or veterinarian about whether compounding would help.
How to Find a Good Compounding Pharmacy
Not all pharmacies do compounding. Here’s how to find one that’s trustworthy.
Questions to Ask
When looking for a compounding pharmacy, ask:
- Are you licensed by the state pharmacy board?
- Do you follow USP standards?
- Do you have PCAB accreditation?
- How long have you been doing compounding?
- Can I talk to the pharmacist about my needs?
- Do you work with my doctor/vet?
- How long does it take to make the medicine?
- What’s your return policy if it doesn’t work?
What to Look For
Good compounding pharmacies have:
- Experienced, licensed pharmacists
- Clean, professional facilities
- Good reviews from other customers
- Clear communication about ingredients and instructions
- Willingness to work with your healthcare provider
At VillageRx in Glen Ellyn, our pharmacists specialize in creating custom compounding solutions for both children and pets.
Cost Considerations
Custom medicine sometimes costs more than regular medicine because it’s made specially for you. However:
- Some insurance plans cover compounded medicine
- The cost might be worth it if it’s the only way your child or pet will take medicine
- Generic ingredients keep prices lower
Ask your pharmacy about pricing before they make the medicine.
Tips for Giving Medicine to Kids and Pets
Even with custom medicine, giving it can be tricky. Here are some tips.
For Children
- Make it routine: Give medicine at the same time each day
- Be positive: Don’t show stress or worry about medicine time
- Offer choices: Let your child pick the flavor or use a special cup
- Use rewards: Stickers or praise after taking medicine
- Be honest: Don’t lie and say it’s not medicine
- Mix with food carefully: Only if the pharmacist says it’s okay
For Pets
- Stay calm: Pets sense your stress
- Try different methods: If one way doesn’t work, ask your vet or pharmacist for another option
- Use high-value treats: Give special treats only during medicine time
- Get help: Ask someone to hold your pet gently while you give medicine
- Try flavored options: Most pets love chicken or beef flavors
- Consider gels: Rub-on medicine avoids the mouth completely
Common Questions About Compounding
Can I Get Any Medicine Compounded?
Not always. Federal law permits compounding when the source of the active ingredient is a finished FDA-approved drug. Some medicines can’t be compounded safely or legally.
How Long Does Custom Medicine Last?
It depends on the type. Liquids might last 30-60 days in the fridge. Oral capsules might last longer. Your pharmacist will tell you the expiration date.
Can I Share My Child’s Medicine With Another Child?
Never. Custom medicine is made for one specific person based on their weight, age, and health. What works for one child might be dangerous for another.
Can I Give My Pet’s Medicine to Another Pet?
Never give one pet’s medication to another, even if they’re the same species. Each pet needs medicine dosed for their specific size and condition.
Will Insurance Cover It?
Some insurance plans cover compounded medicine, especially if regular medicine doesn’t work for you. Check with your insurance company and the pharmacy.
Is Compounding Legal?
Yes. Federal law addresses compounding by licensed pharmacists in state-licensed pharmacies. It’s been part of pharmacy practice for hundreds of years.
Working With Your Healthcare Team
Compounding works best when everyone communicates.
Your Doctor’s or Vet’s Role
Your healthcare provider:
- Decides if custom medicine would help
- Writes the prescription with specific instructions
- Works with the pharmacist to adjust the medicine if needed
- Monitors how well the treatment works
Your Pharmacist’s Role
The compounding pharmacist:
- Makes the medicine following the prescription
- Suggests the best form and flavor
- Explains how to store and give the medicine
- Answers questions about side effects
- Adjusts the recipe if the first version doesn’t work
Your Role
You need to:
- Tell everyone about allergies and problems with past medicines
- Follow the instructions exactly
- Report if the medicine isn’t working or causes problems
- Keep medication reviews scheduled to track progress
- Store medicine properly (fridge, room temperature, etc.)
Good communication between all three—doctor, pharmacist, and family—leads to the best results.
Benefits Beyond Just Taking Medicine
Custom medicine does more than just treat illness.
Reduced Stress
Fighting to give medicine creates stress for everyone. When medicine tastes good and goes down easy, treatment time becomes calm instead of a battle.
Better Results
Improved adherence leads to better health outcomes. When kids and pets actually take their medicine, they get better faster.
Fewer Missed Doses
If medicine is easy to give, you’re less likely to skip doses or give up on treatment.
Improved Quality of Life
Sick kids and pets feel better sooner when they take medicine consistently. This means more energy, less pain, and happier days.
Finding Help in Your Community
Local compounding pharmacies serve your family’s needs with personal care.
Many communities have independent pharmacies that offer compounding services. At VillageRx, we understand how hard it can be when your child or pet won’t take medicine. Our pharmacists work directly with you and your healthcare provider to create solutions that work.
We also offer other services to support your health:
- Medication reconciliation to make sure all your medicines work well together
- Therapeutic drug monitoring to check medicine levels in the blood
- Vaccinations including flu shots, COVID vaccines, and more
Final Thoughts
Custom medication from compounding pharmacies solves real problems for kids and pets who can’t take regular medicine. Whether your child refuses pills, your dog spits out tablets, or you need a dose that doesn’t exist in stores, compounding offers hope.
The process is simple: get a prescription, talk to a compounding pharmacist about your needs, and receive medicine made just for your family member. With the right flavor, form, and dose, treatment becomes much easier for everyone.
If you’re struggling with medication issues, talk to your doctor or veterinarian about compounding. Find a trusted pharmacy in your area that specializes in custom medicine. At VillageRx in Glen Ellyn, we’re here to help your family get the medicine you need in a form that works. Your child’s health and your pet’s wellbeing are too important to let medication problems stand in the way of treatment.