What is Compounding? "The preparation, mixing, assembling, altering, packaging, and labeling of a drug, drug-delivery device, or device in accordance with a licensed practitioner's prescription, medication order, or initiative based on the practitioner-patient-pharmacist-compounder relationship in the course of professional practice.” — United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) 795. Compounding provides an innovative way for pharmacists to customize medications to fit the needs of their patients. The art of compounding utilizes modern medicine while still holding true to the roots of the profession of pharmacy. Compounding pharmacies can produce unique dosage forms based on patient preferences and/or restrictions. Examples include dye-free, preservative-free, alcohol-free, and/or sugar-free forms of medications. Many compounds are specialized medication combinations or compounded in other forms that are not otherwise commercially available. Your pharmacist is trained in compounding a wide variety of ointments, gels, syrups, suspensions, suppositories, capsules and other formulations that can make medications easier to take, address any special health problems, or just simply get you feeling better, faster. Compounded medications are generally safe and effective for most patients who have talked to their doctor about their health and how a compounded medication can help them. Medications are compounded and dispensed to patients only upon receipt of a valid patient-specific prescription. Compounding requires a relationship between the patient, physician, and pharmacist. Together, they will work together to provide an alternative treatment option when and if the current available treatment options are not the best fit for you.