Hospice Compounding

Compounding: Bringing dignity to end-of-life care

In recent years, there’s been a growing interest in the topic of caring for individuals who are nearing the end of life. The final stages of terminal illness are a challenging and emotional time for both the patients and their loved ones. At the core of hospice care is the belief that each person has the right to pass on with a pain-free experience and, of course, some much needed dignity. Via expert hospice care, many aim to ease some of that stress and discomfort. Customized medications provide an effective solution that is ideal for those in hospice care.

Along with a physician’s expertise and medical guidance, compounding pharmacists can provide patients with symptom control and pain relief. Compounding, which is the art and science of preparing customized medications, is especially suited to the individual needs of each patient.

Hospice compounding: Truly customized care

Of course, every individual is unique and end-of-life experiences vary from patient to patient, but some common symptoms include:

  • Anxiety
  • Bedsores
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea/vomiting
  • Pain

Unfortunately, these symptoms impact a patient’s quality of life and comfort level, fortunately there are some unique and effective means of managing the pain. Thanks to advances in modern medicine, innovative solutions can truly make a difference. These alternative solutions can provide the comfort and relief you’re seeking for your loved one.

Personalized, compounded medications are the answer. Due to individual differences such as body size, varying drug tolerances or specific organ failures, commercially available medications often fail to make an impact. Through compounding, a prescriber and pharmacist can adjust medications and prescribe a unique regimen that provides individualized relief, comfort and care. Unique drug combinations can be specially prepared and may also minimize sedation or other adverse side effects.

Customized prescriptions prove effective since they provide the exact strength and dosage a patient requires rather than one-size-fits-all solutions.

 

What to do when traditional dosage forms are not right for your loved one

Compounding often provides a more effective means of administering medicine.

  • A patient who is unable to swallow may be prescribed a topical medication, which is absorbed through the skin. This may also assist in avoiding an upset stomach.
  • Some patients may prefer medications that are prepared as flavored lozenges or rapid-dissolve tablets.
  • Medications also may be prepared as suppositories, oral liquids or even as lollipops.

Caring for a loved one in a hospice environment can be both challenging and rewarding. Let The Compounding Facility assist you in determining the right type of care for your loved one. Ask your prescriber, hospice provider or pharmacist about the benefits of personalized medications today.

Read More About Specialty Compounding