Pharmaca opens compounding center on Pearl Street

BOULDER — Recognizing that one size does not fit all when it comes to health and the best treatment options, Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy has opened its first compounding center at its Pearl Street store.

Pharmacy compounding is the art and science of preparing customized medications for patients. The center prepares compounded medications for a variety of prescription medication needs. Working in collaboration with patients and their physicians, pharmacists can change the strength of a medication, alter its form so it is easier to ingest, or add flavor to make it more pleasant-tasting. Unique dosage forms include transdermal delivery systems, troches, suppositories and veterinary applications.

“We recognize that each customer is unique, and an individual approach to health provides the best results,´ said Jason Atlas, Pharmaca’s pharmacy operations director. “The ultimate goal in preparing any compounded medication is to help patients find the treatment that will work best for them. For example, compounding can adapt hormone replacement therapy to fit individual hormone levels or turn a sour cough syrup into a tutti-frutti flavored medication for children.”

In the 1930s and ’40s, approximately 60 percent of all medications were compounded. During the 1950s and ’60s, with the advent of manufacturing, compounding declined. Today, with many people allergic to preservatives or dyes, or sensitive to drug dosages, physicians and pharmacists are again realizing the benefits of preparing customized medications to meet specific patient needs. Today, an estimated 43,000 prescriptions are compounded daily.

“Many women are concerned about traditional hormone replacement therapy as treatment for menopause,´ said Linda Green, a wellness expert and Pharmaca consultant.

“By using a compounded bio-identical hormone replacement therapy, doctors and pharmacists can create a treatment that helps alleviate symptoms according to a woman’s individual hormone levels.”

“Pharmaca is committed to empowering our customers to make personal choices about their health. Part of that commitment is to help them find the most effective and the least invasive solution,´ said Barry Perzow, Pharmaca president and co-chief executive. “Compounding is rooted in a tradition of providing only what the body needs and nothing more. We listen to our customers’ concerns and needs and provide them with customized programs designed to heal the whole body and prevent disease.”

Pharmaca is a member of the Professional Compounding Centers of America, a professional association with more than 3,000 pharmacist members located throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, Europe and New Zealand.

Pharmaca., a private company formed in June 2000 and based in Boulder, operates pharmacies that combine prescription drug and over-the-counter products with natural/complementary and personal body care products in 3,000- to 5,000-square-foot retail settings The company has acquired eight independent pharmacies in Colorado, California, Oregon and Washington and has plans to acquire additional locations throughout the United States.

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