Compounding Combo Drugs
Patient treatment may require a regimen of medications to be taken for a period of time. This may include multiple pills, capsules, or other methods of intake. As we grow older, the likelihood of needing multiple prescriptions may increase. Combining your medications into one dose is a great approach for reducing the number of medications and increasing adherence. Here are 4 of the most common combination drugs.
1. T3 + T4 (Triiodothyronine + Thyroxine)
Combination therapy is used in the treatment of hypothyroidism.
- Hypothyroidism: where the body doesn’t have adequate amounts of thyroid stimulating hormone, also known as TSH.
Low amounts of TSH can cause symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, heart palpitations, or insomnia. The combination of the 2 hormones is convenient as a single dose, as well as beneficial to formulate strengths specific to every patient’s needs.
2. Nuedexta (Dextromethorphan + Quinidon)
Nuedexta is FDA approved for the treatment of Pseudobulbar Affect (PBA). PBA is a medical condition that causes involuntary, sudden, and frequent episodes of crying and/or laughing in people living with certain neurologic conditions or brain injuries. There is no generic for this medication yet, making it costly at around $1,500 for one month’s supply. The ability of our pharmacy to compound it in-store makes it more affordable and accessible for patients.
3. Diclegis (Pyridoxine 10mg + Doxylamine Succinate 10mg) & Bonjesta - (20mg/ 20mg)
Diclegis® is a prescription medicine used to treat nausea and vomiting during pregnancy in women who have not improved with a change in diet or other non-medicine treatments. There is no generic variation and this drug costs around $580 for one month’s supply. Compounding in store not only makes it more affordable but also flexible for dose adjustments as needed.
4. Biest Cream (Estradiol + Estriol + Testosterone)
Estradiol (E2) and Estriol (E3) are used in bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) for menopausal symptoms and anti-aging treatments. When it comes to hormone therapy, we understand the importance of recognizing that everyone requires a unique regimen. Our pharmacy can compound a variety of strengths specific to every patient’s needs to help make them feel their best.
Compounding Pharmacies and Combination Drugs
Some combination drugs are traditionally made such as Diclegis and Nuedexta. Compounding pharmacies, however, can create a combination of drugs that otherwise may not be available. The first step is to make sure the two drugs will not conflict with each other. Once that is determined, the drug can be made in the dosage form desired with two or more active ingredients.
Reach Out for Multi-Medications!
Sabrina De Leon
Intern Pharmacist, ClearSpring Pharmacy
