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Testimonials

There are so many, many people, as well as their four-legged friends, who have been served by compounding. Meet the many individuals who have been personally helped by pharmacy compounding. Learn more about their stories, and how their lives would be dramatically different if it were not for the unique medication solutions compounding has brought to them.

Has allowed a higher level of precise dosing when even a small change in dosage is needed.

Julie C.
Compounded medications have allowed me to customize doses and routes of medications in order to successfully treat men and women from symptoms that have had very negative effects on their life and relationships:
  • Premenstrual syndrome
  • Urinary incontinence
  • Hot flashes, night sweats
  • Low libido
  • Migraines

Tanya Z.
Compounding had allowed me to treat and relieve symptoms of PMS and migraines that handicapped women who would have not found relief without the compounding of dissolvable progesterone and suppositories.

Pamela B.

Helps with useful medications not otherwise accessible.

Jayson T., MD

Compounded medications have helped to improve many patients' quality of life. I have spoken with many people who state that hormone replacement therapy, that was compounded, has change their lives for the better. Please don't take away access to their compounded meds.

Jennifer B.
I have been able to tailor individual medication plans for patients and achieve results I have not gotten with commercially-available products. I achieve better blood levels and more consistent results with compounded medications. Patients do not have the side effects from fillers. It is VITAL that compounding pharmacies remain and unadulterated by the FDA.

Tracy F., PMHNP
Compounding medications have provided an option for my patients with allergies to gluten, dairy and others, for treatments and medications they can tolerate.

Desiree H.
I have cared for many patients for whom compounding has been life-changing, but instead, I want to talk abut my husband. He was silently suffering from fatigue and weight gain. He went to the gym, lifted weights, and runs half marathons. Finally I convinced him to see someone. His testosterone was very low — he was only 47! He started using compounded testosterone and noticed that these symptoms improved. He also noticed that the "clicking" he had in his shoulders when he lifted weights completely resolved. His life, and mine, has changed dramatically. We would both be suffering if it wasn't for compounding.

Diane W.
I have several thousand patients in my practice since 1999 who have benefited immensely with the use of compounded medications both in terms of disease prevention and improved quality of life.

Ashok K., MD
Compounding has helped me tremendously. As a 37 year-old female, I began to suffer from PMS. I began taking out my frustrations on my family which left me feeling like a horrible wife and mother, thus making me feel depressed! Another symptom I was experiencing was night sweats. After starting compounded progesterone I was able to feel like myself again, and I have noticed a better relationship with my family. I still continued to have night sweats, with that I increased my compounded progesterone, which has gotten rid of my night sweats.

Nicole S.

Patients: treating more than 600 patients for three years finally with a solution that works, as opposed to pharma solutions. Now using compounded meds. Changed lives! Saved lives and marriages. 

Saved me: diagnosed with prostate cancer six years ago. Testosterone bottomed out. Three years ago switched to compounded BHRT (testosterone). Cancer gone on MRI x2 since!

Bela K., MD

The difference and the results that compounding pharmacy offers to me and my patients has been incredible.

—Eric S.

I have CRPS/RSD, a progressive disease of the autonomic nervous system, and more specifically, the sympathetic nervous system, for which there is no cure. CRPS/RSD is ranked as the most painful form of chronic pain that exists by the McGill Pain Index. Key Compounding (my compounding pharmacy) provides me with a specialized medication that I cannot purchase from any other pharmacy. Furthermore, I am disabled and unable to drive. Their service brings my meds to my door. Their service is outstanding! I don't know what I would do without their excellent service.

—Terri S.

Compounding provides personalized medicine to meet each individual patient’s needs. I have many young women patients who require small doses of micronized progesterone that aren’t commercially available, menopausal women who suffer with severe symptoms only relieved by higher dose estradiol (not commercially available) and balanced with testosterone and progesterone. The way our bodies were before menopause! Being able to provide the exact dose and delivery is life changing.

Julie G., NP

I cannot express enough the importance of compounding hormones for women's health. As a women that is experiencing hormone dysregulation and early menopause - my pharmacy has improved my health, sleep and bone health. 

This movement is incredibly important.

Kassie K.

One story on my experience with asthma and ILD.

For decades I have suffered with asthma, not severe, but enough to cause me to cough regularly and enough that I suffered with aggravation and constriction when I took deep breaths. I would suffer a lung infection every so often which would worsen the symptoms but when it passed, I was back to what I thought was normal. It all seemed manageable. However, if I laughed, I would go into coughing fits. If I sat still for too long, I would go into coughing fits. I used to love to sing when I was younger but that too I could not do without coughing. And the constant coughing caused me to have a pervasive horse voice. But again, I got along. I was active and just lived with the symptoms. 

That is until a few years ago when the coughing and asthma worsened. I visited a pulmonologist in my region and tests were run, x-rays were taken, and CT scans were taken. The pulmonologist determined that I had ILD and asthma. First time in my life someone in the medical profession actually recognized that I had an issue. The prescription was obvious, steroids. If my condition worsened, the prescription was obvious, more steroids. This was the pattern for several years until that fateful winter. Things worsened quickly and my pulmonologist simply prescribed an ever-increasing dose of steroids. I was frustrated and I wanted more information and a clear path forward on how to deal with both the asthma and the ILD, and a way to create health. The universe was watching out after me it seems and introduced me to Key Compounding Pharmacy in Federal Way Washington. I knew nothing at all about compounding pharmacies or personalized medicine for that matter, yet with the quality and values of this firm, I knew it would be an excellent fit. That was 6 months ago. 

I began to understand that there was a clear alternative to allopathic medicine, an alternative I did not know existed. Functional medicine has provided a whole new perspective on health and healing. I made an appointment with a highly respected functional doc, Dr. Karen Rasmussen, ND and through her I learned about my severe deficiency in my methylation system and received a prescription for supplements to improve my health and immune response and a prescription for nebulized glutathione. I have been using glutathione for several months and my asthma symptoms have disappeared, my lungs are clear, and I rarely cough. The results are incredible. I have never felt healthier.

I fully believe the way forward is for allopathic and functional medicine to partner to weave the two fields of practice together. If for no other reason that for the health and wellbeing of the patients who put their trust into these physicians. It is sad that the majority of patients are not introduced to personalized medicine. They put their faith in their allopathic docs and when the treatments fail or have unwanted side effects, they suffer and or die without the opportunity to explore alternative paths. Let’s start with treating the whole person and the disease, not the disease only. Then let’s see what can be done for the good of the patient.


- John I.

I would not have been alive these last thirteen years without the special services of Key Compounding Pharmacy, Federal Way, WA. A combination of an underlying genetic sensitivity and an accidental combination of two medications caused a series of major hypertensive and neurological reactions, leaving me with permanent autonomic damage ("Noradrenergic Syndrome"). I became progressively sensitized to all foods and most medications, even in tiny amounts (due to the natural glutamate "trigger" found in almost all of them), ended up on organic white rice alone and was dying from complications of vitamin deficiency and malnutrition. At that point Total Parenteral Nutrition was tried, which I tolerated until it had to be discontinued due to complications.

- Anonymous

I utilize compounding pharmacies daily. The benefits of individualized therapy, cleaner/unadulterated product, no dyes or fillers makes a huge difference for all my clients.

- Jen H., NP

Many of my patients need nonstandard doses of human identical estradiol and progesterone. They cannot get micronized slow released nonstandard dose estradiol and progesterone except through compounding pharmacies. 

My wife takes compounded testosterone cream which has improved her energy greatly.

- Jay B., DO

I had a patient who was 70 needing HRT. She had tried oral progesterone and estrogen with significant side effects due to it only being available in high doses. She needed to be slowly adjusted up to an acceptable level and the only way to achieve this was to start with low dose cream until she was no longer having symptoms on the higher dose available commercially. Without compounding, I would not have been able to protect her from the harms caused by not replacing hormones (i.e. CAD, CHD, osteoporosis, etc.). I would not been able to get the patient to the higher dose without compounding to get higher dose due to side effects.

- Tiffany S., NP

Patients have a variety of health issues. No one patient is the same either in response, or dosing on treatment. Compounding makes it possible to personalize medicine. We can avoid the "one size fits all" issue and custom design our treatment protocol for specific patients. It is also easier to adjust dosing in small increments according to the response and needs of the patient.

- Mike C., PhD

As a patient,  I have taken compounded progesterone and also prescription anti-inflammatory creams that have helped me greatly. I like the natural approach and how it is tailored to each patient.

- Dawn B.

Custom compounding addresses the needs of my patients with less or higher tolerance levels. It helps achieve desired effects and tailor therapy to specifically designed goals.  I had a number of patients that did not respond to commercially available products, so compounded medications for them was a lifesaving event. Thank God for compounding pharmacies.

- Svetlana B., FNP-C

It allows an excellent source for patients to receive their BHRT. It is convenient for dosing purposes and availability of most used BHRT. It not only benefits us as prescribers, but more importantly the patients whose lives have been positively impacted.

- Shirley M., NP

Compounded bioidentical hormones do not cause nutritional deficiencies, unlike synthetic hormones. Compounding allows customization of dosing, unlike brand names.

- Gregory P., DO

We have two fantastic compounding pharmacies in Tyler, Texas. They not only compound one patient's hormones but our clinic's vitamin D3 & D2 as well. Patient "Mary Jones" had tried many thyroid preparations with no results. Our pharmacists compounded a T3 & T4 and her life CHANGED! I had personal experience with this certified compounding pharmacy. Their expertise changed my life for the better by getting a true to dosage hormone capsule for postmenopausal symptoms.

- Bernadette P.

MedQuest Pharmacy makes a high-quality product that is highly absorbed. I can tell because my patients have consistent lab results. When I optimize doses, patients report feeling the best they have gelt in years.

- Emily P.

My thousands of patients need compounded prescriptions because there are no commercial equivalents.

- Rene M., PAC

Providing high quality medications. Custom dosing and routes of administration. Pure and effective injectable supplements.

- Khuram M., PAC

I, as a prescriber, appreciate the ability to have the compounded dose a patient needs made. Additionally, I rely heavily on compounding pharmacists to educate me on the risks and benefits of therapies I am providing to my patients.

Because of a compounded medication that I prescribed for a patient she states, "I am now able to participate in life again. I have more mental clarity than I have had in years." She was previously on Synthroid and once changed to compounded thyroid she finally showed symptom improvement.

- Ambrosia B.

I was working urgent care prior to my current hormone base clinic.  I exercised religiously but watched my energy level plummet and constipation become almost debilitating. Went through numerous tests through GI doctors and was told I just wasn't exercising enough or consuming enough water. I optimized by T3 and my life was changed forever!

On that same note, have had severe insomnia my entire adult life. I have a sleep specialist and I have tried every single prescription available. Once I went on progesterone 250mg at bedtime, I was able to throw my Ambien in the trash and my memory improved!!

- Wendy F., PAC

Compounded products are invaluable to my patients. They allow customized doses that increase compliance. With increased compliance comes symptom improvement, enhanced health, and quality of life. Compounding allows for the right dose, for the right patient in the right delivery system at the right time of day.

- Rhonda B., NP

Customized dosing-personalized. Better blood levels and improvement of symptoms.

- Dr. Neal R.

  1. 1. Custom dosing based on DNA.
  2. 2. Tolerance to medication.
  3. 3. Importance of dosing based on genetic profile.

- Sharon H.

Compounding pharmacy has provided me with a reliable source of obtaining quality products which provide results.

- Sharon M.

Compounding medications has allowed me to offer specific dosages and delivery mechanisms not available commercially.  For example, many of my male patients suffer from signs of low testosterone. Using testosterone with grape seed oil has allowed me to deliver this with a smaller needle and hence less painful than using the thicker cottonseed oil.

Many of my female patients poorly tolerate progesterone due to food sensitivities and allergies.  I am able to use vegetable based, dye-free capsules when compounded. 

- Dr. Dov R.

Compounding provides me with unique options that big pharma can't provide. 

- Dr. Sean B.

It is comforting to have quality materials used. Numerous patients decided to re-try the compounded form and felt they got better results. Giving "natural" bio-identicals has changed the lives of so many patients.  I get hugs daily! 

- Vincent N., MD

Compounding has completely and profoundly changed the way I practice medicine, the health of my patients and my own person health & wellness. 

- Joe U., MD

1. Almost no negative side effects compared to non-compounded hormones.

2. Much easier to get optimized levels and to adequately oppose estradiol with progesterone.

3. As far as hormones go, many patients will only consider bio-identical, compounded formulations.

4. I have had great success with LDN for autoimmune diseases and chronic pain.

5. There are options for the delivery method of drugs which can be matched to the patient's preference. 

- Gave G., DO

Compounded medications have allowed me to fine tune doses to better manage my patients. They have also allowed many of my patients access to helpful therapy that would not have been possible otherwise.

- Shaun H., MD

My patients often state that compounded hormones saved their life and their marriage. Compounded hormones can be fine-tuned for each patient leading to exceptional clinical patient outcomes. I see very significant improvements in the patient's quality of life when hormones are accurately balanced and optimized using compounded hormones with precise doses.

- Lonnie G., MD

My patients have been able to receive individualized high-quality medications to address their specific and unique needs with the ability to titrate the dose appropriately. 

Without compounding pharmacies, my patients would not have available to them medications free of ingredients that they have reacted to with standard medications, making the use of these medications tolerable. Thank goodness we have the availability of compounding pharmacy.

- Brad A., MD

Compounding has helped me and my patients in that I can customize doses more easily and I am able to achieve treatment goals. I am not able to achieve optimized levels using commercially available products.

- Tammy S.

My wife, myself and several family members/patients are on bioidentical hormones using a compounding pharmacy. All of them have experienced a tremendous improvement in their quality of life.

- Henry F.

I am able to get medications in individualized dose and forms that helps optimize patient outcomes.

- Shelley S., MD

Many more of my patients are healthier, not just feeling better, as a result of being able to titrate doses via compounding doses based on their individual metabolism rates (genetic factors), their symptoms (quality of life) and their preferences based on their own research (more educated patients than in past years).

Compounding allows me to avoid the more harmful synthetic alternatives so I can help my patients to reduce potentially serious effects such as dangerous cardiovascular risks, breast cancer, and dementia.

- Dr. Collin C.

Compounding allows me to completely customize care for our patients and to try novel treatments not available commercially.

- Darren F.

Compounding pharmacy products and supplements give me an individualized product specifically designed for me based on my results, symptoms and quality of life. I have been on compounded BHRT for 25 years. I am tested annually, and adjustments made if necessary. I am 73 y/o and I have had huge success with these compounds only available through compounding pharmacies. BMI=20, lipids=normal, BMD better now than @ 52 y/o (BMD is now within 10% of a young woman!) I can run, think clearly, run my business with no joint pain and no negative side effects of post-menopausal age! I would NOT have achieved this with ordinary estrogens available from pharmacies!! It is a lifesaving service!! 

- Lilliana T.

Myself & family: getting rx's in forms that have much better bioavailability, absorption, assimilation and effectiveness giving much superior relief of symptoms compared to commercial preparations.

Patients: the same as above plus, customized, more precise dosing and more convenient delivery by troche, triturate, RDTs, creams and suppositories as well as convenient drug/supplement combinations not otherwise available.

- Jerry M.

I have a genetic anomaly (discovered by Mayo Clinic labs) that inhibits my liver from correctly metabolizing many medications. If taken orally these medications can quickly become toxic to my system. As a result, almost every medication I use must be compounded into a topical form that is free of dyes, preservatives and often, petroleum products. My physicians rely on the compounding pharmacy to formulate the medications I need. 

Without the expertise and availability of our excellent compounding pharmacy, I would have no options to several medications that essential to my chronic illness.

- Margaret W., Nebraska

I would not be alive without compounding pharmacies. When I was in my forties I had chemotherapy for cancer that knocked out my ability to absorb Vitamin B12. It took several years before this problem was diagnosed. I had gradually declined physically and mentally during these years, with no understanding of why. When it was determined that the problem was lack of B12, it was like a miracle. Within a few months I could see great progress in returning toward my normal state.

However, there was one problem. More and more preservatives were in the injectable B12. I had adverse reactions to these preservatives, even when trying B12 from a number of different manufacturers. The problem was twofold. First, the adverse reaction to the preservatives could serious problem for me functioning normally physically and cognitively. Then the lesser amount of B12 I could handle per injection because of these preservatives was inadequate to quell my B12 deficit. I was slowly going downhill again.

I went to a new doctor. She prescribed a preservative free B12 through Key Compounding in the Seattle area. Now I can take an adequate amount of B12 monthly without the side effects from preservatives. My life is going well again. I am now 74 years old. The medication is even frozen these days, ensuring consistent strength during transport and storage. 

There is no other way that I can get preservative free, full potency B12 for my injections without a compounding pharmacy. They are a necessary part of the medication system, providing lifesaving medications not available through normal pharmacies.

Thank you for listening to my story.

- Alice D., Washington

Compounded T3 (thyroid) has significantly helped myself and my patients with the ability to personalize their treatment plan due to the ability to adjust dosing more specifically.

- John W., MD

My physician has started me on compounded medications that aren't available through branded or generic options at a standard pharmacy. While I haven't been on them long enough to weigh in on my personal benefits, I feel hopeful that I will feel better with these compounded medications.

- Howard O.

Myself: Before coming to work at Lifetime Health Center I was put on Paxil for depression because I kept complaining about fatigue and just not feeling right! In the past I had Hep C from blood transfusions at 4 and 18 years of age. So, after 3 times, I just really had to FORCE myself to work. As an x-ray technician I didn't have the luxury of just sitting around. I had 4.8 TSH doctors said I was fine but here's Paxil. Zero help. I got put on thyroid finally and take 60mg in the morning and 30mg in the evening. My skin, my hair, and my mind are amazing. Also, on HRT because my levels were 0 because treatment for Hep C put me in early menopause at 42 years old. I couldn't lose weight, stayed 180-190 lbs. @ 5'4". Once I started thyroid and hormones, I weigh 142 lbs.!! Hmmmm...and can actually get up and around. I am working now as a nurse for Rene McCarty and can actually tell patients how much better they will feel if they just hang in there! Love my job!

- Dawn M.

I have been on bioidentical hormone replacement for about 7 months now and I have had a dramatic improvement in my mood, energy, strength and overall improvement in my quality of life. While there were options available through commercial pharmacies, the compounding recommended by my physician is a tailored dosage that is appropriate for me and not available through standard prescriptions. Without compounding I would have either been over or under dosed and I would not be feeling as good as I am today. Compounding should be an available option for those who require it.

- Ann O.

I have a condition called acholasia that makes it difficult to take medications orally as I cannot guarantee that it will make it into my stomach to be absorbed. My physician has referred me to a compounding pharmacist who has made medications in a topical form that absorb through my skin making the need to swallow the medication not necessary. Having this option available to me has been very beneficial and I cannot imagine where I would be if I had to rely upon standard swallowed medications.

- Brian C.

Being able to receive a carefully calibrated version of a drug just for me, vs an extraordinarily expensive “off the rack” option from a large pharmaceutical company.

- E. Winslow

It has saved me from enduring extreme withdrawals. So grateful for it. Weaning off of cymbalta is hell without it.

- JS

I have started in May taking Bioidentical Hormones. This has helped me so much in my life. I can now sleep at night, my normal energy is returning. I had terrible brain fog and I can now concentrate. Please allow compounding pharmacies to continue. It has changed my health and so many others!!!

- K. Skirkanich

When my Lyme Disease was really bad the joint pain was unbearable and nothing helped. A compounding pharmacy made my topical pain reliving cream- it was amazing. Best pain med ever, and it wasn't another pill. Now I'm a peri menopausal woman with no testosterone. I get testosterone compounded in a cream and it is life changing for me. I have energy again. Big pharmaceutical companys can't replace that.

- L. Odell-Wyche

"Some medications like hormonal supplements are better absorbed through the skin. A compounding pharmacy prepares them with precise measurements that are just right for the patient. For me, it’s been topical progesterone which stopped breakouts, yeast infections, and uncomfortable sex.

For my son, compounded topical antibiotic cleared up an infected dermatitis rash."

- A. Kaufman

It is the only kind of thyroid medicine my body can handle. I couldn't function without it. Commercial meds make me very sick.

- L. Menzel

"Compounding has been a life saver for both my daughter and I.

I am allergic to all artificial dyes. All of them. I carry epi-pens as I go into anaphylactic shock. I almost died from eating a cupcake. I was in the hospital for almost a week and on steroids for two months. That's how long it took for those toxins to leave my body. So it's NO JOKE. If you think eating is a challenge, try finding medications without dyes. It's was extremely difficult. Until I found out about compounding. So when I say it's a LIFE SAVER. It truly is for me. Without being able to have access to compounds, I don't know what I would do or how I would be able to be treated for illness. And of course I have some other allergies that unfortunately are expanding as I get older as well.

My daughter suffers from autism. She has allergies. She also has a compromised immune system and gets sick frequently. I cannot imagine what I would do if I did not have access to the medications that she needs without having them compounded. She had gotten sick and was prescribed medication a few years back that was NOT compounded and her whole face and lips blew up so bad that she asked me for "boo boo" ice packs to put on her lips. She broke out in hives and her throat started to swell. She kept saying "Dr. Mommy will get you better" . For a minute just imagine how broken hearted and terrified I was knowing that she was experiencing a life threatening situation over something that I gave her to help her get better when she was already sick. Since we have EVERYTHING compounded for her. This has never happened again.

It our right as human beings to have access to these life-saving compounded medications. My daughter and I should not have to worry about our future, because without them, we wouldn't be able to live.

Many heartfelt thanks for your invaluable service!"

- C. Robbins

Compounding allowed me to fight Lyme disease symptoms and make progress towards regaining the physical strength necessary to go back to school.

- G. Hill

My husband has been taking a nicotinomide and RG3 nasal compound that helped save his brain. He was DOA at the ER in July of 2016 due to a seizure he had while no one was home that sent him into cardiac arrest from which he never awoke. He was found face down next to our bed 2-4 hours after this event occurred. The ER doc told us not to do the surgery that would save his left hand and right forearm and hand from amputation because his brain was "mush". Today he is a walking miracle. After 9 days in a coma he woke up when they told he he would not, I started him moving and working his PT when they told he may be paralyzed. He spent two months total in hospitals; one for critical care, the other for rehabilitation. He was here but not here when our amazing doctor prescribed this comping for him. He would speak if spoken to but not volunteer conversation, couldn't express his feelings, and couldn't process things clearly or appropriately. A couple of days after he started taking this compound he began to remember things better, he started talking, volunteering conversation, looking at his PhD level math books again. It gave him energy, supported his brain as it healed, and supported his mood. Now we both take it and it is of great help for me in relieving pain, increasing some energy, and mental clarity. I don't know where we would be without this medication that can only be produced by a compounding pharmacy. Please don't stop!! Thank you.

- C. Hungria and A. Hungria

I am currently taking three prescriptions made by a compounding pharmacy. The personalized formula and method of production makes the prescriptions more bioavailable and have made a huge difference in my life. Compounding pharmacies are needed to provide this service that gives a better quality of life to its patients.

- C. Gunter

"Compound prescriptions have helped me because I needed my rx to be done gluten and casein free. Also, my compounder made sure that my prescriptions were due free.

In more than one instance, compounded prescriptions were less expensive than name-brand or generics that went through my insurance at a major pharmacy.

Compounding is the way to go for me."

- Stacy

I suffer from hashimotos disease. My doctor prescribed me a compounded progesterone cream that I used each night to help maintain my hormone levels. I swear this cream, in conjunction with my thyroid medicine saved my life, allowed me to get pregnant again and keeps me balanced. I would be ill without it.

- L. Black

Several of my patients and family members have benefitted hugely from compounded pain creams for muscle and neuropathic pain without need for oral medication.

- N. Gokal

As a physician, there are times that I can’t offer a commercially available product to my patient to help with their condition and compounding has offered them solutions not otherwise available. I have patients with food allergies and sensitivities and being able to have medications made specifically for them that avoids their allergens is lifesaving and offers piece of mind. I have also personally benefited from compounding and feel that this is a very valuable option that I would like available for my own healthcare as well as my patients.

- T. Odell

Compounding pharmaceuticals have helped our son and are a necessary part of his treatment. One prescription he takes is a custom nasal spray that has to be compounded once per month. It can't be purchased anywhere. It does not contain any additives or preservatives, is specific to his disability, and is necessary for our son's optimum behavior and functioning. Our son has many allergies and intolerances. He can't tolerate gluten, casein, starch, dyes, glutamates, gelatin, corn starch, high fructose corn syrup or anything processed. Many drugs contain these offending ingredients. If our son is exposed to these he does not sleep, becomes hyperactive, and aggressive. It has been through trial and error and testing we have discovered this. Without knowing this our son would have inadvertently been placed on heavy duty anti-psychotic drugs instead of properly removing the offending ingredients that he can't tolerate. Compounding Pharmacists can formulate custom prescriptions without offending agents. Without compounding pharmacies our son would not be able to access any prescriptions. He would suffer and everyone around him. A child experiencing a negative reaction from a drug can be handled but an adult would land themselves in jail. Ibuprofen, a common pain reliever, is compounded for our son. He must take it while undergoing IV treatment. It helps reduce headache pain due to the IV medication, but if it's not compounded he will not be able to take anything and suffer unnecessary pain and inflammation. Our son also has cerebral folate autoantibodies. Consuming any dairy or casein found in many prescriptions will block folate from binding to receptors in his brain despite supplementing with folate. The Pharmaceutical industry needs to start thinking about patients first rather than profits. Stop trying to eliminate compounding pharmacies. There will always be patients who can't tolerate pharmaceuticals and will need custom compounding.

- T. Ryan, C. Ryan & Theresa Farrell Ryan, DMD

I use compounded aldosterone for adrenal insufficiency/hypo-aldosteronism. Most people with this rare condition take Fludrocortisone or Florinef, the synthetic version of aldosterone, however, I cannot take this medication due to severe side effects of confusion, fatigue, and hypertension. Currently, the main supplier of compounded aldosterone in the US has back-ordered compounded aldosterone and I cannot yet find it anywhere. This medication has been a LIFE SAVER for me, making it so that I can sleep, as I cannot sleep a full night without it. Unfortunately, insurance companies do not cover the cost of compounded aldosterone. I pay about $450/month for this medication but, am so grateful for the medication that I am happy that at least it was available.

- M. Kay

My Chihuahua, Buck, had severe bronchitis and needed a customized coughing suppressant compound medicine. Big difference once received this compound script.

- B. Smith

The ABQ Biopark has been working with a compounding pharmacy for more than seven years. As an institution serving numerous and varied species, we routinely have a need to administer medications and supplements in forms and doses that are not typically manufactured as mainstream pharmaceuticals.

Our compounding pharmacists have provided many products over the years that have facilitated our care of the collection’s animals, including: anesthetics and sedatives compounded into higher concentrations so that we can use just one dart when anesthetizing larger animals; flavored suspensions for oral use; and raw drugs in huge quantities to treat elephant illnesses.

When we were treating our white rhino for a foot abscess and she was refusing her prescribed antibiotics, the compounding pharmacy took the time to create an individually dosed marshmallow treat concoction that she adored and which successfully treated the infection. They are always quick to suggest appropriate flavors and methods of preparation when I call with a new medication problem. Compounding is a critical service for most zoos and our pharmacy has been a lifesaver.

- Gwen A. Dragoo, BS, RVT, Head Veterinary Technician, and New Mexico

Thank you all at P3 for your efforts in keeping compounding pharmacies a "freedom of choice" for everyone, especially those like me who have to take something daily for a medical condition.

After what I went through years back now, I not only will not but cannot take any pharmaceutical synthetic drug(s)! Though I will be 62 next month, I have been taking a bio identical compound for the past four years now.

I would like to see bio identical compounds paid for by insurance companies as I pay out of my own pocket for what I take as well. Because I was never afforded the "freedom of choice" by former doctors, I would like to see a written form provided to me as either part of a new patient package or on a yearly update basis by my doctor(s) office, that advises me that "bio identical compounds" are also another medical avenue available to me as part of my "freedom of choice" regarding my care and as a patient as well. It could very easily be incorporated and I would sign it yearly with my updates as well.

Again, MANY, MANY THANKS TO YOU ALL AT P3 FOR YOUR EFFORTS IN KEEPING COMPOUNDING PHARMACIES A "FREEDOM OF CHOICE" FOR ALL OF US & ESPECIALLY FROM ME PERSONALLY AS WELL, THANK YOU!!!

- D. Carlson, California

Our dog, Tucker, has frequent seizures which is very hard on all of us. He is on three medications to try to control them – we will do whatever we can to take good care of him. One of the medications, potassium bromide, was only available in liquid form. As you can imagine, it is not the easiest thing to administer to a dog by shooting the liquid in his mouth with a syringe twice a day. Concerns surrounding this are not getting the full dose if some runs out, the obvious difficulty of administering this and not being comfortable having someone else administer it if we need to board him. His other meds are pills or capsules which are easily administered in a Pill Pocket.

Through a compounding pharmacist, we are able to get potassium bromide in capsule form making it MUCH easier to provide Tucker all of his meds at once in a Pill Pocket. We are assured he is getting the proper dosages and it is easy for others to provide him the care he is used to when we board him. I feel if we couldn’t provide this care, we would never be able to travel because I wouldn’t be comfortable putting the burden on someone else. We are extremely thankful for our compounding specialist!

- L. Compton, Georgia

Compounding pharmacy is not an option, it is a necessity for many healthcare providers, myself included, treating complex patients.

My name is Peta Cohen. I am a clinical nutritionist working in my private practice since 1996. The focus of my practice in pediatrics, particularly the treatment of children with autism, ADD/ADHD, Sensory Integration Disorder, Genetic Disorders, and inborn errors of metabolism, as well the complex adult patient, has demanded the need to provide a delivery system for pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals that goes beyond what is available through both the pharmaceutical and nutrition supplement industry.

Creating an opportunity to restore the body back to balance is not an option, but a fundamental demand of the provider patient relationship and cannot be achieved through dietary modification alone. If a nutrient or drug is required to leverage healing and a restoration of health there needs to be an appropriate delivery system to ensure the intake and uptake of this support.

Without the option of compounded medications and supplements I would never have had the opportunity to impact the life of so many individuals.

- Peta Cohen, MS., RD Clinical Nutritionist/Metabolic Specialist, New Jersey