Compounding

Holistic & Integrative Approach to Health

At Newtons Pharmacy we understand that the “one cap fits all” approach does not always produce the best possible outcome for the individual patient. We believe in a holistic approach to the health of the individual and the integration of traditional knowledge and medicines with modern medicine and the pharmaceutical science.

We have developed long term professional relationship with other health practitioners, naturopaths, herbalists, emotional healers and integrative prescribers, and offer private consultations and a wide range of custom made compounds, including pharmaceutical, nutritional, homeopathic and other vibrational medicines.

Our patients come to us from all walks of life, with a wider range of health needs and at different life stages. Some may not be presenting any symptoms and are looking to optimise their overall health, whilst others are looking for help with managing a life altering illness or debilitating condition. Every case is unique and requires an individual solution.

Over the years we have had many success stories and generations of loyal interstate and international customer base who know that Newtons pharmacy can offer what others don’t.

What is Pharmaceutical Compounding?

Pharmaceutical compounding is the art and science of manufacturing custom made medicines, tailored to the individual needs of the patient.

Why do we need custom made medicines when there are commercially available products?

Commercial products offer limited solutions and choice, rigid dosage forms, and standard incipients. For example, pharmaceutical compounding may be required if a patient needs a customised medication without any lactose or gluten due to allergy or intolerance.One can't change the fillers or the taste of a commercial product and may be left  without an alternative when the manufacturer discontinues the manufacture due to financial or other reasons. Many safe and effective drug formulations are available overseas but impossible to procure in Australia. The compounding service of the pharmacists may be the only option available.Compounding pharmacists are not contract manufacturers and can only compound for an individual patient.

There is a difference in the efficacy, suitability, safety and stability between different formulations (cream, capsule, and troche for example), containing exactly the same concentration of the same active ingredient. What suits one person, may not suit another.

Are Compounded Prescriptions Safe?

The TGA and the Pharmacy Guild and Council recognize that the practice of pharmacy compounding is an important public health alternative for patients who require medication that is not commercially available, or not available due to drug shortages. The license to compound medicines allows compounding pharmacists to prepare a custom made formulation on prescription or by request of an individual patient, it is not a licence to bulk manufacture in anticipation of sales. This is why your compound is not available for immediate collection.

To ensure patient safety, compounding prescriptions must follow approved formulas with stability data  and be compounded by a licensed and suitably trained pharmacist, in approved premises.  Compounding pharmacies must comply with the regulations for compounding raw materials, eqipment, and standard operting procedures. 

Compounding pharmacists understand that poor quality control can lead to possible malpractice claims against their business and health risks for their patients and set up processes and procedures to ensure the safety and quality of their compounds. 

How do we ensure quality and safety of our compounds?

Contrary to the common belief, the compounding pharmacist, rather than the doctor, is responsible for the safety and suitability of the compounded product. The pharmacist is the expert of medicines and has a professional duty of care, obliging him or her to consider their patients' health and interests before any other. The pharmacist can't ensure the safety or suitability of a compound without knowing the general state of health of the patient, present conditions, allergies, and other medicines and supplemrnts he or she is currently taking. To help us make an informed decision, please fill our Risk Assessment form in the store or online prior placing an order. Our compounding pharmacists will review the provided information and work with the prescriber, if so needed, to provide the best solution for your needs.

To fill the above form online, please click the link below:

Risk Assessment Form

Our Compounding Materials 

Our laboratory will only use pure pharmaceutical grade raw materials. We source compounding materials from reputable Australian and US based suppliers with TGA and GMP accreditation, and therefore know that each and every product has been tested and certified by a certificate of analysis.  All certificates of analysis are kept on record for future reference.

Equipment and Facilities

We moved to a brand new compounding facility in 2020 and currently enjoy a world class laboratory and the latest computerized equipment technology can offer. Past are the days of unevenly colored or bumpy creams and lotions or strange looking troches with holes and bubbles.

To improve the overall quality of our products and reduce the risk of errors or contamination, we have invested in the best available compounding software, which verifies the formula, identity, grade, expiry and concentration /weight of each ingredient prior compounding  takes place.    

Once the ingredients are verified and weighed, they are then transferred in a suitable container and placed in our revolutionary planetary mixer, the Mazeruster, which is programmed to spin those ingredients in whatever form is needed, being powder, cream, troches or suppositories, at a touch of a button. No more messy mortars and pestles. The result is always an uniform, high quality product, which is then packaged and labeled with minimum contact with the compounding personnel. The whole process takes minutes, not hours, and ensures compliance with the regulations and full customer satisfaction.

To see the Mazeruster in action, please click the image above.

Training of Personnel

All pharmacists at Newtons Pharmacy have undergone compounding training by accredited third party providers and hold a certificate in compounding techniques used during simple and complex compounding.

We are proud to state that we have the professional skills, facilities and procedures to produce uniform and high-quality compounds according to USP standards and in conjunction with tight quality control procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pharmacy Compounding:

Do I need a prescription for my compounded products?

Prescription is needed only for compounds containing restricted pharmaceuticals or controlled drugs. You may place your order by faxing or emailing a copy of your prescription to us but we must have the original prior supply.

What else is important to know about compounded medicines.

Do Insurances Cover Compounding Prescriptions?

Depending on your insurance plan, patients may be reimbursed by sending in claim forms. Many insurance companies will reimburse compounded prescriptions; however, we suggest that you consult with your insurance provider for eligible benefits.

Which Types of Prescriptions Can Be Compounded?

Almost any medication can be compounded. Compounded prescriptions are intended for patients that require customised medication. Delivery vehicles that are often used for compounding include:

• Creams, gels, ointments and lotions
• Oral solutions and suspensions
• Capsules
• Troches
• Sprays
• Suppositories
• Powders           

Types of Compounding:

We compound a wide range of regulated pharmaceutical products as well as natural supplements, including herbal and homeopathic formulations and flower essences. The most commonly compounded pharmaceutical products are for the following:

Pain Management

Many of the available pain relief options come in the form of narcotics or drugs with rigid dosage forms and substantial side effects. While these options may help reduce the pain, the numerous side effects can be cause for great concern. With the advancements in pharmaceutical compounding, patients can now access custom made formulations with the optimal for them choice of strength and active ingredients, delivered through formulations of choice. We may incorporate natural anti-inflammatory ingredients such as herbal extracts (Turmeric, Comfrey, Arnica, Rue), traditional compounds(camphor, essential oils), and P.E.A. Utilizing a number of different compounding solution options such as creams, gels, ointments, sprays, capsules and others, painful conditions can be managed in a fashion tailored to the individual needs of each patient, with greater efficacy and safety.

Dermatology

It can be difficult to find the right solution for skin concerns such as acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis or even cosmetic concerns such as fine lines and deep wrinkles. We know that traditional medicine and topical herbal applications may deliver the natural solution you hope for - just talk to us. Many herbal extracts have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and healing properties (Comftry, Arnica, Calendula, Chickweed, Oregon grape, etc). Many skin care products can leave unwanted side effects such as dry, thinning, red, peeling and irritated skin. Compounding allows for the right ingredient to be used to the patient’s needs by carefully selecting the right moisturizing agents, non-irritating bases and hypoallergenic products to treat your concerns based on your skin type. Compounding solutions for dermatological concerns come most often in the form of creams, ointments, gels, sprays, topical powders and shampoos.

Pediatrics

Nobody wants to have their child’s health depend on whether their son or daughter refuses to take the medication due to it tasting “yucky” or because it is not available in a kid-friendly dosage form such as chewable tablets or liquid, or because the child cannot swallow a large tablet or capsule. Often times the medication is difficult to measure and find the appropriate dosage for a child. Pediatric compounding gives the ability to completely customise the medication for your child’s unique taste preference and condition in mind, whether that includes being preservative free, dye-free, sugar-free or any other customization that may be required. The medication can be delivered in a more child-friendly compounding solution such as gummies, troches, lozenges, lollipops, oral liquids and more.

Geriatrics

The concerns we have for dosing medication in children are often shared for medication dosage for the elderly. The older we get, conditions such as dry mouth make it very hard to swallow tablets and capsules. Also, many elderly patients need to take several medications in dosages that are lower than what is normally required for the average-age adult. Compounding offers a solution to address some of these issues by combining multiple drugs into one preparation, which may not only make it easier to administer but also more convenient for the patient. Geriatric compounding solutions come in many different vehicles such as oral liquids, creams, ointments, gels, rapid dissolving tables, injections, suppositories and more.

Hormonal Balance

Hormones play a huge role in our overall state of health. Unfortunately, as we get older our hormone levels can increase, decrease or fluctuate. These changes in hormone levels cause symptoms ranging from weight gain/loss, mood changes, hair loss and everything in-between for both men and women. Compounding allows for the appropriately prescribed treatment to be completely customised based on the patient’s hormone levels, symptoms and health concerns where medication that is commercially available may not be able to address or be suitable to their needs. In addition, we offer a range of natural supplements containing phytoestrogens and phytoprogestins, such as the herbal extracts of Sage, Black cohosh, Red clover, used to make commercial products for the relief of menopause. The most prevalent HRT compounding solutions are creams, gels, troches, drops, and capsules, vaginal suppositories. 

Veterinary

Most medications are manufactured with intended use in humans rather than animals. While the drug itself might still treat your furry friend, it is the other ingredients, the inactive ingredients, which can sometimes be toxic to your pet. Compounding allows for the most appropriate medication therapy by taking into account the unique habits and taste preferences of your pet. When dealing with veterinary compounding, the most popular compounding solutions are oral pastes, creams, ointments, gels, oral liquids, capsules and powders.

See Compounded Examples Products Below