Compounding

Overview

At The Pharmacy Network, our pharmacists provide Compounding Services to create customised medicines tailored to your individual needs. When a commercially available product isn’t suitable, compounding allows us to prepare a medication in the exact strength, form, or combination required.

This service is available at The Pharmacy on Bunda, The Pharmacy on Northbourne, and The Pharmacy on Franklin, with simple compounding completed on-site and more complex preparations arranged through trusted compounding partners.

Requirements

A valid prescription is required to access any prescription-only compounded medicines.

Service Restrictions

Per the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989, pharmacists are not permitted to compound medicines that are already commercially available unless there is a clear clinical reason why the standard product is unsuitable for the patient. This may include factors such as allergies, intolerance to excipients, or the need for a different strength or dosage form.

What Is Compounding?

Compounding is the preparation of a personalised medication by a pharmacist to meet a specific patient need.

This may include:

• Adjusting the strength or dose of a medicine

• Changing the formulation (e.g. tablet to liquid or cream)

• Combining ingredients into a single preparation

• Preparing medicines that are not commercially available

Compounded medicines are made based on a valid prescription or specific clinical need.

How Our Pharmacists Can Help

At The Pharmacy Network, our pharmacists will:

• Review your prescription and clinical requirements

• Determine whether compounding is appropriate

• Prepare simple compounded medicines on-site where suitable

• Arrange complex compounding through accredited partners

• Provide clear instructions on how to use the medication safely

Compounding is performed in accordance with professional standards to ensure quality, safety, and consistency (Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, 2017).

Who This Service Is Suitable For

Compounding may be helpful if you:

• Require a custom dose or formulation

• Have difficulty swallowing tablets

• Need a medicine that is temporarily unavailable

• Have sensitivities to certain ingredients or excipients

• Are looking for a compounding pharmacy near you

Our pharmacists will assess each request to ensure compounding is appropriate.

What to Expect at The Pharmacy Network

For simple compounded items, preparation may be completed in-store. For more complex formulations, we will coordinate with a specialised compounding pharmacy and keep you informed of timeframes.

Our team will ensure you understand how to use your medication safely and effectively.

When Referral Is Needed

In some cases, our pharmacists may need to liaise with your prescriber if:

• Clarification is required on the formulation

• The requested preparation is not appropriate

• Alternative treatment options should be considered

This ensures your medication is safe and clinically appropriate.

Personalised Medicines, Made for You

If you’re searching for a compounding pharmacy near you, custom medications, or tailored prescription solutions, our pharmacists at The Pharmacy Network are here to help.

Visit The Pharmacy on Bunda, The Pharmacy on Northbourne, or The Pharmacy on Franklin to discuss your compounding needs.

References

Pharmaceutical Society of Australia. (2017). Professional Practice Standards.

Therapeutic Goods Administration. (1989). Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 (Cth).