Pharmacists are amongst the highest paid professionals around, simply because of how hard they have to work to get there.
The industry itself is always changing and incorporating new and old knowledge to better the practice.
Compounding pharmacy is one such example that has very interesting implications for all parties concerned.
Here is a closer look at exactly what these pharmacists do and how they train.
What is compounding pharmacy? Compounding pharmacy is basically a section of pharmaceuticals where pharmacists are charged with the responsibility of putting combination drugs together.
They use several raw ingredients and mix them together in a way that the correct doses are met and to ensure safety of use.
This is usually done to tailor certain medications to patients' required doses, and also to ease the burden of having to take multiple pills.
Why is compounding pharmacy popular? The practice has been made popular because of the benefits that they hold.
One big reason aside from getting the correct doses and easing the pill burden, is that more people are going natural and they don't want pills with artificial preservatives, colorants or flavorants in them.
It is also useful if you want to change the dosage route so you can form gels, creams or sprays.
It can also provide allergen-free pills with reduced side effects.
It is also particularly great for children who would rather have their medication in liquid form.
Training in compound pharmacy Not anybody can just go and train to be a compound pharmacist.
In order to get your foot in the door you have to be a qualified pharmacist.
In many parts of the world, so-called ordinary pharmacists have the ability to do some form of compounding, but for a more in depth skills and knowledge development course, there are special training programs available.