Mixing Meds into Liquids a Popular Fix in Miami

Compounding pharmacies gaining popularity

A growing number of pharmacists filling prescriptions in South Florida are doing more than counting manufactured pills.

They're mixing and making medications. It’s a practice known as compounding.

”It's especially tailored for you. It's customized medicine for each individual,” explained Dr. Armando Bardisa, owner of South Miami Pharmacy.

At Bardisa's new location, the second floor is dedicated to compounding.

It's now 15 percent of his business, with customers like the parents of 1-year-old Victoria, who had reflux.

Her mother Christina Braaksma said a pill was prescribed for her infant, which was problematic to administer.

"Then I found out they actually make the same medication in liquid through compounding, so it was great. It was night and day," she said.

Medications can be blended into lollipops and gummies, which are popular with pediatric patients. But compounding isn’t just for kids. 

Menopausal women on hormone replacement therapy are the most frequent users of compounding.

A lot of the elderly use it as well because we can make your tablets that you would normally have to take into a liquid,” Bardisa said.

You can pick a flavor for yourself or your pet. Yes, they compound for animals, too.

The FDA does not regulate these custom preparations. So how do you know what you're getting? The ingredients are FDA approved, but the mixed preparations are not.
 
Richard Mayan is the compounding pharmacist at South Miami.
 
All the compounds we formulate here are sent out to a laboratory for potency, making sure what is in there and the strength that's in there” he said.
 
Compounding pharmacies are not required to do that.  

While insurance companies will pay for traditional prescription drugs, they will not cover the cost of compounded medicines.  According to Bardisa, the cost of a typical compounded medicine is $50 for a month's supply.
Contact Us