Postcription: Future Trends in High Technology Pharmaceutical Compounding
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Abstract: Practice sites and pharmaceuticals used (drugs and drug-delivery systems) will be the variables of pharmacy practice in the future. During the past 5 to 10 years, patient needs and economic needs have driven changes in the practice of pharmacy, and pharmacy develops as societal needs evolve. Pharmaceuticals will evolve into increasingly potent and complex drugs and drug-delivery systems that will require the expertise of well-trained pharmacists. A list of potential dosage forms that may involve compounding pharmacists is provided. Other potential new delivery systems are described. The author concludes that in the future pharmacists may find themselves increasingly involved in manipulating and administering drugs and or biologicals. The future of pharmacy should not be based solely on educational, counseling or information services. As long as we are a technology-driven, product-driven and device-driven society, there will be a need to provide those products and devices and their associated educational and counseling activities.