We have already talked about what galenics are and their division into officinal galenics and magistral galenics: now we want to focus on a particularity of the latter, or rather a characteristic that is important for any galenic, but even more so for magistral galenics. We are talking about the possibility of personalising the treatment, therefore of a remedy that is studied to give precise answers to equally precise needs.
First of all, let's remember what galenicals are: they are preparations made in the laboratory of a pharmacy adequately equipped for this purpose . Officinal galenicals are for free use and - to use the language of the legislation - fall under the category of cosmetics: here we find a whole series of creams and supplements that have the well-being of the person as their purpose.
Magistral galenics, on the other hand, are real medicines and require a specific medical prescription : they are therefore prepared at the request of the doctor when he considers it necessary to carry out a treatment that, for example, does not exist on the market or that cannot be found in the dosages or combinations that he deems most appropriate for that patient.
Personalized care with master galenics
So what is one of the most important advantages of magistral galenicals? The personalization of treatment, precisely. Let's think for example of specific formulations that are not found on the market: should we adapt the treatment to what is available on the market or is it better to ensure that the patient can benefit from the best treatment for their specific needs ? It is intuitive that the answer is often the second. Each person is different, reacts differently to treatments and active ingredients, may need different combinations and methods of administration: in these cases it could be a good idea to turn to galenical preparations, obviously when this is possible, for a treatment that is as personalized as possible.
The preparation of magistral galenics allows both to prepare drugs tailored to the patient, to adjust dosages according to specific needs, to follow up on formulations no longer on the market or to provide medicines without lactose or without wheat. Magistral galenics require a specific medical prescription.
The same applies when it is necessary to precisely regulate dosages , which is particularly important when dealing with pediatric drugs, but not only: in this case it is possible to create highly personalized galenic preparations so as to make the administration of the drug easier and safer.
Thanks to the Galenic laboratory, a pharmacy may also be able to provide the so-called “ orphan drugs ”, that is, those no longer on the market, but which some patients may still need or with which they may be more comfortable than those that have replaced them on the shelves. Furthermore, it is possible, for example, to prepare medicines without lactose or wheat for those who suffer from allergies or intolerances to these elements.
What is important to check when requesting personalized galenic preparations?
To provide galenic preparations such as those described above, it is naturally necessary for the pharmacy to be equipped with a laboratory capable of safely producing this type of product . For example, it is important to follow the formulation and production protocols adhering to the European Good Preparation Standards and to the legislation on the dispensing of the galenic drug prepared in the pharmacy.Furthermore, it is essential to use raw materials , whether we are talking about active ingredients or excipients, which are certified and whose origin is certain.
Furthermore, pharmacists responsible for such galenic preparations should be adequately trained and constantly updated and have access to the technologies necessary for the production of these products.
