By Kelley Chambers, Star Local News

With the turn of the season, most people reach for the common allergy pill and/or nose spray for congestive relief instead of enzymes from a cow.

But there is one pharmacy in Plano that might recommend Yakriton –a liver fact extract–as a natural way to cure those aggravating sniffles and sneezes.

The pharmacists and staff at Abrams Royal Pharmacy pride themselves in providing just what the doctor ordered, as well as giving customers a glimpse into the world of holistic health with a scientific point of view.

Family owned and operated since its first pharmacy opened in Dallas 30 years ago, Abrams is different than most pharmacies because of its strong emphasis on nutritional supplements and its customized medications. This hybrid of prescription and natural supplement medications allows more freedom for the patient when seeking out just the right medication and dosage, said Abrams’ Communications Manager Taylor Troup.

“Back then this was odd but now it’s become much more mainstream,” said Troup “The main thing with patients and customers is that so many people now are looking for natural supplements. (Owner Bob Scarbrough) saw a need to help with this and the need to provide both non-prescription and prescription products.”

In addition to its all-natural remedies, Abrams also specializes in custom compounding, or the process by which drugs are specially formulated to meet the individual needs of the patient. For example, a prescription can be made free of gluten or preservatives, or an unsavory cough syrup can be flavored with a child’s favorite flavor.

Abrams has also done compounding for the Dallas World Aquarium and the Dallas Zoo.

Compounding is an age-old process and one which can provide prescription medications that may only be available in mass quantities in standard forms and dosages by pharmaceutical manufacturers, Troup said.

“We are 100 percent by the book and in compliance with all state and federal regulations–we are not creating new drugs,” Troup said. “Our physicians are also advocates who go to Capital Hill and fight for giving patients’ options to choose (what type of medicines they receive) because more and more people are going alternative.”

The demand for compounding has increased as healthcare professionals and patients realized that there are a limited number of strengths and dosages of commercial medications. Being able to customize a medication so that it is free of allergens or dyes is a benefit that can make all the difference when helping a person heal, Troup said.

In addition, if a particular medication is placed on back order or has been discontinued, Abrams can call the manufacturer and have it made for them, she added.

“Our goal is to do the very best job for our customers. Everyone is different and we strive to make our medicines as clean as possible,” Troup said. “We use the cleanest fillers and no dyes, so the capsules are clear. Almost all of our packaging comes in glass for those who are environmentally sensitive or who may have severe allergies.”

For customers simply looking for healthy alternatives, the pharmacy’s over-the-counter area features friendly advice free with every visit. It’s not just a place to grab something off the shelf–be prepared to learn and walk out being enlightened, said customer Susan Schneider.

“They are much more interactive with me and the pricing is better (than other compounding pharmacies),” Schneider said. “They really listen to what your needs are. It seems like each time I come in here I’m learning something new.”

The pharmacy also carries physician-only lines, or medications exclusively available to certain pharmacies. Abrams is the only pharmacy in the world, for example, able to carry the Skinceuticals line, because of exclusive contracts it holds with the manufacturer.

The pharmacy also plans on holding free evening seminars to help educate the public on the benefits of homeopathic remedies. In a world of preservatives, prepackaging and pre-made foods, Triesch said the goal of Abrams is to serve as a one-stop-health-shop and illness prevention specialist.

“We are kind of like the pharmacy that doesn’t like drugs,” Triesch said. “Our philosophy is that drugs are not always necessary but we understand that there is a time and place (for them). We try to educate the patients to alternatives and it’s really the patient’s choice.”