10 Surprising Medications Dispensed On-Site: How They Change Perspectives
- Christopher Johnson
- 1 hour ago
- 7 min read
"What's one unexpected medication you've seen dispensed on-site that surprised you? How did it change your perspective on on-site dispensing?"
Here is what 10 thought leaders had to say.
Semaglutide with Anti-Nausea Medication Transforms Weight Management
As the founder of Go Figure Health, the most unexpected medication I've dispensed on-site is our physician-formulated Semaglutide that includes anti-nausea medication. After experiencing nearly every weight loss approach myself, including stomach-reducing surgery, finding this combination therapy completely changed my perspective on weight management.
On-site dispensing has transformed our patient outcomes dramatically. When clients receive their medication directly from us—whether injection, pill, or sublingual form—along with proper education, their compliance rates are significantly higher than when they have to steer external pharmacies.
What surprised me most was seeing how immediate access to medication reduced anxiety for first-time users. One client who was terrified of injections was able to administer her first dose with our team present, which turned her fear into confidence. This wouldn't have happened with a traditional prescription model.
Having spent 22 years in healthcare, on-site dispensing represents the future of patient-centered care. It creates accountability, eliminates barriers between consultation and treatment initiation, and allows us to quickly address side effects like nausea that might otherwise cause patients to abandon treatment.
Misti Janikowski, Business Owner, Go Figure Health Inc.
Testosterone Therapy Outperforms Pills for ED Treatment
As CEO of Sexual Wellness Centers of America, I was genuinely surprised when we began dispensing testosterone replacement therapy in our erectile dysfunction treatment protocols. Most people expect ED solutions to be limited to PDE5 inhibitors like Viagra or Cialis, but addressing underlying hormonal imbalances has proven far more effective for sustainable results.
Our REGENmax multi-modality approach incorporates various therapies, but the hormone optimization component consistently produces the most dramatic patient changes. One 58-year-old patient with diabetes-related ED had tried pills for years with diminishing returns. Within weeks of our on-site testosterone protocol, he reported significant improvements that medication alone never achieved.
This changed my entire perspective on sexual wellness treatment. Rather than simply dispensing medications that temporarily override symptoms, we now focus on comprehensive testing and customized treatment plans that address root causes. Our 97.2% efficacy rate for ED reversal stems directly from this shift toward personalized medicine dispensed immediately when needed.
The biggest lesson I've learned is that immediate access to appropriate treatments dramatically increases patient compliance and outcomes. When patients leave with their complete protocol in hand rather than facing pharmacy delays or insurance problems, they begin treatment immediately and stay committed to the process.
Vasopressin Creates Valuable Data in Device Testing
As an anesthesiologist who now runs a clinical research facility, the most unexpected medication we've dispensed on-site was vasopressin during a blood pressure device validation study. We were testing a wearable BP monitor that needed to capture significant pressure fluctuations, and a participant unexpectedly developed vasovagal syncope during arterial line placement.
Instead of terminating the study, our medical protocol allowed for immediate on-site adminisrration of vasopressin. Not only did it quickly stabilize the participant, but it created an excellent data point showing how accurately the device could track rapid BP recovery from hypotension.
This experience completely transformed our approach to on-site research protocols. We now maintain a comprehensive emergency medication inventory that serves dual purposes: ensuring participant safety while simultaneously providing valuable edge-case testing scenarios for the devices we're validating.
The biggest lesson was realizing that clinical research facilities shouldn't just mitigate medical emergencies—we can ethically incorporate them into our validation processes. This approach has become particularly valuable for sponsors developing wearables for high-risk cardiac patients, where capturing these physiological edge cases provides critical validation data.
Arthur Cabrera, Principal Investigator, Parameters Research Laboratory
Prazosin Bridges Crisis Care for Trauma Survivors
As a trauma therapist specializing in EMDR, I was surprised when a crisis intervention center I consulted with began dispensing Prazosin on-site for trauma survivors experiencing debilitating nightmares. This medication, originally developed for high blood pressure, has shown remarkable efficacy in reducing trauma-related nightmares when other interventions weren't immediately effective.
I observed a client who had been unable to sleep for days following a severe traumatic event. After receiving Prazosin through the on-site dispensary, they were able to get restorative sleep that night - creating the foundation needed for our therapeutic work to begin. This immediate intervention prevented further deterioration of their mental state.
This experience shifted my perspective on the integration of pharmacology and therapy. While my practice focuses on non-medication approaches like EMDR therapy, I gained appreciation for how targeted, rapid-response medication dispensing can create a window of stability for clients in crisis.
I now view on-site medication dispensing as a valuable bridge that can help stabilize clients enough to engage in the deeper trauma processing work. It taught me that sometimes we need to address the nervous system's immediate physiological responses before clients can access their internal resources for healing.
Taralynn Robinson, Owner, True Mind Therapy
On-Site Suboxone Breaks Barriers to Recovery
As a therapist who worked extensively in substance abuse treatment and homeless services, I was surprised to see buprenorphine (Suboxone) being dispensed on-site at a transitional housing program. Prior to this experience, medication-assisted treatment was something clients had to seek externally, creating significant barriers to consistent care.
Witnessing the immediate impact of on-site dispensing was transformative. Clients who previously missed doses due to transportation issues or competing priorities maintained consistent treatment. One individual who had cycled through recovery attempts for years finally achieved six months of stability because the medication was integrated into their daily routine at the housing program.
This experience completely shifted my perspective on treatment integration. I now advocate for more comprehensive care models in my private practice and when supervising other therapists. The separation between mental health services and medication management creates unnecessary problems for those already struggling with complex challenges.
On-site dispensing taught me that accessibility isn't just about having services available somewhere—it's about thoughtfully removing practical barriers that prevent people from utilizing those services consistently. This principle now guides how I structure my practice and approach treatment planning with clients facing multiple challenges.
Glutathione IV Therapy Revolutionizes Skincare Approach
As a med spa CEO with experience in aesthetics, I was genuinely surprised when we began offering Glutathione—a powerful antioxidant—through our IV therapy program. While many expect vitamin cocktails for energy or hydration, Glutathione specifically addresses skin health and detoxification from within.
We had a client with persistent rosacea who had tried numerous topical treatments without success. After receiving our Skin Radiance IV with Glutathione, her inflammation visibly decreased within days. The results were so impressive that we've since developed specialized protocols combining Glutathione with Vitamin C for improved results.
On-site dispensing of these specialized IV formulations completely changed my approach to skincare. I realized we needed to address beauty from both external and internal perspectives simultaneously—a "inside-out" approach yields significantly better outcomes than traditional aesthetics alone.
This experience taught me that med spas should expand beyond traditional cosmetic treatments. Being able to provide immediate, customized IV solutions on-site creates a comprehensive treatment approach that addresses both surface-level concerns and their underlying causes. Many clients now combine their regular aesthetic treatments with quarterly IV therapy for optimal results.
Sensory Tools Boost Outcomes for Neurodivergent Clients
As a psychologist running a multi-location practice, I was surprised when we began offering on-site dispensing of fidget tools and sensory items for our neurodivergent clients. These aren't medications in the traditional sense, but they function as therapeutic interventions that provide immediate relief during sessions.
The impact was remarkable, especially with our adult ADHD and autistic clients. One client who struggled with executive functioning left their assessment with appropriate sensory tools and reported implementing our recommendations immediately rather than having to remember to purchase items later. This dramatically increased treatment plan adherence.
On-site dispensing transformed our approach to neurodevelopmental care because it eliminated barriers between diagnosis and intervention. Our clinical team now incorporates these tools directly into sessions, demonstrating proper use and customizing recommendations based on real-time observations rather than theoretical suggestions.
This shift to immediate accessibility helped us create a more neurodiversity-affirming space while simultaneously improving clinical outcomes. Our practice model now prioritizes having assessment-related supports immediately available, reducing the cognitive load on clients who already face executive functioning challenges.
Erika Frieze, Owner & CEO, Bridges of the Mind
Low-Dose Naltrexone Transforms Chronic Fatigue Treatment
I was shocked to see my DPC doctor dispense low-dose naltrexone on-site for my chronic fatigue. I'd expected basic meds like antibiotics, not niche ones tied to immune support. Getting it instantly, no pharmacy run, saved me hours and started treatment same-day - unlike traditional setups where delays are standard. It flipped my view: on-site dispensing isn't just convenient; it's a game-changer for tailored care, letting docs control treatment pace. Tip: ask your DPC about on-site med options to cut hassle and speed up recovery.
Chris Brewer, Managing Director, Best Retreats
Buprenorphine Access Removes Recovery Treatment Barriers
One medication that surprised me when I saw it dispensed on-site was buprenorphine, used for treating opioid dependence. I hadn't expected a workplace or clinic to be equipped for medication-assisted treatment, but seeing it offered on-site challenged my assumptions.
It shifted my perspective on on-site dispensing; it's not just for basic or urgent care. It can also be a bridge to long-term recovery. Providing buprenorphine in a familiar, accessible setting removes barriers and stigma, helping people get the support they need where they already feel safe. It showed me how powerful on-site care can be in supporting both physical and mental health.
Dr. Carlos Todd, Mental Health Counselor, Mastering Anger
Medical Marijuana Expands Primary Care Dispensing Options
During a routine visit to a primary care clinic, I noticed that they had started offering on-site dispensing services for their patients. As I was discussing this with the clinic staff, an elderly patient came in with a prescription for medical marijuana. To my surprise, the clinic not only had medical marijuana available for dispensing but also had a designated physician who specialized in prescribing it.
This experience completely changed my perspective on on-site medication dispensing. I always thought that such services were limited to traditional medications like antibiotics and pain relievers. However, with the rise in popularity of alternative medicines such as medical marijuana, it is becoming more common for healthcare facilities to have on-site dispensing services for these types of medications as well.
On-site medication dispensing has many benefits for both patients and healthcare providers. For patients, it eliminates the need to make a separate trip to a pharmacy to fill their prescriptions. This can be especially beneficial for those who may have mobility issues or live in remote areas. It also allows for easier access to medications that may not be readily available at local pharmacies.
Evan Tunis, President, Florida Healthcare Insurance