What is Compounding?

Compounding is the preparation of a customized medication by a pharmacist according to a doctor's specifications to meet an individual patient need. Compounded medications are made from scratch by combining raw chemicals and powders dispensed through specialized drug delivery devices such as creams, gels, capsules, suppositories or lozenges. Most compounded medications can be made without preservatives, fragrances, dyes, or other allergens.

What gives a pharmacist the right to prepare a compounded medication?

The right - if not the obligation - to compound exists under the pharmacy laws of each of the fifty states and is pervasively regulated by state pharmacy boards and other governmental agencies. States require that pharmacy schools instruct students on the compounding of pharmaceuticals as part of their core curriculum. Pharmacists are the only health care professionals who study chemical compatibilities and can prepare dosage forms. Even when modern scientific technologies produce new chemical entities, the ability to combine chemicals into new preparations or process the existing dosage form into one that is better suited to the patient's needs has remained the domain of the pharmacist. The compounding of medications by pharmacists is a long-standing and traditional part of pharmacy. In fact, before the advent of multinational pharmaceutical companies, the majority of medications were prepared at local independent pharmacies.

Is compounding legal?

Yes. Compounding is legal throughout the United States, and the importance of compounding has been Congress. On November 9, 1997, Congress passed the Food and Drug Administration Act of 1997 ("Modernization Act"), amending the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDC Act). The Modernization Act includes new section 503A "Pharmacy Compounding," which recognizes that pharmacy compounding is legal in the United States. In its report on the issue, Congress made it clear that patients must be permitted to have continued access to the important health care services provided by compounding pharmacies. The sponsor of the law, Senator Tim Hutchinson of Arkansas, stated that the purpose of Pharmacy Compounding law is to "ensure that pharmacists and doctors across the country will be able to continue to provide individualized care and treatment of their patients." Congress passed the Pharmacy Compounding law at the behest of pharmacists who wanted clear Congressional recognition that compounding was an important component of pharmacy practice.

Can my compounded medication be shipped to me?

Yes. We use UPS to ship our packages within the continental United States and the US Postal Service to ship to Canada. All medications are expertly packed, shipped and insured for safe arrival. Patients are charged only for the shipping costs actually incurred by us. No extra handling fees are added. When necessary, ice packs and a cooler are used to maintain product stability at an additional cost of $7.00.

Do you accept credit cards?

We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. Because the medications we compound are custom made for each individual, we require payment before filling a prescription. Most patients elect to keep their credit card information on file with us so that we can automatically charge their account whenever they place an order. Alternately, patients can pay by check, cash, or money order.

What is your return policy?

State law dictates that once a prescription medication leaves the premises of a pharmacy, it can no longer be returned. Over the counter (OTC) nutritional supplements that are still sealed and not damaged can be returned for a full refund with proof of purchase.

What are your hours of operation?

9 am – 7 pm Monday – Thursday
9 am – 6 pm Friday
Closed Saturday & Sunday