A compounding pharmacy creates personalized medications by mixing individual ingredients to tailor treatments to a patient’s specific needs. This may involve adjusting dosage strengths, removing allergens, changing the delivery method (e.g., converting a pill to a liquid), or combining multiple medications into one.

Patients may need compounded medications if:
• Commercial drugs are unavailable or on backorder
• They have allergies to dyes, preservatives, or fillers in standard medications
• They require a customized dose or combination of medications
• They need a different form (like a cream, lozenge, or sublingual drops) for easier administration

Compounded medications themselves are not FDA-approved because they are custom-made for individual patients. However, the ingredients used are typically sourced from FDA-approved manufacturers, and reputable compounding pharmacies follow strict regulatory guidelines set by their state boards and the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP).

Yes. Just like commercially available medications, compounded medications require a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.

Look for pharmacies that are:
• Licensed and regulated by their State Board of Pharmacy
• Members of organizations like the PCCA (Professional Compounding Centers of America)
• Following USP <795>, <797>, and <800> compounding standards
• Transparent about their sourcing, testing, and quality control processes

Compounding pharmacies can create a wide range of medications, including:
• Hormone replacement therapies (HRT)
• Weight loss and metabolic support treatments (like GLP-1s)
• Pediatric medications
• Dermatological preparations
• Pain management formulas
• Medications for sexual wellness, hair loss, and anti-aging

Often, compounded medications are not covered by insurance. However, patients may be able to use Health Savings Accounts (HSA) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) to pay for them. Some insurance providers may offer partial reimbursement upon request.

Storage instructions vary based on the formulation. Some medications must be refrigerated, while others can be kept at room temperature. Always follow the label directions and consult your pharmacist if you have questions.

When prepared by a reputable pharmacy, compounded medications are generally safe. However, risks can include:
• Incorrect dosing if improperly compounded
• Contamination if sterile techniques are not followed
• Allergic reactions if ingredients aren’t disclosed or substituted

This is why it’s critical to choose a trusted pharmacy that follows proper protocols.

The shelf life of a compounded medication depends on the type of medication, its ingredients, and how it’s stored. Most compounded medications will have a beyond-use date (BUD) on the label, indicating how long they are safe and effective. Always adhere to that date and avoid using expired medications.