What is a compounding pharmacy?

A compounding pharmacy makes medication to order. Instead of handing over a tablet or cream exactly as a manufacturer produced it, a compounding pharmacist prepares the medicine in the strength, form or flavour a prescriber has asked for. Here is what that means in practice, who it helps, and how to get a prescription compounded in Calgary.

What compounding means

Every compounded medicine starts with a prescription. Your doctor, nurse practitioner or other prescriber decides what you need. The pharmacist works out the formula, prepares the ingredients and makes the finished product, whether that is a cream, a capsule or a liquid. The active ingredient is the same one you would find in a manufactured product. What changes is the dose, the form, or what it is mixed with.

When a compounded medication makes sense

The strength your prescriber wants is not manufactured.

You cannot swallow tablets, so you need the same medicine as a liquid, cream or gel.

A child needs a smaller dose, in a flavour they will actually take.

You react to a dye, preservative or filler in the manufactured version.

The medication has been discontinued or is on backorder.

You need a topical pain or anti-inflammatory preparation applied where it is needed.

What the compounding pharmacist does

A compounding pharmacist checks the prescription first. If anything about the strength, base or ingredients is unclear, they confirm it with your prescriber before making anything. Then they prepare the medicine, label it, and explain how to use and store it. Compounded medicines can come with their own storage directions, so read the label and ask if anything is unclear. Refills are made to the same formula each time.

Questions worth asking

How long will it take to make?

How should I store it, and for how long can I use it?

Will my refills be made exactly the same way?

Is it covered by my insurance plan? Your insurer can confirm this.

Compounding at Revive in Calgary

All three Revive pharmacies compound on site: 20 Ave NW, Royal Vista NW and Lynnwood SE. Send your prescription as a photo, bring it into whichever store is closest, or ask your prescriber to send it to us. Same-day compounding is available, and we tell you the timing when you drop the prescription off. Collect it at the store, or ask about free delivery.