Not all people are created equal. That is why clothing manufacturers make dozens of sizes, colors, and cuts. Medicine is no different. Major pharmaceutical manufacturers offer a range of drugs and dosage forms, but not everyone can take what they provide, in the dose they provide, in the form they provide it.
Not all pharmacies are created equal either.
What compounding is
The history of pharmacy is defined by compounding. Pharmacy itself is defined as the science and practice of the preparation and dispensing of medicinal drugs. With the rise of mass production, that craft faded from the mainstream. But as long as people are created differently, the need for custom-fit medication will exist.
A compounding pharmacy prepares medications customized to the dose and dosage form your prescriber wants you to have. You are not limited to the options mass manufacturing decided were worth producing.
Custom compounded hormone therapy
Hormone therapy is one of the clearest examples of why compounding matters. Two women with the same diagnosis can need very different strengths, hormone combinations, and delivery methods.
Working from your prescriber’s specifications, we can prepare hormone therapy as:
- Topical creams and gels
- Capsules in strengths that are not commercially available
- Troches and sublingual preparations
- Suppositories
- Combination preparations that reduce the number of separate products you manage
Compounded preparations are not FDA-approved products. They are prepared by a licensed pharmacy to a valid prescription. Your prescriber can explain why a compounded preparation is or is not the right fit for you. Learn more about bio-identical hormones and hormone replacement therapy options.
The only full-service compounding pharmacy in Alamance County
Warren’s Drug Store is the only full-service compounding pharmacy in Alamance County. We routinely mix and make creams, ointments, tablets, capsules, suppositories, and liquid suspensions. We flavor liquid medications to make them palatable. We are in the business of solving difficult prescription problems for adults, children, and pets.
Common problems we solve:
- Multiple creams or ointments your prescriber wants combined into one dosage form. We can do that.
- A child who cannot swallow pills and needs a tablet or capsule drug converted into a pleasant-tasting liquid suspension. We can do that.
- A pet that will not take medication. We offer oral liquids and topical creams that can be applied to an ear flap.
- A discontinued strength or a commercially unavailable dose.
- An allergy or intolerance to a dye, filler, preservative, or lactose in a commercial product.
- Hormone therapy at a strength and in a form matched to your testing.
Read more about what compounding is, compounding for patients, compounding for pets, and compounding for providers.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the nearest compounding pharmacy? Warren’s Drug Store in Mebane, NC serves Alamance and Orange Counties, including Burlington, Graham, Haw River, Hillsborough, Efland, and Elon.
Do I need a prescription for compounded medication? Yes. Compounded medications require a valid prescription from a licensed prescriber. If your provider is unfamiliar with compounding options, we are happy to speak with them.
How long does a compounded prescription take? Turnaround depends on the preparation. Call us with your prescription and we will give you a timeline.
Is compounded medication covered by insurance? Coverage varies. Some compounded preparations are covered, many are not. We will tell you the cost before we prepare anything.
Can you compound for pets? Yes. Veterinary compounding is a core part of what we do, including flavoring and alternative delivery forms.
Talk to a compounding pharmacist
Give us a call and ask about our compounding services. You may be surprised at the range of what we do, right here in Mebane, for our customers.
Call 919-563-3102 or contact us to talk with a compounding pharmacist.