Compounding Pharmacy Services in Nanton, Alberta
Ask whether an individual prescription can be prepared in a different strength, dosage form or ingredient combination when a suitable commercial product does not meet the prescribed need.
The complete prescription must be reviewed first. Availability, preparation time and cost cannot be confirmed from a verbal request alone.
An Individual Prescribed Amount
A non-standard strength may be considered when appropriate and accurately preparable.
A Prescribed Alternative Form
Availability depends on the medication, formulation, equipment and pharmacy capabilities.
A Reviewed Ingredient Need
A suitable formula may omit or replace certain non-medicinal ingredients when possible.
What Is Prescription Compounding?
Prescription compounding is the preparation of medication for an individual patient according to a healthcare provider’s prescription. The pharmacy prepares the prescribed formulation using appropriate ingredients, equipment and procedures.
It may be considered when a required strength or form is unavailable, an ingredient cannot be used, a product is unavailable or another individual need is identified by the prescriber.
Compounding is not appropriate for every prescription.
The pharmacist must review the prescription, available evidence, ingredients, stability, preparation requirements and pharmacy capabilities before accepting it.
A customized medication is not automatically safer, more effective or more suitable than a manufactured medication.
Customized Medication Begins With an Individual Need
The pharmacist reviews the active ingredient, strength, dosage form, intended route, patient information, allergies, stability, storage, preparation method and beyond-use dating.
If information is missing or clarification is required, the pharmacist may contact the prescriber before proceeding.
- ✓Complete and valid prescription
- ✓Appropriate formulation and evidence
- ✓Available ingredients
- ✓Required equipment and facilities
- ✓Suitable stability and storage information
- ✓Preparation within pharmacy capabilities
Medication Needs a Standard Product May Not Meet
A Different Strength
A prescribed amount outside commercial strengths may be considered when the formulation is appropriate and can be prepared accurately.
A Different Dosage Form
An alternative form may be requested when using a standard form is difficult and the option is clinically appropriate.
Avoiding an Ingredient
A suitable formula may omit a dye, flavour, filler or another ingredient, although not every ingredient can be removed.
An Unavailable Product
Compounding may sometimes be considered when a medication or required formulation is unavailable commercially.
Individual Treatment Requirements
A prescriber may identify another medication need not met by a standard product. The pharmacy must assess suitability and capability.
How the Compounding Process Works
Submit the Prescription
Provide a valid prescription with the information needed to evaluate the formulation.
Formulation Review
The pharmacist checks completeness, suitability, ingredients, equipment, timing and cost.
Ingredients Are Obtained
Additional time may be required when ingredients are not kept in regular inventory.
Medication Is Prepared
The approved formulation is measured, mixed, packaged, labelled and documented.
Instructions Are Provided
Review dose, use, storage, beyond-use date, precautions and follow-up requirements.
How Long Does Compounding Take?
Timing depends on formulation complexity, ingredient availability, required equipment, prescription clarification, preparation schedules and quality documentation.
An estimate can be provided after the prescription is reviewed. Some preparations take longer than standard prescriptions.
Request Refills Early
Before a refill, the pharmacy may need to confirm authorization, ingredient availability, formulation changes, monitoring needs and preparation time.
A refill request does not guarantee immediate preparation.
Call About a RefillWhat Determines the Price?
Cost depends on ingredients, preparation requirements, dispensing services and applicable fees. The pharmacy can provide available cost information after reviewing the prescription.
Insurance Decisions Vary
A plan may cover all or part of a preparation, selected ingredients, a commercial alternative, or require prior authorization. The insurer makes the final decision.
Eligible claim submission does not guarantee coverage.
Follow the Label and Pharmacist Instructions
Storage
Instructions may include room-temperature storage, refrigeration, protection from light or moisture, shaking before use or use of a provided measuring device.
Beyond-Use Date
Do not use the preparation after its assigned date without speaking with the pharmacy. The date reflects formulation, ingredients and stability information.
Measuring a Dose
Use the recommended measuring device. Household spoons may not provide an accurate dose. Ask for a demonstration if needed.
Changes in Appearance
Contact the pharmacy about unexpected colour, texture, smell, consistency or packaging changes. Do not use a damaged, contaminated or incorrectly labelled product.
Compounding for Children
When prescribed and appropriate, an individualized strength or form may be considered. The pharmacist reviews age, weight, dose, dosage form, measuring instructions, storage and ingredient concerns.
Not every medication can be safely or appropriately compounded for a child. A caregiver should understand how to measure and administer each dose.
Tell Us About Every Ingredient Concern
Report concerns involving dyes, flavours, preservatives, fillers, sweeteners and other active or non-medicinal ingredients.
Removing one ingredient does not make a preparation completely allergy-free. Multiple components and cross-contact risks may need consideration.
Compounding Is One Part of Prescription Care
Our pharmacists also provide prescription filling and transfers, renewals and adaptations, medication reviews, minor ailment assessments, vaccinations, screening, compliance packaging and delivery.
Learn About Pharmacy CareWhat to Bring or Provide
- ✓Original prescription
- ✓Alberta health card and insurance information
- ✓Medication and supplement list
- ✓Allergy and ingredient-sensitivity details
- ✓Prescriber contact information
- ✓Date the medication is needed
- ✓Prescriber instructions
Do not wait until your medication has run out. Review, clarification or ingredient ordering may take time.
Nanton Family Pharmacy
The team must review the complete prescription before confirming availability, cost or preparation time.
2119 20 StreetNanton, Alberta T0L 1R0
Phone: 403-646-0510
Fax: 403-646-0511
Email: info@nantonfamilypharmacy.com
Mon–Fri 9–6 · Sat 10–5 · Sun 1–5
Call About CompoundingFrequently Asked Questions
What is a compounded medication?+
Do I need a prescription?+
Can every medication be compounded?+
What dosage forms can the pharmacy compound?+
Can a compounded medication provide a different strength?+
Can dyes or flavours be removed?+
How long does a compounded prescription take?+
Are compounded prescriptions covered by insurance?+
Is a compounded medication better than a manufactured medication?+
How should I store a compounded medication?+
What is a beyond-use date?+
Can compounded medications be delivered?+
Can a compounded prescription be refilled?+
Can medication be compounded for a child?+
What if the pharmacy cannot prepare my prescription?+
Have a Compounded Prescription?
Contact the pharmacy with the complete prescription so the pharmacist can assess suitability, capability, timing and cost.
Call 403-646-0510