Most prescriptions are filled the same way: a manufacturer makes the medication, ships it to a retail pharmacy, and a pharmacist counts and labels it for you. A compounding pharmacy does something different — it prepares your medication from raw ingredients, one prescription at a time, based on exactly what your prescriber wrote.
What is a compounding pharmacy?
A compounding pharmacy prepares patient-specific medications from individual ingredients (active pharmaceutical ingredients and pharmaceutical-grade excipients). Every compounded prescription is prepared for an individual patient pursuant to a valid prescription from a licensed prescriber, in accordance with applicable Section 503A requirements of the FD&C Act and USP compounding standards.
What can a compounding pharmacy do that a regular pharmacy can’t?
The value of compounding is customization. Depending on the prescription, a compounding pharmacy can:
- Adjust the strength — a dose that isn’t available commercially
- Change the form — turn a tablet into a liquid, cream, troche, or transdermal preparation for patients who can’t swallow pills
- Remove problem ingredients — prepare a hypoallergenic formulation without dyes, gluten, or specific preservatives
- Combine multiple medications — into a single preparation when the prescriber wants it that way
- Add flavor — chicken, tuna, or fruit flavors for children and pets
- Prepare medications during a shortage — when the commercial product is on FDA’s drug shortage list
When would my prescriber send me to a compounding pharmacy?
The most common reasons:
- You need a strength or form that isn’t commercially available
- You have a documented allergy to an inactive ingredient in the commercial product
- The commercial product is on a drug shortage
- You need a combination that isn’t sold together
- You’re being treated for a pediatric or geriatric case where dosing needs to be adjusted precisely
- You’re a pet owner and your veterinarian is prescribing a flavored or reformulated version
Is a compounding pharmacy safer than a regular pharmacy?
Both are regulated. Retail pharmacies are regulated by state boards of pharmacy and dispense products already approved and manufactured under FDA oversight. Compounding pharmacies are also state-licensed and follow United States Pharmacopeia (USP) chapters for compounding — USP <795> for applicable non-sterile preparations and USP <797> for sterile ones. Compounded medications are not individually FDA-approved (they’re prepared for individual patients), but the pharmacy, pharmacist, and process are all regulated.
How do I know if GPS Pharmacy can fill my prescription?
Easiest way: call us at 980-245-2028 with your prescription in hand and we’ll tell you within a minute. Most compounded prescriptions are ready within 24 hours. We deliver free of charge in the Charlotte area and ship to NC, SC, GA, and IL where permitted.
Frequently asked questions
Can any doctor prescribe a compounded medication?
Yes — any licensed prescriber can write a compounded prescription if they determine it’s clinically appropriate.
Are compounded medications more expensive?
Not always. Sometimes they’re less expensive than the commercial equivalent (especially during shortages). We quote cash prices up front so you know before you commit.
Does insurance cover compounded prescriptions?
Coverage varies by plan. Some plans cover compounds; some don’t. We can help you understand your options.
Do you compound for animals as well as humans?
Yes — GPS Pharmacy compounds for both. Veterinary compounding is one of our largest service areas, including flavored liquids and chews for cats, dogs, and exotic pets.
Talk to a pharmacist
Call GPS Pharmacy at 980-245-2028 — an actual pharmacist will pick up. Or Learn more about our compounding services.