Specialty Pharmacy in Houston
FAQ
What is compounding?
Compounding is the traditional preparation of medication with ingredients that are customized to meet the unique needs of an individual patient when commercially available drugs do not meet those needs. A patient may not be able to take the commercially available drug, or a patient may require a drug that is currently in shortage or discontinued. Compounding pharmacists create medication into specially-designed flavored liquids, tailored topical creams, suppositories, troches or other dosage forms suitable for patients' unique needs. Compounding does not duplicate any commercially available or retail pharmacy medication products.
How does compounding benefit me?
There are various benefits as to why compounding can benefit patients overall health and well being. Pharmacists may prepare medications using several unique delivery systems that may increase patient’s compliance and overall health through reduction in side effects (such as compounding pain cream or gel versus oral pain pills), creation of more favorable dosage form (such as making a suspension for patients who have trouble swallowing), or alternative non-addictive pain therapy (such as non-controlled pain management cream or gel versus narcotic pain pills). These are just some of the benefits that compounding can offer.
Why can’t a regular pharmacy compound my prescription?
A regular pharmacy lacks the equipment, time, high-grade ingredients, and education needed to properly prepare a personalized compounding medication.
Will my pharmacy benefits cover my compounded medications?
Yes. Similar to any regular prescriptions, your compounded medications will be submitted through your insurance plan, and we will work with your insurance to get your medication covered. If your insurance ends up not covering your prescription, we also offer competitive self-pay formulations for your therapy.
What is the process of getting the compounded medication?
Your health care provider can either call in or fax the prescription for your compounded medication to the pharmacy, along with your demographics and insurance information. We will then process it, call you to verify the copayment or self-pay price, and will either ship to you or get it ready for you to pick it up, depending on your requirements.
What is the turnaround time to receive my compounded medication?
If all supplies are in stock for the compounded medication and all the processes needed are complete, we will usually fill your medication within 24 hours. However, if there are further processes that need to be taken, such as ingredient substitution or ordering of supplies, then it may take longer than 24 hours. Regardless of the length of time needed, we will notify you of every step of the way and the approximate time when you should receive your medication.