What is a Compounding Pharmacy?
Custom medications made precisely for your needs — the right dose, the right form, the right formula. Discover how pharmaceutical compounding at Longfields Pharmacy can help when standard medications fall short.
What is Pharmaceutical Compounding?
Pharmaceutical compounding is the preparation of customized medications by a licensed pharmacist to meet the unique needs of an individual patient. Unlike commercially manufactured drugs — which are produced in standardized doses and forms — compounded medications are tailored to the specific requirements of each person.
Compounding is one of pharmacy's oldest traditions. For most of pharmaceutical history, pharmacists were expected to prepare medications from scratch based on a prescriber's formula. Today, most medications are mass-produced, but compounding remains a vital service for patients with specialized needs that commercial products cannot meet.
At Longfields Pharmacy, our compounding specialist Kathy prepares custom formulations with precision and care, always following the strict quality standards set by the Ontario College of Pharmacists.
Why is Compounding Needed?
Commercial medications are designed for the average patient. But people are not average — they have allergies, sensitivities, age-specific needs, and health conditions that require something different. Compounding fills the gap:
- A child cannot swallow a tablet — we compound it into a flavoured liquid
- A patient is allergic to a dye or preservative in a commercial product — we compound without it
- A medication is only available as an oral tablet, but a topical cream works better for your condition — we compound a topical
- A pet refuses to take commercially available medication — we compound it with a chicken or tuna flavour
- A commercially available dose is too high for a specific patient — we compound a lower strength
- Two compatible medications need to be combined into one formulation for patient convenience
Common Uses for Compounded Medications
Many commercially available medications come only in adult dosage forms. We compound medications into the right dose and a palatable liquid, chewable, or flavoured formulation for children.
If you are allergic to a dye, preservative, or inactive ingredient in a commercial medication, we can compound a formulation without that ingredient.
Some medications work best when applied directly to the affected area. We create customized topical preparations — particularly useful for pain management, dermatology, and hormone therapy.
Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) compounds can be tailored to your specific hormone levels and symptoms, in consultation with your prescribing physician.
Pets often refuse commercial medications or require doses not available commercially. We create flavoured liquids, transdermal gels, and custom tablets for cats, dogs, and other animals.
When a commercially manufactured medication becomes unavailable due to a shortage or discontinuation, we can compound an equivalent formulation if permitted by regulations.
How Compounding Works at Longfields Pharmacy
- 1Obtain a prescriptionAsk your doctor, dentist, or other prescriber to write a compounding prescription. They will specify the medication, dose, dosage form, and any special requirements.
- 2Submit the prescription to usBring or fax your prescription to Longfields Pharmacy. Our team will review the formula and contact you with pricing and estimated preparation time.
- 3Compounding preparationOur trained compounding pharmacist prepares your custom formulation using pharmaceutical-grade ingredients, following strict quality protocols.
- 4Dispensing and counsellingYou collect your medication and receive thorough counselling on proper use, storage, and any relevant precautions.
- 5Follow-upOur team is available for follow-up questions or to adjust formulations in consultation with your prescriber if needed.
Safety, Regulations, and Quality
In Ontario, all compounding pharmacists are regulated by the Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP) and must follow the College's compounding standards for non-sterile and sterile preparations. These standards cover:
- Use of pharmaceutical-grade active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs)
- Proper documentation and labelling
- Stability and quality testing where applicable
- Appropriate storage and handling
- Clear beyond-use dating
Longfields Pharmacy is committed to the highest standards of compounding safety and quality. We are transparent about our processes and are happy to answer your questions about how your medication is prepared.
Cost of Compounded Medications
The cost of a compounded medication varies depending on the formula, ingredients, dosage form, and quantity. Compounded medications are generally not covered by OHIP.
Some private insurance plans cover compounded medications — check your policy or call your insurer to confirm. Longfields Pharmacy requires prepayment for all compounded orders and will provide an official receipt you can submit to your insurer for reimbursement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a compounding pharmacy?
A compounding pharmacy creates customized medications tailored to the specific needs of individual patients — adjusting dose, form, flavour, or removing allergens.
Is compounding safe?
Yes. Ontario compounding pharmacists are regulated by the Ontario College of Pharmacists and must follow strict quality and safety standards. Longfields Pharmacy adheres to all OCP compounding guidelines.
Does insurance cover compounded medications?
Compounded medications are not covered by OHIP. Some private plans provide partial coverage. We provide receipts for insurance submission.
Do I need a prescription for a compounded medication?
Yes. Most compounded medications require a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
Can you compound medications for my pet?
Yes. We offer veterinary compounding for pets. A prescription from your veterinarian is required. Common forms include flavoured liquids and transdermal gels.