Patient FAQs
What is a compounding pharmacy?
A compounding pharmacy creates pharmaceutical preparations that commercialized medications do not offer. When people need unique dosages, formulas, flavors, etc. – compounding pharmacies can provide them with a drug that meets their needs.
What is the difference between a traditional and a compounding pharmacy?
Many people assume that a compounding pharmacy is simply another name for a traditional pharmacy, but this is not the case. Though pharmacists graduate from a pharmaceutical school and can fill subscriptions, a compound pharmacist has more specialized training to learn the art and science of compounding. In traditional pharmacies, the medications sold come from the manufacturer in their final doses and mixtures, whereas a compounding pharmacist makes the medication from raw ingredients and can customize the final product.
What medications can be compounded?
Almost any medication can be compounded. Medications that require a unique form such as nasal sprays, flavoring, and topical gels are the most common.
How do compounding pharmacists customize medications?
With a physician’s prescription, a compounding pharmacist can:
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Adjust dosage for strength or quantity.
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Change the medication’s form. For instance, they could create a liquid for those averse to pills.
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Formulate the medication to exclude non-essential ingredients, like dyes or gluten.
In addition, a compounding pharmacy can flavor certain medications to a patient’s specification – a crucial ability when filling prescriptions for children who may be reluctant to take medicine. Other medications can be put into those liquids as well as into topical creams or suppositories. What’s important to understand is that there isn’t a commercial substitute for a compounded medication. It’s designed to address a patient’s unique and specific needs.
Why was my prescription called into a compounding pharmacy?
Your physician prescribed a medication that needs to be created from scratch for you. All of our prescriptions are made from individual ingredients mixed together in the strength and dosage that your physician prescribed.
Will insurance cover compounded prescriptions?
It depends on your insurance plan, so check with your provider to determine your benefits.
Are you accredited?
Galaxy Specialty Pharmacy is accredited through the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC).
How long does it take to fill my prescription?
The time it takes to create a complex, individualized compound will vary depending on the prescription, but the majority of orders ship the day they are placed.
Will I have to sign for my package?
It depends. If your prescription is a controlled substance, then an adult must sign for the package. If it’s not a controlled substance, then the delivery method can be left to the driver.
Can you call my doctor for refills?
Yes. We can handle any prescription refill requests.
I don’t see the medication I am looking for on your website. Does that mean you don’t carry it?
Due to the extensive amount of medication formulations, we don’t advertise a comprehensive list. Give us a call or use our online query form. We’ll let you know if your medication is available.
How do I order prescriptions?
Ordering is simple. Depending on the type of prescription and the prescription alteration form, you can give us a call, or download one of our order forms and email it in at info@galaxypharmacy.com.