What Is a Compounding Pharmacy?
Custom-formulated medications tailored to your specific needs. Learn what pharmacy compounding is, why it matters, and how Tartan Pharmacy creates individualized preparations.
Beyond the Standard Dose
Most medications are manufactured in a handful of fixed strengths and forms — a tablet, a set number of milligrams. Compounding is the practice of preparing a customized medication from raw ingredients when a standard, commercially available product doesn't fit a patient's needs.
Who Needs a Compounded Medication
- ✓Children who need a liquid version of a medication only made as a tablet, or a flavour they'll actually take
- ✓Patients with allergies to a dye, preservative, or filler in the commercial product
- ✓People who can't swallow pills and need a topical, liquid, or dissolvable form instead
- ✓Patients needing a non-standard strength that isn't manufactured — a dose between the available options
- ✓Discontinued medications that are no longer commercially manufactured but still clinically appropriate
- ✓Veterinary patients — pets often need flavoured or resized doses of human medications
What We Can Compound
Custom-strength capsules and tablets, flavoured paediatric liquids, allergen-free (dye-free, gluten-free, lactose-free) preparations, topical creams and gels, and sublingual (under-the-tongue) formulations. If you're not sure whether something can be compounded, ask — it's often possible even when the commercial product doesn't exist.
How the Process Works
- 1A prescription is written by your doctor or nurse practitioner specifying the compounded formulation
- 2Our pharmacist reviews the formula for safety, appropriate concentration, and stability
- 3We prepare it using pharmaceutical-grade ingredients and standard compounding technique
- 4Quality checks confirm the finished preparation meets specification before dispensing
- 5You're counselled on how to store and use it, since compounded products often have shorter shelf lives than manufactured ones
Is It Covered by Insurance?
Many private insurance plans cover compounded medications when medically necessary — check with your provider. We can help you submit the paperwork and will always be upfront about cost before we prepare anything.
Have a question about your medications?
Our pharmacists are available to talk through anything in this article, in person or over the phone — no appointment necessary.
Nepean, ON K2J 2W7613-823-8030Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM
Sat–Sun Closed
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Read Guide →Medical Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your pharmacist or physician before making any changes to your medications, treatments, or health routine.