Compounding FAQ — Common Questions, Etobicoke
Plain-language answers to the questions Etobicoke patients ask us most about compounded medications. If your question isn't here, call us — we're happy to talk it through.
About Compounding
What is a compounding pharmacy?
A compounding pharmacy prepares medications from raw pharmaceutical ingredients to fit a specific patient — adjusting the strength, dosage form, or ingredients based on a prescriber's order.
Do I need a prescription for a compounded medication?
Yes. Every compounded medication requires a current prescription from a licensed prescriber such as a physician, nurse practitioner, dentist, naturopathic doctor, or veterinarian.
Are compounded medications safe?
Compounded medications prepared by an OCP-accredited pharmacy follow documented procedures, use pharmaceutical-grade ingredients, and are dispensed against a current prescription. Compounded preparations are not reviewed by Health Canada the way manufactured drugs are, so always discuss safety with your prescriber.
Can a compounding pharmacy substitute one medication for another?
No. Substitutions, dose changes, and ingredient changes require the prescriber's authorization. We prepare what the prescription specifies.
Is Humber Bay Compounding Pharmacy OCP-accredited?
Yes. We are accredited by the Ontario College of Pharmacists at the Level C facility tier for non-sterile compounding, which is the level used for hazardous and complex preparations.
Process and Timing
How long does it take to prepare a compounded medication?
Simple preparations are often ready the same day. More complex formulations may take 24–72 hours. We will give you a specific timeline when we receive the prescription.
Can my prescriber fax a prescription to your pharmacy?
Yes. Our prescription fax line is (647) 351-2323. We also accept electronic prescriptions where the prescriber's system supports them.
Do you accept walk-in patients?
Yes. You can drop off a paper prescription in person, ask questions at the counter, or pick up a prescription that has already been prepared. For complex compounds, calling ahead helps us give you an accurate timeline.
Do prescriptions need to be renewed for compounds?
Yes. Compounded prescriptions follow the same rules as other prescriptions — they have an expiry and any refills are determined by the prescriber. We will let you know when a renewal is needed.
How do I know if my prescription needs compounding?
The prescription itself will indicate it. If you are unsure, send it to us and we will review it. If a manufactured product covers what the prescriber wrote, we will tell you. If compounding is needed, we will explain timing and cost before preparing it.
Do you keep records of what's in my compound?
Yes. The pharmacy maintains records of the formulation, ingredients, and procedures used for each prescription. This allows us to refill the same formulation consistently and respond to questions about the preparation.
Can I send my prescription to another pharmacy?
Yes. Patients are free to choose any licensed pharmacy. If you have already filled a compound elsewhere and want to transfer to us, contact us with the details and we will coordinate the transfer with your prescriber.
Cost, Insurance, and Coverage
Are compounded medications more expensive than commercial ones?
Cost depends on the ingredients, the formulation, and the quantity. Some compounded preparations cost more than commercial alternatives; others are comparable or less expensive. We will give you the cost before preparing the medication.
Are compounded medications covered by insurance in Ontario?
Many private insurance plans cover compounded medications, but coverage varies by plan and by formulation. We can provide the information needed for a claim. The Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) covers compounded preparations only in specific circumstances.
What if a manufactured medication is on backorder?
If the active ingredient is available as a pharmaceutical-grade compounding ingredient and the prescriber writes for a compounded version, we may be able to prepare it. Some active ingredients are not available for compounding.
Specific Patient Groups
Can children take compounded medications?
Yes — pediatric compounding is one of the most common uses. Children may need a smaller dose, a liquid form, or a flavoured preparation. The pediatrician or family physician decides what is appropriate and writes the prescription. More on pediatric compounding.
Can pets take compounded medications?
Yes. Veterinarians regularly prescribe compounded medications for cats, dogs, and other companion animals — typically to adjust the strength to body weight or to provide a flavour or form the animal will accept. More on veterinary compounding.
Can a compound be prepared without dyes, gluten, or lactose?
Yes. We can prepare formulations that exclude specific inactive ingredients when the prescriber writes for it. Tell us about confirmed sensitivities so we can choose ingredients accordingly.
Can a naturopathic doctor write a prescription for a compounded medication?
Naturopathic doctors in Ontario can prescribe certain medications under their regulatory scope of practice. We accept prescriptions from any prescriber whose scope includes the medication being requested.
Specialty Areas
Do you compound hormone replacement therapy (BHRT)?
Yes. We prepare BHRT formulations to a prescriber's specifications. Detailed information about this service area is hosted on our specialty site at hrtpharmacy.com.
Do you compound pain medications?
Yes. We prepare topical and other custom pain formulations as written by prescribers. Detailed information lives on our specialty site at paincompounding.com.
Location and Local Service
Where are you located?
We are at 2240 Lake Shore Blvd W, Unit 107, Etobicoke, ON. The pharmacy is in the Lakeshore corridor, convenient for patients across western Etobicoke.
What are your hours?
Monday and Thursday 9am–8pm, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday 9am–6pm, Saturday 10am–2pm. Closed Sundays.
Do you deliver in Etobicoke?
We offer local delivery in our Etobicoke service area, including Mimico, New Toronto, Long Branch, Stonegate-Queensway, and Humber Bay Shores. We will confirm delivery options and timing when we contact you about the prescription.
Have a question we haven't answered?
Call us, send a message, or have your prescriber fax over a prescription — our pharmacist team is happy to help.
Call (647) 348-2323Compounding FAQ: Common Questions Answered
Clear, plain-language answers for patients and families
If you or a family member has been prescribed a compounded medication, you likely have questions. Below are answers to the most common questions about compounding — from safety and cost to pediatric and veterinary use.
About Compounding
What is a compounding pharmacy?
A compounding pharmacy prepares medications from raw pharmaceutical ingredients to fit a specific patient — adjusting the strength, dosage form, or ingredients based on a prescriber's order.
Do I need a prescription for a compounded medication?
Yes. Every compounded medication requires a current prescription from a licensed prescriber such as a physician, nurse practitioner, dentist, naturopathic doctor, or veterinarian.
Are compounded medications safe?
Compounded medications prepared by an OCP-accredited pharmacy follow documented procedures, use pharmaceutical-grade ingredients, and are dispensed against a current prescription. Compounded preparations are not reviewed by Health Canada the way manufactured drugs are, so always discuss safety with your prescriber.
Can a compounding pharmacy substitute one medication for another?
No. Substitutions, dose changes, and ingredient changes require the prescriber's authorization. The pharmacy prepares what the prescription specifies.
What is OCP accreditation?
The Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP) accredits compounding pharmacies at different levels (A, B, C). Level C is the highest standard, required for hazardous and complex non-sterile preparations. Patients can ask any pharmacy about their accreditation status.
Process and Timing
How long does it take to prepare a compounded medication?
Simple preparations are often ready the same day. More complex formulations may take 24–72 hours. The pharmacy will give you a specific timeline when they receive the prescription.
Can my prescriber fax a prescription to a compounding pharmacy?
Yes. Most compounding pharmacies accept prescriptions by fax, electronic prescription, or in person. Check with the pharmacy for their specific contact details.
Do I need to make an appointment to drop off a prescription?
Most compounding pharmacies accept walk‑ins. You can drop off a paper prescription in person or ask questions at the counter. For complex compounds, calling ahead can help the pharmacy provide an accurate timeline.
Do prescriptions need to be renewed for compounded medications?
Yes. Compounded prescriptions follow the same rules as other prescriptions — they have an expiry and any refills are determined by the prescriber. The pharmacy will inform you when a renewal is needed.
How do I know if my prescription requires compounding?
The prescription itself will indicate it. If you are unsure, the pharmacy can review it. If a manufactured product covers what the prescriber wrote, they will tell you. If compounding is needed, they will explain timing and cost before preparing it.
Do compounding pharmacies keep records of my formulation?
Yes. Compounding pharmacies maintain records of the formulation, ingredients, and procedures used for each prescription. This allows consistent refills and responses to questions.
Can I transfer a compounded prescription to another pharmacy?
Yes. Patients are free to choose any licensed pharmacy. Contact the new pharmacy to coordinate the transfer with your prescriber.
Cost, Insurance, and Coverage
Are compounded medications more expensive than commercial ones?
Cost depends on the ingredients, the formulation, and the quantity. Some compounded preparations cost more than commercial alternatives; others are comparable or less expensive. The pharmacy will provide a cost estimate before preparing the medication.
Are compounded medications covered by insurance in Ontario?
Many private insurance plans cover compounded medications, but coverage varies by plan and by formulation. Pharmacies can provide the information needed for a claim. The Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) covers compounded preparations only in specific circumstances.
What if a manufactured medication is on backorder?
If the active ingredient is available as a pharmaceutical-grade compounding ingredient and the prescriber writes for a compounded version, a compounding pharmacy may be able to prepare it. Some active ingredients are not available for compounding.
Specific Patient Groups
Can children take compounded medications?
Yes — pediatric compounding is one of the most common uses. Children may need a smaller dose, a liquid form, or a flavoured preparation. The pediatrician or family physician decides what is appropriate and writes the prescription. See our separate guide on pediatric compounding.
Can pets take compounded medications?
Yes. Veterinarians regularly prescribe compounded medications for cats, dogs, and other companion animals — typically to adjust the strength to body weight or to provide a flavour or form the animal will accept. See our separate guide on veterinary compounding.
Can a compound be prepared without dyes, gluten, or lactose?
Yes. Compounding pharmacies can prepare formulations that exclude specific inactive ingredients when the prescriber writes for it. Patients should inform the pharmacy of confirmed sensitivities.
Can a naturopathic doctor write a prescription for a compounded medication?
Naturopathic doctors in Ontario can prescribe certain medications under their regulatory scope of practice. Compounding pharmacies accept prescriptions from any prescriber whose scope includes the medication being requested.
Specialty Areas
Do compounding pharmacies compound hormone replacement therapy (BHRT)?
Yes. Many compounding pharmacies prepare BHRT formulations to a prescriber's specifications, including various forms such as capsules, creams, and sublingual troches.
Do compounding pharmacies compound pain medications?
Yes. Many prepare topical and other custom pain formulations (including Low-Dose Naltrexone) as written by prescribers.
Local Access & Delivery
Do compounding pharmacies offer delivery?
Many compounding pharmacies offer local delivery. Ask the pharmacy about their service area and delivery options when you fill a prescription.
Can I use any compounding pharmacy my prescriber sends the prescription to?
Yes. You have the right to choose any licensed pharmacy. If your prescriber sends a prescription to one pharmacy, you can ask to have it transferred to another.
Still have questions?
Every patient’s situation is unique. The best source of advice is your own prescriber (doctor, nurse practitioner, or veterinarian). They can tell you whether a compounded medication is appropriate and help you understand the benefits and risks.
For specific questions about a compounding pharmacy’s processes, contact the pharmacy directly.
For your further information: This FAQ is an independent educational resource. It does not replace professional medical advice. Always discuss your treatment with your own healthcare provider.