Most prescriptions are filled with medications that a manufacturer has already made. Sometimes, though, a prescriber decides that a standard product isn't the right fit for a particular patient. Compounding is one way pharmacies across Canada help fill that gap.
What is compounding?
Compounding is the preparation of a personalized medication by a pharmacy team, from a valid prescription. The pharmacy combines individual ingredients in the strength and dosage form the prescriber specifies. In Ontario, compounding is done under standards set by the Ontario College of Pharmacists.
When compounding may be an option
Your prescriber decides whether a compounded medication is appropriate. In general terms, compounding may be an option when:
- a strength is needed that isn't commercially available
- a different dosage form would work better, such as a liquid, cream or troche
- someone has trouble swallowing tablets or capsules
- a patient reacts to an inactive ingredient, such as a dye or filler
- a child or pet needs a flavoured preparation, as prescribed
- a commercial product isn't available in the form the prescriber has requested
Compounding isn't right for every situation, and it doesn't replace commercially available medications when those meet a patient's needs.
A prescription is always required
Every compounded medication is prepared for one patient, from a valid prescription by an authorized prescriber, such as a physician, nurse practitioner, dentist or veterinarian, within their scope of practice.
Compounding at McKnight's
At McKnight's, compounding is done at McKnight's Pharmacy & Compounding Centre, 460 Main Street East, Unit 102, Hamilton. We prepare non-sterile and sterile compounds, including pain management compounding, from your prescriber's prescription. Prescription delivery is free anywhere in Hamilton, and compounded prescriptions always ship free across Canada with a valid prescription.
Want to know what happens after your prescriber sends a compound prescription? Read How Compounded Medications Work: From Prescription to Pickup, or visit our compounding page.
Talk to your pharmacist
Questions about whether compounding may be an option for you? Talk to your pharmacist. Call (289) 396-4700 or email info@mcknightsdrugs.com.