FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions for Websites
What is compounding?
A compounding pharmacy is a type of pharmacy that specializes in the preparation of medications by mixing raw ingredients. In the early 20th century leading up to the 1940s, most medications were not mass-produced, but prepared by pharmacists or physicians for each individual patient.
The art of compounding has evolved significantly, especially within the last decade. Now, technology is available that allows a pharmacist to prepare custom medications with complete confidence in quality control. All of our pharmacies follow USP Guidelines, guidelines set forth to hold compounders to the highest quality, and are regulated by the State Boards of Pharmacies in which they are licensed.
Why compounded medications versus commercially-available medications?
Compounding pharmacies perform a vital role in healthcare by meeting special patient care needs. Their role is to create custom drug mixtures for a single patient with a valid prescription. Some patients are allergic to the non-essential ingredients in mass-produced medications. Compounding pharmacies can also make medications that are on national shortage or backorder, thereby helping patients who are in need or cannot obtain their typical medications.
Are compounded medications safe?
Compounded medications will be prepared by licensed pharmacists and trained staff members following strict regulations and guidelines, precisely as directed by your licensed healthcare provider. Keep in mind, all medications carry potential risks that must be managed with your licensed healthcare provider.
How are suppliers of your ingredients regulated?
Just like big pharmaceutical manufacturing companies, compounding pharmacies get their ingredients for medications from suppliers that are registered and inspected by the FDA. This ensures the ingredients used in your medications are of the highest quality and purity possible.
Does my insurance cover compounded medication?
Compounded prescriptions are sometimes covered by insurance and are plan specific. While you may be paying the pharmacy directly for a compounded prescription, some insurance plans may cover the final cost. Please call your insurance provider to determine eligibility for compounded medication coverage. The pharmacy can provide documentation to you that you can present to your insurance provider, should the medication be covered.
Can I get my compounded prescription filled at any retail pharmacy?
No. Compounding is a specialized practice that requires special equipment, training, and quality assurance/quality control processes. Our pharmacies specialize in compounding. We have the equipment and expertise from special training courses necessary to create these prescriptions. Very few retail pharmacies have these tools or have trained their staff to make these compounds. Many of our compounding pharmacies also have a selection of commercially available medications, so be sure to ask your pharmacist if it's possible for you to fill all of your medications at the compounding pharmacy.
How long does it take for a compounded medication to be filled?
Because each medication is filled specifically for each patient, fill and refill times vary by prescription. We recommend you get the prescription to us in advance so that we can ensure your medicine is ready as soon as possible. Many medications can be available within 24 to 48 hours, but feel free to speak with the pharmacy team to ask when your medication is expected to be completed.
Can you make a compound sugar-free, dye-free, gluten-free, or other-additive free?
Most likely, yes! Please contact us to discuss options for removing ingredients to which you are sensitive or allergic.
What dosage forms exist in compounding?
There are many dosage form options for compounding. Sublingual tablets, sublingual drops, gels, transdermal, creams, lollipops, gummies, troches, oral disintegrating tablets, capsules, regular tablets, liquids, and suppositories, among others. Injectable and intravenous medications, as well as eye drops, inhalation solutions, and pellets can be compounded in our aseptic cleanrooms. Please ask your pharmacist on dosage forms specific to your medications or if you require a certain route of administration.
Can compounding be used for kids?
Yes. We love our pediatric patients! Our pharmacy offers dosage form options for our younger patients to improve acceptability, such as lollipops, gummies, and more. We also offer extensive flavor options to help your little one take their medications! Click here to learn more about compounding for pediatrics.
Can compounding be used for our pets?
Yes. We treat your fur babies like our own! There are many dosage forms in compounding that can improve medication acceptability for pets and the toll it takes on their owners. Our pharmacy has unique ways of making treats, liquids, transdermal medications, and more to help your animals accept their medications. We also offer flavored options for your furry, feathery, and scaly friends.
Can I get my medication shipped to me?
Depending on the pharmacy, many medications can be shipped directly to your home or mailing address. If your medication is refrigerated, it may be required to be shipped overnight or via 2-day shipping. Please contact your pharmacy for shipping options and requirements.
Can I get a refund for my prescription?
Unfortunately, compounded medications are made-to-order specifically for you and cannot be directly refunded. This is also true of medications obtained from non-compounding pharmacies. If there is an issue with your order or a shipping mistake, please contact our pharmacy immediately, so they can remedy the situation.
What’s the best way to contact the pharmacy?
During business hours, you can phone the pharmacy at the contact number provided on the website. After hours, you can email the pharmacy or place refill requests on the pharmacy website.
I’m a prescriber, how do I obtain more information about ordering medications for my patients?
Our pharmacies have an extensive portfolio and formulary of compounded preparations available for patients. Contact our sales team at sales@revelationpharma.com to get additional information, clinical materials, and prescription templates sent to you. You can also find all of our pharmacies on our website: https://revelationpharma.com/revcustomrx-our-footprint
Why would I need a compounded medication instead of a regular prescription?
Standard, commercially manufactured medications only cover options developed for the mass population at high demand, and with extremely high development costs over many years. Many people can benefit from medications made specifically for them. We refer to this as “personalized” or “precision medicine.” Compounded alternatives can be customized for you quickly to meet your individual needs.
Are compounded medications FDA approved?
Compounded medications are not FDA approved because they are made customized for individual patients. However, ingredients for compounding are also purchased from FDA-registered suppliers. The ingredients used to make compounded medications are either in FDA-approved products, have written documentation outlining the quality standards for the ingredient (e.g., USP monograph), or are on an approved list for compounding under FDA guidance.
How can I be assured that a compounded medication will work for me the way a regular, manufactured prescription would?
Compounded medications have been used successfully by patients for many years. How well your medication will work for you depends on many factors, but your compounded medication will be made for use exactly as your licensed healthcare provider intended.
Can you make a medication that I can't find at my regular pharmacy?
In many cases yes. Reach out to your compounding pharmacy to ask about your specific needs, and we’ll try our best to help.
Can you compound using any ingredients requested?
We can compound with many ingredients, but not all requested. Compounding pharmacies must meet high standards for the ingredients used. The criteria for ingredients used to make compounded medications includes: in FDA-approved products already, have written documentation that outlines the quality standards for the ingredient (e.g., USP monograph), or are on an approved list for compounding under FDA guidance. - THIS LIST IS PROVIDED IN A PREVIOUS QUESTION, FEELS REDUNDANT HERE
How do I know if a particular compounding pharmacy is reputable?
All compounding pharmacies must be licensed to operate by their state board of pharmacy, and be staffed by licensed and registered healthcare professionals. All compounding pharmacies are also legally required to follow at least minimum federal and state regulations. Some compounding pharmacies exceed minimal requirements by achieving accreditation from the Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board, requiring additional staff training, implementing additional quality and performance standards and practices, product testing, and more. You can rest assured that any compounding pharmacy in the Revelation Network of Compounding Pharmacies meets the very highest standards possible in the industry. You can find a list of our pharmacies and the states they are licensed in here: https://revelationpharma.com/revcustomrx-our-footprint
For answers to common questions about our compounding services, explore the FAQs on this page. Here, you’ll find quick insights into how compounding works, who can benefit from it, safety considerations, and more. Our goal is to provide the information you need to make informed decisions about your health.
If you still have questions after reading the FAQs, feel free to contact us—we’re here to help!
