A compounded prescription is any prescription drug that is not commercially available or ready-to-use thereby requiring a pharmacist to “make” the drug before it is ready to dispense.  This may include a mixture of multiple ingredients to make a finished product.  By mixing different ingredients and/or bases together, we are able to achieve a personalized approach to your medications.  This may include making a specific dose for a patient, combining different drugs together to improve convenience and efficacy, making a drug in a different dosage form to reduce side effects or improving compliance.

A compounding pharmacy is a specialized pharmacy that creates custom medications tailored just for you. We can adjust dosages, combine different drugs, or change the form (like turning a pill into a liquid medication) to better meet your unique health needs.

At our compounding pharmacy, we create a variety of personalized medications tailored to meet individual needs. Here are some examples of the compounds we offer:

• Skincare Formulas: Customized skincare products that include a unique combination of active ingredients not available in commercial products.
• Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy: Tailored hormone therapies designed to match your specific hormonal needs.
• Low Dose Naltrexone: Compounded formulations for those requiring this medication at lower doses.
• Topical Creams: Creams containing multiple active drug ingredients that can be applied to the skin, allowing for targeted treatment and avoiding oral ingestion (e.g., pain relief creams).
• Custom Capsules: Capsules with unique dosages that aren’t commercially available, ensuring you get the precise amount you need.
• Lozenges or Troches: These allow for medications to be absorbed in the mouth, providing an alternative to traditional forms of medication.
• Pediatric Suspensions: Flavored liquid formulations for children to mask unpleasant tastes, making medications more palatable.
• Specialty Suppositories: Customized suppositories with unique shapes or combinations of drugs to suit individual needs.
• Back-ordered or Discontinued Medications: We can sometimes compound medications that are currently back-ordered or discontinued, ensuring you have access to essential treatments.
• Personalized Drug Formulations: Custom formulations that may include gluten-free options or other specific dietary considerations.

If you have a specific need or question about compounded medications, feel free to reach out to us!

Here is a list of some of the common compounds that we make:

• Low Dose Naltrexone (this is not available commercially)
• HRT Creams
• Cosmetic Preparations
• Thyroid pills for unique dosing
• Pain Creams
• Dermatological Preparations (Medical)
• Pediatric – lollipops, suspensions with special flavors/dosing
• Pets – Individualized doses pre-measured in oral syringes, Polyox (spray on) bandages, medications made into dog/cat treats
• Wound Care
• Suppositories

This list is not exhaustive and we can help to formulate or create solutions for compounds that other pharmacies have told you that they cannot make.

Regular pharmacies provide manufactured medications as they are, while compounding pharmacies offer personalized medicine designed specifically for individual patients. This customization is especially helpful if you have specific needs, allergies, or preferences.

Going to a compounding pharmacy offers several significant benefits. One of the main advantages is access to customized medications that are tailored specifically to your individual needs. This can be particularly helpful if you have unique health conditions or sensitivities that standard medications can’t adequately address.

In addition to customized formulations, compounding pharmacies also provide all the regular medications you might need. This means you can fill both your compounded prescriptions and standard ones in the same place.

Having all your prescriptions managed by the same pharmacy helps ensure better coordination of your care. The pharmacist can review all your medications, which reduces the risk of interactions and medical errors. They can understand your full medication profile and provide personalized advice, making it easier to manage your overall health effectively. This comprehensive approach contributes to safer and more effective treatment plans tailored just for you.

Yes, compounded medications are safe when they are prepared by a reputable compounding pharmacy like The Pharmacy Lab. Our Pharmacists have specialized training in compounding techniques and formulation, ensuring that each medication is created with the highest standards of quality and safety in mind.

We adhere to the guidelines set by the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) and are regularly inspected by our regulatory bodies to ensure ongoing compliance with safety standards. This rigorous oversight helps maintain the integrity and safety of the compounded medications we provide, giving you peace of mind that you’re receiving high-quality, effective treatments tailored to your needs.

In Ontario, not all medications can be compounded. Specifically, we cannot compound a medication that is already commercially available. However, there are exceptions; for instance, if a patient has a sensitivity or allergy to certain additives in a commercially available medication, we can create a compounded version without those specific ingredients.

Most often, compounded medications are used for cases where commercially available options don’t meet a patient’s needs. This can include situations where the required dose, dosage form (like a cream instead of a pill), or specific combination of ingredients isn’t available on the market. Compounding allows us to tailor medications to suit individual patient requirements effectively.

Compounded medications are prepared through a careful and detailed process. First, the Compounding Pharmacist formulates the medication by considering the specific needs of the patient. This involves comparing the proposed formula to clinical studies and established compounding techniques to ensure its effectiveness and safety.

Next, the Pharmacist performs the necessary calculations to determine the correct dosages of each ingredient. After that, we measure and mix the ingredients. This mixing process often includes reducing the particle size of certain components to enhance their effectiveness and using specialized equipment and technology to ensure that the ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Once the mixture is complete, we package and label the medications. The packaging is chosen based on what is most appropriate for the specific formula, taking into account factors like stability and storage conditions. This meticulous process helps ensure that compounded medications are safe, effective, and tailored to the patient's needs.

Yes! If you think a compounded medication might be a better fit for your needs, you should discuss it with your healthcare provider. They can evaluate your situation and help you explore the best options for your treatment plan, including tailored medications that suit your unique health requirements.

Additionally, you can consult with one of our Compounding Pharmacists for more information on the specific compounded options available to you. We’re here to help you find the best solutions for your health needs!

Insurance coverage for compounded medications can vary widely. Many insurance plans do cover medically necessary compounded prescriptions, but others may not. It's best to contact your insurance provider directly, as well as the pharmacy, to clarify your specific coverage options.

Keep in mind that compounds required for "cosmetic purposes," such as treatments for hair loss or hyperpigmentation, are often not covered. If you have any questions, our team can assist you in understanding your coverage and the options available to you.

The shelf life of compounded medications depends on the ingredients used and how they are formulated. You can usually find an expiration date on the label, or your Pharmacist can provide guidance on how long the medication is effective.

Yes, we offer free prescription delivery within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). For compounded prescriptions, our free delivery service extends nationwide, as we understand that our patients sometimes travel or move around. We also recognize that our patients trust us to prepare their compounds, even when they are away from home. We aim to make it as convenient as possible for you to receive your medications, no matter where you are!

We do our very best to provide quality products that you will love. We want our customers to be completely happy with their purchase. If you are not completely satisfied with your order, please contact us immediately and we will be happy to find a resolution.

We accept returns within 30 days from the delivery date or in-store purchase. Refunds on in-store purchases require a receipt. Unused and unopened items in its original packaging can be returned for a full refund. Gently used (more than 80% remaining) or opened products can be returned for store credit.

There is a return shipping fee for all online returns. This is based on the weight of the items being returned and the shipping location. Please note that the customer is responsible for the shipping costs. Alternatively, you can return your online order at our store location to avoid shipping costs.

The following items are final sale and are not eligible for returns:

Sale items, prescription items, customized products, supplements, face and body tools, cleansing sponges, makeup sponges, makeup brushes, eyelash curlers, gua sha tools, dry brushes, and face rollers.

To initiate an online return, please email info@thepharmacylab.ca and reference the invoice number of your order.

All orders are processed within 1 to 2 business days (excluding weekends and holidays) after receiving your order confirmation email. You will receive another notification when your order has shipped.

Domestic Shipping (Canada)

Standard Shipping: We offer $9.95 flat rate shipping within Canada. Orders on purchases over $100 will receive free shipping. Standard Shipping typically delivers within 3-7 business days.

Express Shipping: We offer $19.95 flat rate shipping within Canada. Express Shipping typically delivers within 1 to 3 business days.

In-store pickup

You can skip the shipping fees with free local pickup at 1101 Queen St E, Toronto, ON. After placing your order and selecting local pickup at checkout, your order will be prepared and ready for pick up within 1 business day. We will send you an email when your order is ready along with instructions.

Our in-store pickup hours are 9:00am to 7:00pm Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm on Saturdays. Please have your order confirmation email with you when you come.

International Shipping

We offer international shipping only to the United States. Shipping charges for your order will be calculated and displayed at checkout. We are currently only offering standard shipping for international orders. Orders typically take 1 to 2 weeks to deliver.

Your order may be subject to import duties and taxes (including VAT), which are incurred once a shipment reaches your destination country. The Pharmacy Lab is not responsible for these charges if they are applied and are your responsibility as the customer.

When your order has shipped, you will receive an email notification from us which will include a tracking number you can use to check its status. Please allow 48 hours for the tracking information to become available.

If you haven’t received your order within 2 days of receiving your shipping confirmation email, please contact us at info@thepharmacylab.ca with your name and order number, and we will look into it for you.