Phone:1-206-878-3900, Fax:1-888-878-1118 customerservice@keycompounding.com

Patient FAQ

What is Compounding?

Pharmacy compounding is the art and science of preparing unique and individualized medications for patients.  Compounded medications are safe and effective treatment options for patients. Prescribers customize prescriptions for patients when they believe compounded medications are that patient’s best treatment option.

Is compounding legal? Is it safe?

Compounding has been part of healthcare since the origins of pharmacy, and is used widely today in all areas of the industry, from hospitals to nuclear medicine.  Over the last decade, the compounding industry’s resurgence has largely benefited from advances in technology, quality control and research methodology.  The Food and Drug Administration has stated that compounded prescriptions are both ethical and legal as long as they are prescribed by a licensed practitioner for a specific patient and compounded by a licensed pharmacy.  In addition, compounding is regulated by state boards of pharmacy.

In every field of medicine, there are some patients who don’t respond to traditional methods of treatment.  Sometimes they need medicine at strengths that are not manufactured by drug companies.  Sometimes they simply need a different method of ingesting a medication.  Pharmaceutical compounding meets these needs.  It provides a way for doctors and compounding pharmacists to customize an individual prescription for the specific needs of their patient.

How is compounding regulated?

All pharmacies and pharmacists are licensed and regulated by State Boards of Pharmacy. Compounding pharmacies have always been regulated by state boards, which are constantly updating their standards and regulations.

In addition, standards set by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) are integrated into the practice of pharmacy compounding. The Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board (PCAB) has developed national standards to accredit pharmacies that perform a significant amount of compounding.

Will insurance cover compounded medication?

Patients may be paying a pharmacy directly for a compounded prescription, but many insurance plans may cover the final cost.   Compounding pharmacies can provide a claim form for the patient to submit to their insurance company for reimbursement.

What are the benefits of compounding?

There are virtually unlimited options available through customized and compounded medications. Customized medications make available many products and benefits not found in commercially available medications, such as:

  • Alternative dosage forms
  • Physician specific formulations
  • Combination drug therapies
  • Modified dosages
  • Cost effective therapy
  • Back-ordered and/or discontinued medications
Can my child (or my elderly parent) take compounded medication?
Yes. Children and the elderly are often the types of patients who benefit most from compounding. Often, parents have a tough time getting their children to take medicine because of the taste. A compounding pharmacist can work directly with the physician and the patient to select a flavoring agent, such as vanilla, butternut or tutti frutti, which provides both an appropriate match for the medication’s properties and the patient’s taste preferences.
Is compounding expensive?
Not necessarily. Its cost depends on the type of dosage form and equipment required, plus the time spent researching and preparing the medication.  Fortunately, compounding pharmacists have access to pure-grade quality chemicals which dramatically lower overall costs and allow them to be very competitive with commercially manufactured products.
What kind of prescriptions can be compounded?
  • Hormone replacement therapy
  • Hospice
  • Pediatrics
  • Pain management
  • Ophthalmology
  • Dentistry
  • Otic
  • Dermatology
  • Medication flavoring
  • Neuropathy
  • Veterinary
  • Sports medicine
  • Wound therapy
  • Podiatry
  • Gastroenterology
  • And many more
What is your return policy for prescriptions?

Based on federal law, prescriptions cannot be returned.  Compounded medications are custom made specifically for you, so feel free to ask us any questions about your prescription when ordering.

How can I dispose of unused medications?

Please check out these online resources.

WA State: http://www.takebackyourmeds.org/

Nationwide: http://www.disposemymeds.org/

Still need help? Send us a note!
For any other questions, please write us at ppr@keycompounding.com or call us on +800.878.1322.
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