Compounding & Custom Medications
Weston Jane Pharmacy is Toronto’s first choice for “custom made” medications – also known as “compounding”. It’s an art and a science how we prepare custom medications for our patients. We create medications that fit our patients needs which can’t be met by commercial products – for example we can alter strength, remove dyes, and change its form so it is easier to ingest.
Patients, physicians, and pharmacists working together to solve unique medical situations.
Who Needs Compounded “Custom Made” Drugs and Why
Pharmaceutical compounding is required for patients in situations when mass-produced, commercial, drugs do not benefit them. Commercial drugs may fail to treat an ailment for many reasons, including:
- Children or pets may resist taking their medicines because of their flavour.
- Commercial or mass-produced drugs may not be available.
- Patients may find it hard to take medicines in their original form, for example when pills or capsules are too large to swallow.
- Patients may have an allergy to ingredients which mass-produced drugs contain – such as dyes, gelatin, gluten, lactose, wheat, etc.
- Patients may need medications customized for specific needs, such as hormone replacement therapy.
- Patients may need medications in customized dosage or strength, which are not available commercially.
Contact us when you and your doctor, physician, vet, or healthcare provider are considering if compounded medicines can be a solution improve the health and wellness of you and your loved ones.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pharmacy Compounding
Are Compounded Prescriptions Safe?
Weston Jane Pharmacy follows OCP (Ontario College of Pharmacists) and NAPRA (National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities) and is a NAPRA Compliance Canadian Compounding Pharmacy. We comply with all regulations, take a proactive approach in quality control, follow procedures to ensure the safe distribution of prescription drugs. We further do our due diligence in making sure prescriptions and customizations are properly suited to each patient – with direct and open communication with patients and physicians, we follow up on the effectiveness and make any adjustments when required and requested.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) signed an arrangement with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the Department of Health Canada (Health Canada) recognizing each other’s food safety systems as comparable to each other. Both FDA and CFIA recognizes that the practice of pharmacy compounding is an important public health alternative for patients who require medication that is not commercially available, or not available due to drug shortages. For example, pharmacy compounding may be required if a patient needs a customized medication without certain ingredients to accommodate allergies, intolerances, and health risks.
To ensure patient safety, compounding prescriptions must be prescribed by a licensed practitioner and compounded by a licensed pharmacist – as we have here at Weston Jane Pharmacy. Compounding pharmacies must comply with NAPRA and local regulations and the products and supplies used need to come from Health Canada, CFIA, or FDA registered and inspected facilities.
Will Insurance Cover Compounding Prescriptions?
Normally yes, most extended health plans cover compounding prescriptions. Consult with your insurance provider for eligible benefits before purchasing, to see if your compounded medications will be reimbursed.
Which Types of Prescriptions Can Be Compounded?
Almost any medication can be compounded. Compounded prescriptions are intended for patients that require custom made medications and include:
- Balms
- Capsules & tablets
- Chewables and gummies
- Creams, gels & ointments
- Lozenges & lollipops
- Pet Medications
- Powders
- Sprays
- Suppositories
- Suspensions & oral solutions
- and more
