What are the benefits of compounding?

The first and most obvious benefit of compounding is that the compound is specified to your particular needs and not those of a large group. Due to patient non-compliance (allergies to preservatives, dyes, or sensitivity to drug strengths) medications can be altered from their original form to be made easier for ingestion or to be more palatable. Also, flavoring compounds for children or animals can make the administration of medications much easier for all parties involved.

What type of prescriptions can be compounded?

Almost any medication can be compounded into a dose, form, or delivery device that is more complimentary for the patient’s particular needs. Compounding applications include: veterinary, medication flavoring, pediatric, bio-identical hormone replacement therapy, wound therapy, infertility, and pain management.

What forms do compounds come in?

Compounded medications can come in a variety of forms. These include lollipops, oral rinses, sprays, solutions, suppositories, capsules, and transdermal creams and gels. While not all compounds can be altered into a particular form, almost every compound can be altered into a form better suited for your needs.

Is compounding safe?

Recent technological advances have led to a resurgence in the compounding industry as the full extent of compounding is being realized. 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.”

Do you need a prescription?

Any chemical that “modifies body function or structure” is considered a drug by the FDA and requires a valid prescription from a licensed physician or veterinarian.

Does my prescriber know about compounding?

Prescription compounding is a rapidly growing component of many physicians’ practices, but some may not realize the extent of compounding’s resurgence in recent years due to today’s climate of aggressive marketing by drug manufacturers. Ask your healthcare practitioner about compounding, or get in touch with us. Through the triad relationship of patient, prescriber, and pharmacist, all three can work together to solve unique medical problems.

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. It is common for parents to 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 bubblegum, grape, tutti frutti, or vanilla butternut, which provides both an appropriate match for the medication’s properties and the patient’s taste preferences. Just think – no more wasting medicine when a cranky patient spits it out! (This applies to veterinary patients too.)

How does compounding benefit me?

There are several reasons why prescribers and pharmacists provide compounded medications for patients. The primary reason for compounding is to avoid patient non-compliance, which means the patient is either unable or unwilling to use the medication as directed. Many patients are allergic to preservatives or dyes, or require a dosage that is different from the standard drug strengths.

What makes Chapel Hill Compounding different?

Chapel Hill Compounding owner Zoe Stefanadis has been a community pharmacist in the area for more than 30 years and prides herself on nurturing meaningful, long-term relationships with her patients. She and her staff enjoy meeting and working with people. They offer personalized solutions for every health concern and every body, as well as for the fam.

What is Zoe's background?

Zoe Stefanadis was born in Durham, North Carolina. Since graduating from pharmacy school at the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, Zoe has raised both her family and her business locally. Her husband Jim Stefanadis is also a community pharmacist and is the Manager of Outpatient Pharmacy Services at Duke University. Zoe and Jim are the proud parents of three grown children, one of which happened to continue the family tradition of pharmacy. Learn more about Zoe and watch her story on video at our About Us page.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept most major credit cards. You may also pay with cash or with a personal, business, or bank check. 

Is compounding expensive?

Compounding may or may not cost more than conventional medication. Its cost depends on factors such as the type of ingredients and equipment required, plus the time the pharmacist spends 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.

Will my insurances cover compounded medications?

We provide universal claim forms for every compound that can be directly submitted to your insurance company for reimbursement. While some insurance companies will require additional forms or may reject reimbursement, we will do everything possible to help you receive reimbursement through your insurance company.

What is a flex spending account? Can I use it for compounded prescriptions?

A flex spending account is an employer-sponsored benefit that allows you to pay for eligible medical expenses on a pre-tax basis. Almost all prescriptions are covered in a flex spending account, including compounded medications.

Can you mail my prescription?

Yes. We are happy to send your prescription via postal mail for a small fee.

How long does it take to fill my prescription?

Because we formulate and prepare each prescription to the patient's individual needs at the time of order, the process typically takes 12 to 72 hours. In the case of especially complex formulations, additional time may be needed.

What are some of the most common prescriptions you provide?

Ketoprofen PLO for inflammation, low dose Naltrexone for Lyme Disease and Multiple Sclerosis, bioidentical hormones for restoration therapy and gender transition support, dermatological preparations for skin treatment, analgesic creams for arthritis and peripheral neuropathies, as well as otic sprays and drops and nasal irrigations for ear, nose and throat issues.

Have additional questions not answered here? Please get in touch and ask.