We are proud to be an independent compounding pharmacy in Iowa, giving our patients access to customized medications in various forms and doses. Curious about how prescription compounding works? We want to answer some commonly asked questions and let you know how we can help!

What is medicine compounding?

Compounding is both an art and a science, a skill honed by our pharmacists that allows us to formulate prescription medication from scratch. We use top-quality ingredients and state-of-the-art lab equipment to make compounded medications based on the patient’s preferences and doctor’s recommendations.

When is compounding necessary?

A doctor might prescribe a compounded drug if the patient would benefit from having multiple medications combined into one dose, when a standardized dose isn’t meeting the needs of the patient, or a particular medicine is out of stock or no longer being manufactured for whatever reason. Additionally, many people have sensitivities to some ingredients in medications. As a compounding pharmacy, we can remove these ingredients and provide the medication in its purest form.

Are compounded medications covered by insurance?

Typically, compounded prescriptions are not covered by insurance, requiring you to pay out of pocket. However, compounding is usually more cost-effective than traditional manufacturing, meaning that the cost for compounded prescriptions can be quite reasonable. We work with families of all backgrounds and budgets, so we can work with you to find the most affordable option.

What are the benefits of compounding?

Nearly anyone can benefit from a compounded medication, from those seeking hormone replacement treatment, or a pain relief cream, to those who are allergic to a certain ingredient, who struggle to swallow pills, etc. A few benefits of medicine compounding include:

• Custom dosage strengths– standard doses available commercially don’t always fit an individual’s needs, and we can personalize a medication’s dose for the best results for your body.
• Alternative forms– we can turn hard-to-swallow pills into troches/lozenges, make creams or gels, liquid solutions, suppositories, and much more!
• Allergen-friendly– making medications from scratch means we can remove preservatives and dyes, gluten and sugar, and even make alcohol-free medicines.
• Kid-friendly– we can add natural flavorings, turn pills into lollipops, and improve the medication administration experience for both you and your child.
• Pet-friendly– pets sometimes need customized medications too! Smaller animals might need a specific dosage strength you can’t get, and we can turn the medicine into a tasty chewable treat!

How can I get compounded medication?

Compounded medications require a doctor’s prescription and a thorough monitoring process. Since treatment is not a one-size-fits-all solution, it’s important that we review your medical history and other factors before coming up with an individual care plan.

Medicine Compounding at Towncrest Pharmacy

We can make custom formulations of bioidentical hormone therapy, injectible and sublingual semaglutide for weight loss, acne or psoriasis creams, and so much more. Compounding solutions are available for the whole family, from kids to adults to pets, and our compounding pharmacists will work with you and your healthcare provider or veterinarian to create the best dose tailored to your needs.

Learn more about compounded prescriptions and get in touch with us today about how our medicine compounding services can benefit you. Our pharmacy experts are here to help however we can!