Compounding Pharmacies vs Retail? Your FAQ’s Answered

Have you ever wondered, why use a compounding pharmacy? Here at Innovative Rx, we frequently field a lot of questions about the differences between our compounding pharmacy versus other retail pharmacies big and small. While we’re always happy to answer specific questions, we’ve compiled some “at a glance” information that covers some of the most notable differences between our compounding pharmacy here in Kearny, NE, and other retail pharmacies you may have used in the past. 

Personalized education & care

At Innovative Rx, the nature of our services require that we truly get to know our customers. We take time to ensure that each customer receives adequate information, education, and counseling about their medications and anything related to their treatment. 

This is especially true for our compounding customers as we collaborate to create something that works specifically for your needs, whatever that may be. Although you may have experienced more of a “grab and go” environment in bigger retail pharmacies, here, we make sure you have everything you need for successful treatment. 

Customized dosages

One standout difference between our compounding pharmacy and a retail pharmacy is that we are able to create custom dosages for your medications that are customized to your needs. It is important to note that compounding of any kind can only be done for prescriptions. We are not able to compound over the counter medications that aren’t prescribed. 

Alternative delivery options

Our ability to offer medication in a variety of ways allows flexibility for children, pets, and adults alike. Having difficulty with pills? Turn your medication into a lollipop or liquid. Can’t get your pet to take their medicine? Put it into a treat or paw paste that makes administering necessary medication easier for everyone involved. Kiddo not feeling well? Medicated popsicles might just do the trick!

Diet & Allergy options

If you have specific dietary needs or allergies, our compounding pharmacy can create your prescriptions without allergens or restricted food ingredients. This makes it convenient for customers who may be diabetic, have Celiac’s disease, or other conditions and allergies that rule out standard ingredients. 

Retail pharmacies

Retail pharmacies must fill prescriptions with the medication provided to them by the manufacturer. They are not able to alter ingredients, dosages, or delivery methods. As a result, there is generally less time spent on consulting or client education. Options may be limited for individuals who need to avoid specific ingredients. All pharmacies serve a purpose in our industry and a retail pharmacy is a great option for patented medications that can’t be altered. 

At Innovative Rx, we’re so proud of our standard of care and excited by the opportunity to provide customized care for all your compounding pharmaceutical needs as well as consultation and support with supplements! Feel free to contact us with any questions and we look forward to serving you soon.

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Upcoming Changes in Hazardous Drug Standards for Pharmacies

The pharmaceutical industry is an ever-evolving one due to a variety of factors. As such, several new changes are on the horizon as it pertains to the handling of hazardous drugs and compounded medications. At Innovative RX in Kearny, NE we pride ourselves on setting the bar well above industry standard. Safety and quality are of the utmost importance to us and we are happy to announce that although these guidelines will now be an industry-wide requirement, we have been implementing them since we opened our doors in 2019. 

What are the changes for pharmacies?

We’d like to share these upcoming guideline changes with you as an effort to keep a transparent line of communication open between us and you, our valued clients. 

  1. Compounding hazardous medications or hormones must be done in a negative pressure room so as to keep all circulating hazardous particles within such space. 
  2. The hazardous compounding room must be physically separated, in another room, from other preparation areas.
  3. All surfaces within the room including the ceiling must be smooth, wipeable, and made of non-shedding materials. 
  4. Individuals compounding the medications must wear different personal protective equipment to avoid exposure or contamination. This includes gowns, hair covers, shoe covers, and specific gloves. 
  5. Specific cleaning products must be used in order to successfully deactivate and remove all hazardous particles on surfaces in between compounding different products.
  6. The compounding, handling, or packaging of these commonly known medications fall within the new best practice parameters:
  7. All hormones (testosterone, estrogen, progesterone)
  8. Tretinoin
  9. Spironolactone
  10. Finasteride
  11. Fluconazole
  12. Minoxidil
  13. Methimazole
  14. Clonazepam
  15. Zonisamide

For compounding medications that are not considered hazardous, there are still expectations that must be met in order to provide best practices, and Innovative RX meets or exceeds all such standards.

  1. The designated space for compounding must be appropriate for such activity
    • No carpet
    • Wipeable surfaces with the appropriate cleaners
    • Temperature monitoring of all places where medications are stored. 
    • Appropriate water is used when needed for compounding (don’t just go to the sink and get some tap water!)
    • Appropriate cleaning and maintenance of all compounding equipment

As a result of these changes, many pharmacies will have to significantly alter their current operations or even remodel their pharmacies to meet the new standards. As for Innovative Rx, we are exceedingly proud to say that it will be business as usual, meeting the compounding, pharmaceutical, and supplement needs of our community. 

What do these changes mean to me?

In layman’s terms, the changes being implemented are to eliminate any risk that trace amounts of hazardous drugs could end up in other, non-hazardous products and medications. These additional steps are steps that have always been prioritized at Innovative Rx thanks to our commitment to quality, safety, and care. Additionally, these standards also ensure the safest environment for pharmaceutical staff in compounding pharmacies. 

If you have any questions about the upcoming changes or are looking for a provider for your compounded medication needs, please contact us and schedule a consultation. We look forward to working with you!

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Welcome to the Innovative Rx Blog

Welcome to the Innovative Rx blog. I look forward to using this area to discuss compounding, healthcare, supplements, FAQs, or anything else that seems relevant to the pharmacy. Today, I’d like to address the following questions: Why choose a compounding pharmacy? And more specifically, why Innovative Rx in Kearney, Nebraska?

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