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FAQ

Understanding Compounding

Expert answers on how personalized medications support your health.

What is a Compounding Pharmacy?

A compounding pharmacy compounds personalized medications prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider. At Hillstone, each formulation is produced in our on-site, state-of-the-art compounding labs to address the unique clinical needs of the patient. Compounding allows for full customization of the formulation, including ingredients, strength, and dosage form. We work closely with healthcare providers and with you, to offer solutions that are more targeted, better tolerated, and aligned with each patient’s treatment plan to help achieve meaningful health improvements

Why would I need a compounded medication?

Commercially manufactured medications may not meet every patient’s needs due to allergies, ingredient sensitivities, or limitations in available dosage forms or strengths. Compounding allows pharmacists to formulate and produce personalized medications tailored to your specific clinical requirements and therapeutic goals.

Do I need a prescription to fill a compounded medication?

Yes. All compounded medications require a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. At Hillstone, we work directly with your provider to ensure each formulation is aligned with your individual clinical needs and treatment goals.

Are compounded medications safe?

At Hillstone Pharmacy, patient safety and effectiveness are built into every step of our compounding process. Compounded medications can be safe and effective when prepared properly. We ensure this through the use of high-quality ingredients and strict standards for formulation, sterility, and quality assurance. Our processes follow Good Compounding Practices and comply with USP <795>, <797>, and <800> guidelines to maintain the integrity and consistency of every medication we produce.

Are compounded medications FDA-approved?

Because compounded medications are personalized for an individual patient’s needs, they are not subject to FDA approval like mass-produced drugs. However, the ingredients we use are USP-grade, sourced from FDA-registered facilities,and we operate under the oversight of the Board of Pharmacy. At Hillstone, we follow all applicable state and national compounding standards to ensure the safety, quality, and consistency of every formulation.

Can you make my medication without certain ingredients, like dyes or gluten?

Yes. Every compounded medication is made to meet the specific needs of the patient, which often includes omitting dyes, gluten, preservatives, or other ingredients that may cause sensitivities or allergic reactions. Your medication is formulated to meet your individual clinical needs.

What kinds of medications do you compound?

Hillstone compounds medications across a broad range of specialties, including hormone therapy, dermatology, functional and integrative medicine, thyroid support, pediatrics, pain management, hospice, and veterinary care. Our formulations are tailored to meet each patient’s clinical needs based on a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.

Can you ship my prescription to me?

Yes, we offer shipping for eligible prescriptions. We’ll confirm shipping options when we receive your prescription so you can choose what’s most convenient.

How long will it take to receive my medication?

A minimum of 48 hours is required to allow for formulation, quality checks, and production. Once complete, your medication is promptly shipped. Delivery time may vary depending on your location and the shipping method selected. For complex formulations or medications requiring high-demand ingredients, turnaround times may vary, but we’ll keep you informed every step of the way.

Can my doctor send a prescription directly to the Pharmacy?

Yes, providers can send prescriptions via e-prescribe, fax, or phone. Yes. We compound veterinary medications for a wide range of species, including dogs, cats, birds, horses, elephants, and other exotic animals. Yes. We offer a range of flavoring options to improve palatability, particularly for pediatric and veterinary patients. Pet-friendly flavors are available to help ensure more consistent administration.

Do you offer sterile compounding?

Yes. Hillstone Pharmacy provides both sterile and non-sterile compounding services. Our sterile medications are prepared in USP <797> and <800>-compliant cleanrooms with strict environmental and procedural controls. We perform regular particle monitoring, environmental sampling, and sterility testing in-house and through third-party labs. Our pharmacists follow rigorous protocols to uphold a consistently sterile environment through ongoing quality standards- an integral part of how we operate.

Are you a 503A or 503B facility?

Hillstone is a 503A compounding pharmacy, meaning we compound medications based on patient-specific prescriptions. We are regulated by the state Board of Pharmacy and operate in compliance with USP <795><797> and <800> standards for non-sterile and sterile compounding.

Do you accept insurance?

Hillstone Pharmacy does not bill insurance directly, but we can provide a universal claim form (UCF) for you to submit to your insurance provider for possible reimbursement. Coverage varies, so we recommend checking with your insurer.

How do I refill my compounded medication?

Refills can be requested by calling our pharmacy, or using our online refill form. Because compounded medications are made to order, please allow at least 48 hours for processing once the refill is authorized.

Can you work with my out-of-state provider?

Yes. As long as Hillstone is licensed to operate in your provider’s state.

What is the difference between a compounded medication and a commercially manufactured one?

Commercially manufactured medications are mass-produced in standard doses and dosage forms. Compounded medications are custom-made by a licensed pharmacy to meet a specific patient’s needs, such as alternative ingredients, strengths, or delivery methods not available in commercially manufactured products.

How do I know if a compounded medication is right for me?

Your healthcare provider will determine if a compounded medication is appropriate based on your clinical condition, response to treatment, allergies, or sensitivities. If a commercially available option is not ideal, compounding allows for a more tailored therapeutic approach.

What dosage forms do you offer?

We offer a variety of dosage forms, including capsules, creams, gels, lozenges, suppositories, pellets, oral suspensions, troches, injectables, eyedrops and more.

Can I transfer my compounded prescription from another pharmacy?

Yes. If you have a valid prescription, we can transfer your compounded medication from another pharmacy, as long as it’s within legal and regulatory guidelines. Contact us, and we’ll handle the process for you.

Are compounded medications covered by HSA or FSA accounts?

In many cases, yes. Compounded medications may be eligible for reimbursement through Health Savings Accounts (HSA) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), when they are prescribed by a healthcare provider. Check with your account provider for details.

Can I travel with compounded medication?

Yes, in most cases. Keep the medication in its original labeled container and follow any specific storage requirements, especially for refrigerated items. If flying, check with your airline for any restrictions. For international travel, review the destination country’s regulations regarding prescription medications prior to departure.

Can my provider speak with a pharmacist for guidance?

Absolutely. Our pharmacists are available to consult directly with prescribers to discuss formulation options, dosage forms, clinical considerations, and therapeutic goals to ensure optimal patient outcomes.

Can you ship my prescription to me?

Yes, we offer shipping for eligible prescriptions. We’ll confirm shipping options when we receive your prescription so you can choose what’s most convenient.

How long will it take to receive my medication?

A minimum of 48 hours is required to allow for formulation, quality checks, and production. Once complete, your medication is promptly shipped. Delivery time may vary depending on your location and the shipping method selected. For complex formulations or medications requiring high-demand ingredients, turnaround times may vary, but we’ll keep you informed every step of the way.

Can I expedite my order?

Yes. We offer expedited shipping options for most medications. Expedited services may not shorten formulation time, but they do ensure faster delivery once your prescription is complete.

Do you offer cold-chain or temperature-controlled shipping?

Absolutely. For medications requiring refrigeration or strict temperature control, we utilize insulated packaging and ice packs to maintain stability throughout transit.

Can I travel with compounded medication?

Yes, in most cases. Keep the medication in its original labeled container and follow any specific storage requirements, especially for refrigerated items. If flying, check with your airline for any restrictions. For international travel, review the destination country’s regulations regarding prescription medications prior to departure.

How much does shipping cost?

Shipping fees vary based on location, delivery speed, and whether temperature control is required. You’ll receive a full breakdown of available shipping options when we process your prescription.

Do you ship to PO boxes?

In most cases, yes-though refrigerated or controlled substances require delivery to a physical address. We’ll confirm the best shipping method with you.

Can I change my shipping address after placing an order?

Possibly,depending on your prescription’s status. Please contact us as soon as possible. Once your order has entered the shipping stage of production, changes may not be possible.

Do you ship internationally?

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