When the standard medication won't work, we can prepare a custom one.
Some prescriptions need a different strength, a different form, or a flavor a child or pet will actually take. At Palos Pharmacy in Palos Heights, our pharmacists prepare custom-compounded medications from the prescription your doctor writes. Bring it in or have your prescriber send it, and we will confirm what can be made and when.
What compounding actually means
Most prescriptions come from a factory in one set strength and one set form. That works for the majority of people, but not for everyone. Compounding is the practice of a licensed pharmacist preparing a medication to fit a single patient, based on the exact prescription their doctor writes. At Palos Pharmacy, a family-owned pharmacy in Palos Heights, our pharmacists make custom-compounded medications when an off-the-shelf product is not the right fit.
In plain terms, instead of handing you a pre-made bottle, we prepare your medication to the specifications on the prescription. That might be a particular dose, a different way to take it, or an added flavor. What we can prepare always depends on what your prescriber orders and what is appropriate for your situation, so the conversation starts with your doctor and continues with our pharmacist.
Common reasons people ask about compounding
- A sensitivity to a dye or filler. Some people react to an inactive ingredient in the commercial product, so a compounded version can be prepared without it when the prescriber directs.
- A dose that is not made commercially. If your prescription calls for a strength the manufacturer does not offer, compounding can fill that gap.
- An easier-to-take form. A liquid instead of a tablet, or a topical cream, can make a medication simpler to use for people who have trouble with pills.
- Flavoring for kids and pets. A better taste can make a dose far easier to give to a child or an animal, which is one of the most common requests we hear.
How to get started
- Start with your prescriber. Compounded medications require a prescription, so ask your doctor or veterinarian whether a compounded option is right for you.
- Bring it in or have it sent. Drop your prescription at our counter at 13419 S Ridgeland Ave, or have your prescriber send it directly to Palos Pharmacy.
- We confirm and give you a timeline. A pharmacist reviews the order, confirms what can be prepared, and tells you how long it will take before any work begins.
Because every compounded order is different, we will not guess about your specific medication here. The right answer comes from your prescription and a quick conversation with our pharmacist, who is happy to walk you through the options and the timeline.
Free delivery once it's ready
When your compounded medication is prepared, you do not have to make a special trip. Palos Pharmacy delivers free anywhere in Illinois, so your prescription can come straight to your door once it is ready. You can also pick it up at the counter or use our fast three-lane drive-through, whichever is easier for you.
Most major insurance plans are accepted, and a real pharmacist is always available to answer your questions. To ask whether compounding is an option for your prescription, call us at (708) 883-6601.
Common questions about compounding
What is a compounding pharmacy?
A compounding pharmacy prepares a medication to fit one patient instead of dispensing a mass-produced product off the shelf. At Palos Pharmacy in Palos Heights, that can mean a specific strength, a different form such as a liquid or cream, or an added flavor, all based on the prescription your doctor writes.
Why would I need a compounded medication?
People ask about compounding for many reasons, such as a sensitivity to a dye or filler in the commercial product, a dose that is not made commercially, needing an easier-to-take form like a liquid instead of a pill, or wanting a flavor for a child or pet. Your prescriber decides what is appropriate, and our pharmacist confirms what can be prepared.
How do I get a compounded prescription from Palos Pharmacy?
Bring your prescription to our counter at 13419 S Ridgeland Ave or have your prescriber send it to Palos Pharmacy. A pharmacist reviews the order, confirms what can be compounded, and tells you the timeline before any work begins. Call (708) 883-6601 with questions.
Can you flavor medications for children or pets?
Flavoring is one of the most common reasons families and pet owners ask about compounding, since an easier taste can make a medication simpler to give. Ask our pharmacist what flavor options are available for the specific prescription your doctor or veterinarian provides.
Do you deliver compounded medications?
Yes. Once your compounded prescription is prepared and ready, Palos Pharmacy delivers it free anywhere in Illinois. You can also pick it up at our counter or through our three-lane drive-through.
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