Frequently Asked Questions


I have heard a lot about Compounding Pharmacies lately, what is compounding?
Compounding combines an ageless art with the latest medical knowledge and state-of-the-art technology in order to create medications that are specifically designed to fit the patient’s needs.  For example, through the use of compounding, ingredients that a patient is allergic to can be omitted or substituted, capsules can be turned to liquids for those patients that cannot swallow pills, and medications that have been discontinued by the manufacturer can be made again for the patient.  These are just a few examples of how compounding can help solve problems.  Call or stop in to see how The Apothecary Shoppe can help solve your medication problems.

Is compounding expensive?
A compounded medication may or may not be as expensive as a standard medication.  The cost is dependant on the ingredients, the equipment,  and the time the pharmacist and technicians put into making the medication, and it also depends on if there is insurance involved.

What kinds of medications can be compounded?
The list of medications that can be compounded is endless.  Each medication is customized for each person depending on the dosage and delivery methods that are needed.  The Apothecary Shoppe compounds medications for all medical specialties such as: pediatrics, geriatrics, pain management, dental, ophthalmic, otic, dermatology, neuropathy, sports medicine, infertility, podiatry, wound care, bio-identical hormone replacement therapy, gastroenterolgy, and veterinary.   

Does insurance cover compounded medications?

Some insurances do cover compounds.  If you can supply out pharmacist with your drug insurance card and your prescription, they will be happy to determine your coverage for compounds.

Do all doctors know how to write for a compounded medication?
Probably not, but our team at The Apothecary Shoppe will be happy to provide your doctor with information about compounding if they are interested.  Our pharmacists are an excellent help to many health care providers who are new to compounding.  We will help in any way possible. 

I’m a 45 year old man experiencing increasing fatigue, reduced muscle mass, increased muscle weakness, and diminished sex drive. Do you have any suggestions to help me feel better?
Like women, men also experience age-related hormonal changes. This “male menopause” is known as Andropause. Andropause is the condition in which the male body cannot keep up with its demand for Testosterone, resulting in lower testosterone levels. In fact, after the age of 40 years, testosterone levels begin to decline at a rate of 1% per year. Symptoms can include weakness, fatigue, insomnia, decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, depression, memory impairment, decreased muscle mass, and much more. With the help of your physician, we can use BioIdentical Hormones to replace Testosterone, DHEA, Pregnenolone and other hormones to alleviate these symptoms. Please call for more information, or to set a consultation.

I am interested in BioIdentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, what is my next step?
CALL US! I offer BioIdentical Hormone Replacement Consultations. During this session, we discuss the benefits of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone in the human body. In addition, we will also discuss the safety and efficacy of these hormones in your body, as well as your symptoms of peri-menopause, menopause, and even andropause (male menopause). I will gladly make recommendations to your physician on your behalf to develop a medication that will help relieve your hormonal symptoms. BioIdentical Hormone Replacement requires a prescription from a licensed physician, so if you are currently not under a physician’s care, we can help find a physician to best suite you and your needs as well.

Are Bio-Identical Hormones better than Synthetic Hormones in the treatment of menopause?
ABSOLUTELY.  Bio-Identical Hormones are exact replicas to those hormones already produced by your body.  Synthetic hormones have been chemically altered, and are not identical in structure or activity to those they are trying to replace.  Synthetic hormones are very potent and can produce side effects that are often intolerable or can make some of the symptoms of menopause worse.  Bio-Identical Hormones are easily metabolized by our bodies and are a much more natural alternative.  More importantly, compounded Bio-Identical Hormones can be customized to meet the need of each woman instead of the “one size fits all” practice that is seen with commercially available products.  If you, or someone you know, have a question regarding Bio-Identical hormone replacement, please call us and see what we can do for you.

My doctor recently diagnosed me with Hypothyroidism and started me on levothyroxine, but I have not noticed any improvement in the way I feel. Are there any alternative treatments?
Definitely.  Hypothyroidism means that you have a low level of thyroid hormone in your body.  Thyroid hormone is important because it is the baseline hormone of your metabolism.  It helps your body maintain energy, heat, and impacts other hormone systems.  Your body produces two forms of thyroid hormone Thyroxine (T4), inactive thyroid hormone, and Triiodothyronine (T3), active thyroid hormone.  Your thyroid gland produces T4 and the rest of your body converts T4 to T3.    Most commonly the drug levothyroxine is prescribed to replace T4 in the body, however many patients have problems converting levothyroxine adequately to T3.

Can my prescription be shipped to me?

We ship throughout the United States using U.S. Mail or UPS.  For US Mail, it usually a $10.00 fee, and for UPS, there is a $15.00 fee.  These charges may very during the summer months.