Finding a Reputable Compounding Pharmacy (Canada)

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If you’ve decided to use a compounded medication for your pet, the next step is choosing a pharmacy. This article discusses some steps to take and things to look for to find a reputable compounding pharmacy.

State Licensing

Most importantly, avoid any compounding pharmacy without a license. Compounding pharmacies in Canada are regulated by the Pharmacy Regulatory Authority (PRA) in their province or territory and should be licensed by that PRA. Being unlicensed is a major warning sign that a pharmacy is not legitimate.

You can check a pharmacy’s license by visiting the website of the PRA in the province or territory where a pharmacy is located. If you are unable to find license information online, consider contacting the pharmacy.

NOTE: The PRA in Quebec (the Ordre des pharmaciens du Québec or OPQ) licenses pharmacy owners rather than pharmacies. Those looking to verify a pharmacy located in Quebec should thus check to see if the pharmacy owner is licensed by the OPQ.

Training and Experience

Competent pharmacists and technicians are critical to safe and effective compounding. Don’t hesitate to ask about the pharmacy’s history, the qualifications of its staff, and their training. If you are considering a specific drug, such as compounded trilostane, you can also ask about their experience with that.

Customer Service

How a pharmacy treats its customers can tell you a lot about its quality. Look for a pharmacy that is responsive to questions, addresses any concerns you may have, and provides clear information. They should also be willing to discuss their compounding process and quality assurance procedures, so that you can be comfortable with the drug your pet is receiving.

Word of Mouth

It’s always a good idea to read customer reviews for any compounding pharmacies you are considering. The experiences of others can tell you a lot about a pharmacy’s reliability, drug quality, consistency, and potential drawbacks, among other things.

Talk to Your Veterinarian

You will need a veterinarian’s prescription before ordering a compounded drug. If you have questions about finding a reputable pharmacy, your veterinarian may be able to steer you in the right direction. Most veterinarians know which compounding pharmacies are the most highly trusted and can provide recommendations based on your pet’s needs.

Additional Questions

Here are some questions you might want to ask before deciding on a compounding pharmacy.

Do you use xylitol in your compounded drugs? The answer should be NO. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that is highly toxic to dogs.

Do you have a quality assurance program in place? The answer should be YES. Quality assurance is critical to ensuring compounded drugs are safe and effective.