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What is compounding?

Compounding is the craft of creating a personalized medication from individual pharmaceutical ingredients, tailored to exactly what a patient needs. It is how pharmacy was done before mass manufacturing, and it is still indispensable when a commercial product simply does not exist or does not suit.

Perhaps your toddler's antibiotic only comes in a flavour she refuses. Perhaps your topical cream contains a dye that breaks you out. Perhaps your cat or dog needs a dose of medication that is not commercially available. Each of them lives solidly in our wheelhouse.

When compounding helps

  • Pediatric patients, flavoured liquids, lower doses, dye-free formulations
  • Allergen sensitivity, free from gluten, lactose, preservatives, dyes, or specific fillers
  • Veterinary patients, custom dosages not commercially available
  • Hormone therapies, bioidentical creams and capsules as prescribed
  • Dermatological conditions, topicals tailored to your skin and specific concern
  • Pain management, transdermal blends that reduce systemic side effects
  • Discontinued medications, we may be able to recreate products no longer on the market
How it works. Bring the prescription (or ask your prescriber to fax us at 506-575-2075). We will review the requested formulation, gather any allergy or preference notes, and call you when it is ready. Most compounds are available within 24–48 hours.
Pharmacist using a mortar and pestle to prepare compounded medication

Our compounding pedigree

Ryan's is one of a handful of NAPRA compliant pharmacies providing custom compounding. One of the few pharmacies providing compounding services and one of the few pharmacies that are accredited through the Professional Compounding Centers of America (PCCA) in Houston, the gold standard for compounding education in North America. That network gives us access to more than ten thousand vetted raw ingredients, proprietary formulations, and ongoing clinical support from some of the most experienced compounders in the world.

When changes were made to the compounding regulations, many pharmacies decided not to continue with compounding. Here at Ryan's Pharmacy we embraced the changes, and have been providing custom compounding since.

If a pharmacy tells you compounding is a simple swap of one ingredient for another, keep looking. It is genuinely clinical work, and we treat it that way.

Ready to start?

Ask your prescriber to write for the formulation you need, or phone us to discuss whether compounding might help with a concern you have been wrestling with. Consultations usually reveal whether we can help in under ten minutes.

Common questions

Compounding Questions

What is bio-identical hormone restoration therapy (BHRT)?
BHRT replenishes the body with hormones that have the identical chemical structure to those it produces naturally. Unlike synthetic products, which modify the hormone's structure so it can be patented, bio-identical hormones restore rather than substitute, and may behave more predictably in the body.
What are the potential benefits of BHRT?
Estrogen can relieve hot flashes, hair loss, dry skin, anxiety, vaginal dryness, and diminished sex drive while supporting heart and bone health. Progesterone acts as a natural diuretic, stimulates bone formation, can lower cholesterol, and helps fight insomnia. Testosterone maintains libido, increases bone density and lean body mass, provides cardiovascular protection, and can lower cholesterol.
What is compounded pain management?
Many oral pain medications help with symptoms but cause stomach irritation, drowsiness, or dizziness. By compounding a topical gel, cream, or spray foam, we deliver medication directly to the site of pain, reducing systemic side effects. Formulations can combine several agents in one application, often at lower individual concentrations, which is ideal for arthritis, joint and muscle pain, and localized injuries.
Can you compound medications for children?
Absolutely. Many manufactured medications are not labelled for pediatric use, making proper dosing difficult. We can prepare alternative forms like syrups and liquid suspensions in flavours like cherry, bubblegum, or marshmallow. We can also remove ingredients your child may be allergic to, such as lactose, sugars, or alcohol.
How do I know what compounding options are available for my child?
When your physician prescribes a medication, bring the prescription to us and have a chat with a pharmacist about what might work best, including your child's preferences and sensitivities. Together with you and your practitioner, we will find the most effective form and flavour.
What are Rectal Rockets?
The Rectal Rocket is a uniquely designed suppository for treating hemorrhoids and anal fissures, made in our compounding lab and available without a prescription. Its contoured front and flared bottom keep it comfortably in place, and a lengthwise slit allows the passage of gas without dislodging it. It contains hydrocortisone to reduce swelling, burning, and itching, plus lidocaine or diltiazem for pain relief. Most cases resolve within two applications.
What are Liv9 nutritional supplements?
Liv9 capsules are custom-formulated supplements packed with nothing more than the active ingredients you need: vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and herbals at the dosages that suit your body. No fillers, binders, colourings, or dilutions, which can comprise up to 85% of a typical off-the-shelf supplement. We work with you to optimize your physiological and metabolic function.
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