Question 1

What is a compounding pharmacy?

Accepted Answer

A compounding pharmacy custom-prepares medications for individual patients when commercial drugs do not meet their needs. This may include adjusting strengths, removing allergens or dyes, changing the form (cream, capsule, liquid, suspension), or combining multiple drugs into a single preparation. All compounding at Humber Bay Compounding Pharmacy is performed under Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP) and NAPRA Model Standards in a Level C Hazardous Non-Sterile Compounding facility — one of a small number of pharmacies in Ontario operating at this level.

Question 2

Do I need a special prescription for compounded medication?

Accepted Answer

Any licensed Ontario prescriber (physician, nurse practitioner, dentist, or naturopath where applicable) can write a prescription for a compounded medication. Your prescriber can fax the prescription directly to Humber Bay Compounding Pharmacy at (647) 351-2323. If you are unsure whether compounding is appropriate for your situation, our pharmacists can speak with your prescriber on your behalf to discuss available options.

Question 3

Is compounded medication covered by insurance in Ontario?

Accepted Answer

Many private insurance plans in Canada cover compounded medications, though coverage varies by carrier and ingredient. Humber Bay Compounding Pharmacy provides direct billing to most major insurers and will give you a written cost estimate before compounding so there are no surprises. Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) coverage for compounded medications is limited and case-dependent — we can review your plan with you before you commit.

Question 4

What does "Level C Hazardous Non-Sterile Compounding" mean?

Accepted Answer

Level C is the highest classification under NAPRA Model Standards for non-sterile compounding. It applies to facilities authorized to handle hazardous drugs (such as hormones and chemotherapy-adjacent compounds) using a dedicated negative-pressure room, a Containment Primary Engineering Control (C-PEC) hood with HEPA filtration, and ongoing environmental monitoring. Few pharmacies in Ontario operate at this level — it is the standard required for the safe preparation of hormone therapies and other hazardous-drug compounds.

Question 5

Do you offer free delivery in Toronto and Etobicoke?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Humber Bay Compounding Pharmacy offers free local delivery throughout Etobicoke, Mimico, Humber Bay Shores, The Queensway, Islington, South Etobicoke, New Toronto, Long Branch, and parts of Toronto and Mississauga. Same-day or next-day delivery is available for most prescriptions.

Question 6

How long does it take to compound a prescription?

Accepted Answer

Most non-sterile compounded prescriptions are ready within 24 to 48 hours of receipt. Hormone preparations and complex multi-ingredient formulations may take slightly longer due to the ingredient sourcing and quality checks required. Urgent compounds can sometimes be prepared the same day — please call (647) 348-2323 to discuss your situation.

Question 7

Can you compound medications for my pet?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We work directly with veterinarians across the GTA to compound flavoured liquids, transdermal gels, and custom-strength capsules for dogs, cats, exotic pets, and other animals. Common requests include thyroid medications (methimazole, levothyroxine), antibiotics, behavioural drugs, and pain management compounds — flavoured to make them more palatable for the animal.

Question 8

What types of medications does Humber Bay Compounding Pharmacy prepare?

Accepted Answer

Our compounding services include bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), custom topical pain creams for neuropathic pain and arthritis, dermatology compounds for acne, rosacea, psoriasis and hyperpigmentation, pediatric formulations with kid-friendly flavours, veterinary preparations, all-purpose nipple ointment (APNO) for breastfeeding support, and custom hair loss treatments using minoxidil and DHT-blockers. We also prepare medications that have been discontinued or are in commercial shortage.

Archives