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Frequently Asked Questions

About Compounded Medications

What is compounding?

Compounding is a specific process by which licensed personnel prepares medications for patients with prescriptions when no commercially available medication can address their needs adequately. For example, if you require an unavailable dosage, formula, flavor, or strength – or if there is a nationwide drug shortage of a commercially available drug – a compounding technician or pharmacist can prepare that medication for you with a prescription from your provider. Please note that compounded medications are not evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

What is the difference between commercially available medications and compounded medications?

Commercially available drugs are manufactured by pharmaceutical companies in mass quantities, in predetermined, specific forms, strengths, dosages, and flavors for the consumption of the general population, and are FDA-approved. Compounded medications are ordered by a qualified healthcare provider and prepared by a compounding pharmacy, depending on the patient’s unique medical needs. Please note that while compounded medications are made from FDA-approved ingredients, the final forms of the compounds are not evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, therefore not FDA-approved. *For more information, please see: Disclaimer

Why do medications need to be compounded?

With a physician’s prescription, a compounding pharmacist or technician can compound a specific strength or dosage form that is not commercially available (e.g., create a liquid for a child or adult who cannot swallow a pill), formulate the medication to exclude non-essential ingredients (i.e.. dyes, gluten, sugar, lactose, preservatives), or flavor certain medications for adherence to taking the medication.

Who can write a prescription for compounded medications?

Prescriptions can come from Medical Doctors (MD), Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), Doctors of Dental Surgery (DDS), Naturopathic Doctors (ND), Physician Assistants (PA), and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) within the scope of their practice. Some doctors have limitations on what may be prescribed, which may vary from state to state. Prescriptions to Valor Compounding Pharmacy can be submitted by healthcare professionals here:

Prescribe a Compounded Medication for Your Patient ›

What is BUD?

BUD is the Beyond Use Date. After this date, Valor cannot guarantee the stability or sterility of the medication. The BUD is calculated from the day the medication is compounded.

These are the following formulas with the corresponding BUD that we currently offer for atropine sulfate:

Strength
BUD
Package Size
STORAGE
0.01%
30 days
5ml dropper
Room Temp.
0.02%
30 days
5ml dropper
Room Temp.
0.025%
30 days
5ml dropper
Room Temp.
0.03%
30 days
5ml dropper
Room Temp.
0.05%
30 days
5ml dropper
Room Temp.

Please call us at 855-554-2889 to speak with a pharmacist for any additional questions.

*The information contained herein is NOT intended to be the label for a finished drug product. No claims are made as to the uses, safety, efficacy, or bioavailability of the compounded products contained therein. The suggested formulations are provided for reference only and are based on formulations that have historically been ordered by duly licensed professionals. The suggested compounded products are not intended to replace the independent judgment of the prescriber or the licensed pharmacist.

I have a compounded medication that is past its “Do Not Use Beyond” date. Can I still use it?

You should not use a compounded prescription beyond the labeled “Do Not Use Beyond” use date. Please call us at 855-554-2889 to speak with a pharmacist for any additional questions.

What is the difference between Sterile and Non-Sterile Compounding?

In the compounding pharmacy industry, there are specific definitions, regulations, and licensure that differ between running a sterile compounding pharmacy versus a non-sterile compounding pharmacy.
Sterile compounding follows strict standards and is used when there is a high risk of infection, as sterile compounded medications are typically intended to be used as injections, or ophthalmic sterile compounds for eye drops, and others. Medications like these need to be carefully prepared in a separate sterile clean-room, an environment free from viruses, bacteria, or any other infectious microorganisms to ensure sterility and patient safety.
Valor Compounding Pharmacy offers a select catalog of sterile compounds that undergo rigorous testing including method suitability and container closure testing. A few examples of Valor’s sterile formulary are bimix, trimix injections, and atropine eye drops. You can call us at (855) 554-2889 to get more information on our sterile compounds.
Non-sterile compounding is more common and while these drugs are not prepared in a sterile clean-room, they are made with high standards and strict guidelines. Non-sterile compounding utilizes a clean environment where equipment, surfaces, and materials are sanitized. Non-sterile compound medications include solutions, suspensions, ointments, creams, gels, powders, suppositories, capsules, troches, dissolvable forms, and tablets, and are typically taken orally or used topically.

About Valor Compounding Pharmacy

Why Valor?

We are a PCAB and LegitScript accredited 503A facility located in Berkeley, CA. As a compounding pharmacy licensed in multiple states in the country, we take pride in serving patients and providers with the highest quality assurance standards we set for ourselves while making the healthcare journey for all parties as smooth as possible with our flat-rate pricing, free shipping, and fast turnaround.

Our dedicated compliance team guides our operations as we apply our proven processes to compounding. Our team consists of individuals who pay great attention to detail, provide excellent customer service while focusing on quality, and are dedicated to raising the bar in compounding pharmacy, making us the Compounding Center of Excellence that we are.

Which states does Valor Compounding Pharmacy serve?

Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California*
Colorado
Connecticut
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Illinois
Maryland
Mississippi
Missouri
Nevada
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Utah
Virginia
Washington
Washington, D.C.
 
*California is the only state in which we ship sterile compounded medications at this time, in addition to non-sterile compounded medications.

What dosage forms does Valor offer?

Oral Dosage Forms
– Sublingual tablet
– Troche
– Capsule
– Suspension
– Solution
– Lollipops
Topical Dosage Forms
– Creams
– Gels
– Ointments
– Nasal spray
– Otic powder
– Suppositories
Sterile Dosage Forms
– Injectable
– Eye drops

How long does it take Valor to fill a prescription?

Most compounded medications are ready for pick-up or to ship in 2 business days or less, depending on the complexity.

Can Valor ship my prescription to me?

Yes, we can ship any non-sterile medication to any state in which we are licensed via FedEx, with free, two-day shipping. California is the only state in which we ship sterile compounded medications at this time.

How can I fill my prescription at Valor?

For new prescriptions, you may have your doctor call us at 855-554-2889, or fax it in at 855-205-8456. If you have a hard copy of your prescription, you may bring it to our pharmacy.
For refills or to transfer your prescription to our pharmacy, you may submit your request via our HIPAA-secure online form, or call us at 855-554-2889.

Are Valor compounded medications covered by insurance?

Valor Compounding Pharmacy does not directly bill insurers. Depending on your insurance plan, you may be reimbursed by sending in a claim form. Many insurance companies cover compounded prescriptions. However, we suggest that you contact your insurance company to learn about your specific coverage. We can provide you with an insurance claim form that you may send to your carrier upon request.

*California is the only state in which we can ship sterile compounded medications, in addition to non-sterile compounded medications.

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