FAQ

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.

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. 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.

What compounds does Valor not make?

Please note, we do not make: peptides, IV nutrients or vitamins, growth hormones, tirzepatide, semaglutide, or other weight loss compounds.

About Valor Compounding Pharmacy

Why Valor?

We are a NABP Compounding Pharmacy Accreditation, PCAB accredited 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?

A list of the States We Serve can be found here.

What dosage forms does Valor offer?

Dosage forms are compound specific. Here is a list of examples

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?

Please allow up to 3-7 business days to receive your prescriptions after checkout. While several of our compounds are available to ship within 24-48 hours, some custom compounds may take longer depending on your prescriber’s orders, supply chain availability, or specific storage and shipping requirements of your medication.

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. California is the only state in which we ship sterile compounded medications at this time. You will be asked to provide your home address during your checkout process and please note that we cannot ship to PO Box addresses.

How long will it take to receive my prescription?

See below for a general schedule of ship days and arrival days. Please note that holidays may impact this general schedule. Some compounds only ship Monday-Wednesday due to safe shipping requirements. Follow your tracking number for the most accurate delivery schedule.

Ship Day	2-Day Shipping	Next Day Shipping
Monday	Wednesday	Tuesday
Tuesday	Thursday	Wednesday
Wednesday	Friday	Thursday
Thursday	Monday	Friday
Friday	Tuesday	Monday

What might cause a delay in my prescription delivery?

There are a few reasons why you may experience a delay in receiving your prescription.

Pending patient payment
No refills left and/or expired prescription
Pending Doctor authorization
Ingredient out of stock and is pending delivery
Compound requires special packaging and shipping in order to be delivered on a weekday, and are only available Monday-Wednesday to ship

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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States We Serve

Questions? Contact Us

✆ (855) 554-2889

Kaiser Permanente Members