Do I need a prescription for a compounded medication?

Yes. Every compounded medication requires a valid prescription from a licensed prescriber. We cannot prepare or dispense one without it. If you think a compounded form might help, start the conversation with your doctor, then have them send the prescription to us.

Are compounded medications FDA-approved?

No. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved, and FDA does not review them for safety, effectiveness, or quality before they are dispensed. They are prepared for an individual patient based on a prescription, when a prescriber determines a commercially available product is not right for that patient. Talk with your prescriber about the benefits and risks for your situation.

Can you make my child's medicine easier to take?

Often, yes. With a prescription, we can prepare many medications as flavored liquids or smaller dosage forms. Ask your pediatrician whether a compounded form is appropriate, then call us to talk through flavor options.

My medication was discontinued. Can you compound it?

Sometimes. It depends on whether the ingredients are still available and whether your prescriber writes a prescription for a compounded version. Call us with the medication name and we will tell you what is possible.

How long does a compounded prescription take?

Timing varies by dosage form. When we receive your prescription, we will give you an expected ready time, and local delivery is available if pickup is hard to manage.

All Compounding

Custom Compounding

Creams, Troches, Capsules and Specialty Medications

When your prescriber determines a commercially available medication is not right for you, America First Pharmacies in Irving can prepare your prescription in a form that fits. A valid prescription is required for every compounded medication.

Prescription required

What's Included:

When a Different Form Makes Sense
Topical Pain and Skin Preparations
When a Medication Is Discontinued
Safety and What to Discuss With Your Prescriber

Creams, Troches, Capsules and Specialty Medications

Compounding means preparing a medication for one specific patient, based on a prescription from your doctor or other licensed prescriber. We prepare customized medications when your prescriber determines a commercially available product is not right for you. Common reasons include a dye allergy, difficulty swallowing, or a strength that is not manufactured.

Our pharmacists at America First Pharmacies prepare each compounded prescription in our Irving pharmacy, one patient at a time. We follow your prescriber's exact instructions for the medication, strength, and dosage form. If a question comes up, we call your prescriber and resolve it before we prepare anything.

Much of this work is everyday problem solving. A child who refuses bitter medicine. A patient who reacts to a dye or filler. A long-used medication that a manufacturer stopped making. If a standard product is not working for you, talk to your prescriber about whether a compounded option makes sense, then send us the prescription.

Dye-free and allergen-free reformulations
Sugar-free and preservative-free options
Flavored liquid medications for children
Strengths a manufacturer does not make
Compounded versions of discontinued medications
Prescription topical pain creams
Dermatology compounds in custom strengths
Capsules, troches, and suspensions prepared per prescription

When a Different Form Makes Sense

Some people cannot use medications the way they come off the shelf. Tablets can be hard to swallow. Dyes, gluten, lactose, and certain fillers can cause reactions. A manufactured strength may be too high or too low for the dose your prescriber wants. In each case, your prescriber may consider a compounded version, such as a flavored liquid instead of a tablet, a dye-free capsule, or a strength matched to your prescription. We also prepare sugar-free and preservative-free formulations when the prescription calls for them.

Topical Pain and Skin Preparations

Prescribers sometimes want medication applied directly to the skin rather than taken by mouth. For localized symptoms, your prescriber may consider a topical pain cream or gel formulated to their specifications. We also prepare dermatology compounds, including custom strengths and combinations prescribed by your dermatologist. As with every compounded medication, these are prepared only with a prescription and only for you.

When a Medication Is Discontinued

Manufacturers stop making medications for business reasons, not always medical ones. If a medication you rely on has been discontinued, ask your prescriber whether a compounded version may be an option. When the ingredients are still available and your prescriber writes a prescription, our pharmacists can often prepare it. Call us first and we will tell you what is possible.

Safety and What to Discuss With Your Prescriber

Compounded medications are prescription medications, and the decision to use one belongs to you and your prescriber. Tell your prescriber about every allergy and every medication and supplement you take. Ask whether a commercially available product could meet your needs first, and why a compounded form may be the better fit for your situation. Follow the directions on your label exactly, store the medication as instructed, and call us or your prescriber if you notice anything unexpected. Our pharmacists are glad to walk through how to use and store your compounded medication.

Available Dosage Forms

Cream

A medication applied to the skin, used when your prescriber wants treatment delivered at a specific site, such as topical pain or dermatology prescriptions.

Troche

A small lozenge that dissolves slowly in the cheek or under the tongue, an option when swallowing pills is difficult.

Capsule

An oral capsule filled to the exact strength your prescriber specifies, including dye-free and allergen-free versions.

Pellet

A rice-sized implant placed under the skin by a trained provider, designed to release medication gradually over time.

Suspension

A liquid form of a medication, measured by dose and flavored on request, often helpful for children and patients with feeding tubes.

Injection

A sterile injectable preparation, compounded when your prescription calls for injectable dosing.

Prescribers may consider this for

Allergies to dyes, fillers, or preservatives in manufactured products
Children who need a flavored liquid instead of a tablet
Adults who have difficulty swallowing pills
Doses or strengths that are not commercially manufactured
Medications discontinued by the manufacturer
Localized pain or skin concerns where a prescriber prefers a topical form

Common Questions

Visit or Call

7801 Mesquite Bend Dr. #108, Irving, TX 75063

Pharmacy hours

Mon–Fri: 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

Sat–Sun: Closed

Call 972-947-2400 Refill a Prescription

Related Services

Compounding and Clinical Services

When a manufactured medication is not right for you, your prescriber may consider a compounded one. America First Pharmacies prepares customized medications in Irving, Texas, one patient at a time.

Hormone Pellet Therapy

America First Pharmacies compounds testosterone and estradiol pellets when your prescriber determines a commercially available product is not right for you. A prescription is required, and a trained clinician places the pellet in their office, not at the pharmacy.

Pharmacist Consultations

Sit down with a pharmacist who has time for your questions. Medication reviews, hormone therapy questions, supplement checks, and compounding questions, all in plain English.

Home Delivery

Experience the convenience of our Home Delivery service at America First Pharmacies, Inc.

Important Information

Compounded medications are prepared by a licensed pharmacist for an individual patient pursuant to a valid prescription from a licensed prescriber. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved. The FDA does not review compounded medications for safety, effectiveness, or quality before they are dispensed.

Prescription required. Compounded medications are dispensed only with a valid, patient-specific prescription. Ask your physician or prescriber whether a compounded medication is appropriate for you.

Questions? We're here to help.

Speak with a real person at America First Pharmacies in Irving, TX.