Compounding Pharmacy Services in Waterloo
When a standard medication doesn't fit — wrong dose, wrong form, or contains an ingredient you can't tolerate — The Boardwalk Pharmacy can arrange a custom-compounded version for you. We work with a local compounding partner to provide personalized prescriptions for patients in Waterloo, Kitchener, and surrounding areas.
What "compounding" means: the preparation of a medication from raw ingredients to match your exact prescription — different strength, different dosage form (liquid, cream, capsule, lozenge), or different formulation (dye-free, gluten-free, sugar-free, allergen-free) than what's commercially available.
When you might need a compounded prescription
- Pediatric formulations — children who can't swallow tablets often need a flavoured liquid version of an adult medication.
- Hormone replacement therapy — bio-identical hormones in creams, troches, or capsules with patient-specific doses.
- Topical pain medications — compounded creams combining anti-inflammatories, anesthetics, and muscle relaxants for localized pain relief without systemic side effects.
- Allergen-free reformulations — removing lactose, gluten, dyes, or preservatives from a medication you need but can't tolerate in its standard form.
- Discontinued medications — some long-standing prescriptions get pulled from the commercial market; compounding can recreate them from raw ingredients.
- Veterinary compounding — pet medications in flavors and forms your dog or cat will actually take.
- Custom strengths — when your doctor prescribes a dose that isn't manufactured (e.g., 17.5 mg of a drug only made in 10 mg or 20 mg).
How the process works
- Bring us your prescription from your physician indicating a compounded formulation, OR talk to one of our pharmacists if your doctor has suggested compounding might help.
- We review and confirm the formulation, ingredients, and dosage with you and (if needed) your prescriber.
- Preparation — most compounded prescriptions are ready within 2–5 business days, depending on the formulation and ingredient availability.
- Pickup or delivery — your custom medication can be picked up at our 430 The Boardwalk location, or we offer free local delivery throughout Waterloo and Kitchener.
Frequently asked
Do I need a special prescription for compounded medications?
Yes — like any prescription medication, compounded formulations require a prescription from a physician, nurse practitioner, or dentist. The prescriber writes the specific formulation, strength, and dosage form they want compounded. If you're not sure whether compounding is right for you, our pharmacists can talk with your prescriber to discuss options.
How long does it take to get a compounded medication?
Most compounds are ready within 2–5 business days. Simple formulations (like a flavored suspension) can sometimes be ready same-day. Complex or specialty formulations may take longer if ingredients need to be sourced. We'll give you a firm pickup estimate when you drop off your prescription.
Are compounded medications safe?
Yes. Compounded medications are prepared by licensed pharmacy professionals using pharmaceutical-grade ingredients, following Ontario College of Pharmacists standards for compounding. Each preparation is checked for the right ingredients and the right measurements, and is documented.
Can you compound for veterinary patients?
Yes — we work with local veterinarians to prepare flavored medications (chicken, beef, tuna), liquid formulations for cats who refuse pills, and dose-adjusted preparations for small animals. Bring your veterinarian's prescription and we'll discuss the formulation.
Have a question?
Talk to one of our pharmacists — free, no appointment needed. We’re here Monday through Saturday.