PATIENT FAQs
At HB Pharmacy, we understand that patients often have questions about compounded medications, prescriptions, delivery options, and how our pharmacy works with healthcare providers. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we receive.
If you have additional questions, our pharmacists are always happy to help.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
A compounded medication is a prescription that is customized specifically for an individual patient with direction from a licensed provider. Instead of dispensing a mass-produced, commercially available medication, our pharmacists prepare the medication according to your healthcare provider’s prescription so that it matches your exact treatment needs.
Compounding allows us to adjust things like dosage strength, ingredients, flavor, or the form of the medication to help adjust the treatment to your specific, individualized requirements.
Compounded medications ARE NOT FDA approved. This is true for ALL compounded medications. Investing in FDA studies for full approval makes sense for commercially available medication, but it does not make financial sense for individualized medication.
However, this does NOT mean that compounded medication isn’t regulated.
503A compounding pharmacies like HB Pharmacy are required to meet strict compliance standards following guidance from USP 800, USP 795, and USP 797 (as relevant). We are inspected by the New Jersey State Board of Pharmacy to ensure compliance with regulations relevant to our pharmacy. In addition to required quality control standards and protocols, we elect to send batches of compounds out for 3rd party testing to ensure potency.
Your doctor may prescribe a compounded medication when a commercially available medication is on shortage or does not fully meet your individual needs. Compounding allows medications to be customized in several ways, including:
- Adjusting the dosage strength
- Changing the form of the medication (cream, capsule, liquid, etc.)
- Removing ingredients that may cause allergies or sensitivities
- Adjusting the flavor for children or pets
- Combining medications when appropriate
This personalized approach allows us to focus specifically on our patients and their individual needs.
At HB Pharmacy, we prepare customized medications for a variety of treatment needs based on prescriptions from healthcare providers. Our compounding services may support therapies including:
- Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy
- Low dose naltrexone
- Hair loss (men and women)
- Dermatological medications
- Pediatric medications
- Veterinary medications
- Pain management formulations
- Oral and specialty medications
- and many more!
If you have questions about whether a medication can be compounded, our pharmacists are happy to speak with you or your provider.
Yes. One of the advantages of compounding is the ability to modify the dosage form of a medication when appropriate. Depending on the prescription, medications may be prepared as creams, capsules, liquids, topical gels, or other forms.
This flexibility is what allows us (with guidance from your physician) to tailor your therapy specifically to you.
Yes. Compounding can sometimes allow us to prepare medications without certain ingredients that may cause allergies or sensitivities. When possible, we can exclude unnecessary dyes, fillers, or preservatives from a formulation.
Our pharmacists will work with your healthcare provider to help determine the best option for your needs.
Yes. Compounded medications must be prepared based on a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. Your doctor will determine the appropriate medication and dosage for your treatment.
Once we receive the prescription, our pharmacists prepare the medication specifically for you.
Typically, the answer is no. Insurance coverage for compounded medications varies depending on your insurance provider and the specific medication being prescribed.
Some compounded medications may be partially covered, while others may not be covered at all. Our pharmacy team can help review your insurance information and provide pricing details so you understand your options before your medication is prepared. But typically compounds require cash payment.
While some compounding pharmacies say they accept insurance, many times patients will find out that the prescription was rejected and end up paying the cash price.
To support our patients, we’re happy to provide Universal Claim Forms that can be submitted to insurance companies for possible reimbursement.
Because compounded medications are custom prepared, they typically take longer than standard prescriptions.
In many cases, prescriptions can be prepared within 1-2 business days. Turnaround time may vary depending on the complexity of the compound and ingredient availability.
If you have an urgent need, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate your timeline.
Yes. We frequently collaborate with physicians, nurse practitioners, dentists, veterinarians, and other healthcare providers to help ensure patients receive medications that meet their specific needs.
If necessary, our pharmacists can work directly with your provider regarding formulations, dosing adjustments, or other questions.
Yes. We offer shipping for patients who are not located near our pharmacy. Shipping options may include ground or overnight delivery depending on the medication and applicable regulations. Please check our current state licenses in the footer of our website.
Yes. We provide free next day local delivery for patients in several nearby communities, including North Arlington, Kearny, Lyndhurst, Rutherford, and Belleville.
If you are unsure whether delivery is available in your area, our team will be happy to assist.
HB Pharmacy is currently licensed to serve patients in:
- New Jersey
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- Florida
- Connecticut (pending)
This allows us to provide services to many patients beyond our immediate local area. Please check the footer of our website for our most up to date license information.
Refills can be requested through several convenient options:
- Calling the pharmacy
- Submitting a refill request through our website
- Contacting our pharmacy team directly
We also offer refill reminders and automated refill options for certain prescriptions.
Yes. We frequently prepare customized medications for children when prescribed by a healthcare provider. This may include adjusting dosage strengths or adding flavoring to make medication more palatable or easy for children to take.
Yes. We can prepare customized medications for pets when prescribed by a veterinarian. Compounded veterinary medications can help ensure the correct dosage and make it easier to administer medication to animals.
In some cases, compounding may offer a solution if a medication has been discontinued or is not commercially available in the required dosage or form. Our pharmacists can work with your healthcare provider to explore possible options.
No. In addition to compounding services, HB Pharmacy provides a full range of pharmacy and wellness services including:
- Traditional prescription medications
- Supplements
- Vaccinations
- Wellness consultations
- Home health care and mobility products
Our goal is to support your health through personalized pharmacy care.
HB Pharmacy is located at:
98 Ridge Road
North Arlington, NJ 07031
We proudly serve patients throughout the surrounding communities and beyond.
Our regular hours are:
Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
Please contact the pharmacy directly for holiday hours or special schedules.
HB Pharmacy has been serving the North Arlington community since 1964. As a 3rd generation family-owned pharmacy, we are proud to provide personalized care and trusted service to generations of patients.