Question 1

What is pharmaceutical compounding?

Accepted Answer

Compounding is the preparation of a personalised medicine to meet the specific needs of an individual patient. A prescriber may request a different strength, dosage form, flavour, or a formulation free of an ingredient a patient cannot tolerate. Learn more on our What is Compounding page.

Question 2

Are compounded medicines safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes, when prepared by an experienced compounding pharmacy. Oxford Compounding follows Pharmacy Board of Australia compounding guidelines, uses quality-assured ingredients, validated processes and documented quality control on every preparation. Our sterile production is held to TGA manufacturing standards.

Question 3

Why can't I just take a commercially available medicine?

Accepted Answer

Commercial medicines are made for the average patient. If you need a strength that isn't manufactured, a different dosage form (such as a cream instead of a tablet), or a formula without an allergen or dye, compounding allows your prescriber to have exactly that medicine made for you.

Question 4

Do you compound discontinued or unavailable medicines?

Accepted Answer

Where a medicine has been discontinued or is in shortage, we can often prepare an equivalent formulation from pharmaceutical-grade ingredients, provided we have a valid prescription and the formula is appropriate. Contact our pharmacists to discuss options.

Question 5

Do I need a prescription for a compounded medicine?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All compounded medicines are prepared on prescription from a registered Australian prescriber. We cannot supply prescription-only medicines without a valid prescription.

Question 6

How do I place an order?

Accepted Answer

Use our online order form: enter your details, list your medicines, upload a photo or scan of your prescription, and choose your delivery option. We will confirm your order by email or phone before preparation begins.

Question 7

Why do you need my original paper prescription?

Accepted Answer

Australian law requires pharmacies to hold the original physical prescription within 7 days of dispensing a prescription medicine. You can upload a copy to start your order, but please post or deliver the original script to us at 73 Angove Street, North Perth WA 6006.

Question 8

How long does a compounded order take?

Accepted Answer

Most non-sterile preparations are ready within 1–2 business days. Sterile preparations and complex formulations can take longer, and some require sourcing of special ingredients. We will confirm a timeframe when we receive your order.

Question 9

Do you deliver?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer collection in store, standard and express delivery across Australia, and same-day courier options within the Perth metro area. Delivery options and pricing are listed on the order form.

Question 10

What is sterile compounding?

Accepted Answer

Sterile compounding is the aseptic preparation of medicines that must be free of microorganisms — such as eye drops, injectables and intravenous nutrients. It is performed in our purpose-built cleanrooms using validated aseptic technique by specially trained staff.

Question 11

What sterile preparations do you make?

Accepted Answer

Our range includes ophthalmic drops (including chemotherapy eye drops such as mitomycin and 5-fluorouracil), intracavernosal injections, sterile hormone preparations, intravenous nutrients such as sodium ascorbate, and sterile veterinary ophthalmics and injectables.

Question 12

Do you supply hospitals?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We have long-standing relationships with hospitals across Australia, supplying patient-specific and batch-manufactured sterile preparations that fall outside standard supply chains, with documented batch records supplied with every order.

Question 13

Can you supply medicines for clinical trials?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We support trial sponsors and CROs with investigational product compounding, matched placebos, randomised packaging and labelling, and analytical testing such as stability and potency studies.

Question 14

How much does a compounded medicine cost?

Accepted Answer

Pricing depends on the ingredients, complexity and preparation time. Compounded medicines are generally not covered by the PBS, so they are privately priced. We confirm the price with you before any preparation is made.

Question 15

Will my private health fund cover compounded medicines?

Accepted Answer

Some private health funds provide a benefit for compounded medicines under extras or pharmaceutical cover. We provide a detailed tax invoice you can submit to your fund to check your eligibility.

Question 16

How should I store my compounded medicine?

Accepted Answer

Storage instructions are printed on the label of every preparation. Some items, particularly sterile products, require refrigeration and have shorter expiry (beyond-use) dates than commercial medicines. Ask our pharmacists if you are unsure.

Frequently Asked Questions

About compounding

Prescriptions & ordering

Sterile services

Costs & practicalities

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