Compounding Pharmacy in Ottawa

A compounding pharmacy prepares medication to order, made for one patient to a prescriber’s specifications, rather than only dispensing standard manufactured products. That matters when a commercial product does not fit, for example a strength that is not made, a different form such as a cream or liquid instead of a tablet, or a version without a particular dye, filler or allergen. NutriChem has compounded medications in Ottawa since 1981 and is regulated by the Ontario College of Pharmacists, with every compound prepared in our own lab and checked before it reaches you.

Yes. Compounded medications are prescriber-led, so they are made from a prescription rather than bought over the counter. Your prescriber can send the order to us directly, or you can bring it in yourself. For a small number of everyday concerns such as UTIs, cold sores and pink eye, our pharmacists can assess and prescribe on the spot through our minor ailments service.

Common examples include bioidentical hormone therapy where a prescriber has determined it is appropriate, dermatology preparations, medicines for children adjusted for dose and flavour, veterinary formulations, and versions of a medication made without a dye, filler or allergen a patient reacts to. We can also prepare some medications affected by manufacturer shortages, where that is appropriate and permitted. Compounding is used where a commercially available product does not fit, rather than as a default alternative to one.

If you are new to NutriChem, the easiest way to start is by email at dispensary@nutrichem.com, through the contact form on this page, or by visiting us in person, and your prescriber can also send your prescription straight to us. If you are already a customer, you can renew through our online refill form. If coming in is difficult, we offer local delivery across Ottawa and shipping options for patients further away, so distance does not have to be a barrier.

Timing depends on the preparation, since a compound is made for you rather than taken off a shelf, so it is worth asking about turnaround when you drop off or when your prescriber sends the order. Coverage varies by plan. Many extended health plans cover compounded medications, though some reimburse the ingredients and not the compounding fee, so it is best to confirm with your insurer. Our pharmacists can walk you through both if you call the pharmacy at 613.820.4200.

We are at 2599 Carling Avenue in Ottawa’s west end, and we serve all of Ottawa, from Carlingwood, Westboro and Nepean to Kanata and everywhere between. If you are a little too far to come in person, we offer local delivery across the city, so distance is not a barrier to being treated here. You can drop off a prescription yourself, have your prescriber send it, or reach the pharmacy at 613.820.4200. For patients outside Ottawa, we ship compounded and specialty prescriptions across Canada, so you can be cared for by our pharmacy wherever you live.