Compounding pharmacy recommendation?
It seems that some batches of my son’s compounded medication work and some don’t. (I’d rather not give specifics, but the difference between the medication “working” and “not working” is not subtle)
My compounding pharmacy in Walnut Creek says a faulty batch is not possible, but when they send a replacement batch (“as a courtesy”), it always works. We’ve been through this routine three times in the past year.
Anyone have any insight why this could be happening? (E.g. incorrect storage/mixing/measuring?)
And are there any stellar, reliable, compounding pharmacies in the east bay?
Thanks in advance for your knowledge and recommendations.
Jun 29, 2025
Parent Replies
My husband used Koshland in SF. They would mail to us. Very reliable, good pharmacists.
You can get mail delivery of compounded prescriptions from Koshland Pharmacy in San Francisco. I used them for years when I was with Kaiser.
Koshland Pharmacy in SF. Excellent quality!
They deliver to the East Bay for a small fee. Cheaper than BARTing to pick it up myself.
Good Luck
I've used three different compounding pharmacies and have my prescriptions sent to me (in refrigerated packages) and after two years have not had any challenges. Who I use depends on what they make, as the pharmacy in SF does not make some of what I need. I use Koshland in SF, O'Brien in Kansas City, MO, and A&O in Salinas, CA. I go to UCSF and I didn't even know there was a compounding pharmacy in the East Bay, as they commonly send me to Koshland or O'Brien.
Hello!
I use Custom Care Compounding Pharmacy in San Ramon. They will mail your order to you so it's not too inconvenient.
I am a pharmacy technician at a hospital and compound medications. All compounds are made from a master formula that does not vary to get the correct strength of medication based on volume. Measurements for each compound are verified by the pharmacist before compounding to ensure that the strength will be correct. Once the compound is completed a pharmacist verifies it to ensure the compound was made correctly. Most compounds are pretty simple and it would be hard for someone to mess it up.
The only variables are the manufacturer of the medication or the compounding vehicle. Since you won’t give more information on what the issue is it is hard to tell what might be causing it. Is it a refrigerated item? Has there been a dose change? Is the manufacturer of the medication consistent? Is it possible for your child to switch to tablets or capsules and not use the compound anymore? I don’t have a recommendation for a compounding pharmacy. I would call your compounding pharmacy and ask to speak to a pharmacist and let them know what is happening and see if they can help.
When we lived in SF and now in Berkeley, I’ve used Feel Good Compounders out of Pacifica. They mail it and it usually arrives the next day. They’re exceptionally responsive and I have even requested refills via email late at night that they reply to and process first thing in the morning.
One time on a business trip to Boston I had forgotten my medication and they helped find a local compounding pharmacy to help me get my medication out of state in an emergency.