Frequently Asked Questions

A preparation made by a pharmacist for one specific patient from a valid prescription, when a commercially available product does not meet that patient’s needs. Examples include a liquid version of a tablet, a capsule without a dye, or a flavored dose for a pet.

No. Compounded preparations are not FDA-approved, so the FDA does not review them for safety, effectiveness or quality before they are dispensed. Your prescriber decides whether one is appropriate for you.

Not automatically. A compounded preparation can solve a specific problem, such as an allergy to an inactive ingredient, but it is not inherently safer or more effective than an approved drug.

No. Cambria’s compounding laboratory prepares nonsterile preparations only, such as oral liquids, capsules, creams, ointments, gels, troches and suppositories.

Cambria’s nonsterile compounding laboratory is launching, starting with pediatric oral suspensions for local prescribers. Each service on this site is labeled with its status. Hormones and other hazardous drugs are coming once our containment room is complete. Call the pharmacy to ask about a specific preparation.

Coverage for compounds varies. When a preparation is not covered, the pharmacy will tell you the price before it is made, and you can pay ahead so it is ready when you arrive or ready to deliver.

Yes. Every compounded preparation requires a valid prescription from a licensed prescriber or, for animals, a veterinarian.

By e-prescribing to Cambria, through Cambria’s prescriber portal once it is live, or by fax or phone where Pennsylvania law allows. The Send a Prescription page has the details your prescriber needs.

Call or visit the pharmacy with your current pharmacy’s name and the medication, and we will handle the rest. Online transfer requests will be added when our patient app is active.

Coverage for compounded preparations varies widely by plan and is often limited. A pharmacist can check your coverage when the prescription arrives.

Cambria bills Medicare and Medicaid. Coverage of a specific medication depends on your plan, so ask the pharmacist when you fill.

Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available now. More recommended vaccines are launching, and the Vaccines page shows the status of each one. Call ahead to check availability, and bring your insurance card.

Yes, with a parent or guardian’s consent: flu and COVID-19 vaccines from age 5, and other vaccines from age 8. Younger children should see their pediatrician.

Most plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover recommended vaccines. We check your coverage before giving the shot and tell you about any cost.

Yes. Cambria offers free local delivery near the pharmacy in North Philadelphia. Call to confirm your address is in the delivery area and to arrange a time.

Shipping within Pennsylvania is launching. Shipping to New Jersey, New York, Maryland and Delaware is planned next, followed by other states, as each state license is approved. We only ship to states where we are licensed.

Veterinary compounding at Cambria is launching. Your veterinarian must prescribe the preparation, and not every drug is suitable for every species or dosage form.

No. Many human medications and inactive ingredients are dangerous to animals. Xylitol, for example, is toxic to dogs. Always use a preparation your veterinarian prescribed for your animal.

Yes. This website is available in English and Spanish, and language assistance is free. Ask any team member, or call the pharmacy.

No. Our inquiry forms are for general questions and business contact details only. Do not submit prescriptions, medication names, diagnoses or medical histories. Call the pharmacy for anything about a specific prescription.

No advertising trackers or social media pixels are used. Our Website Privacy Policy explains exactly what the site does and does not collect.

No. Articles and the examples on this site are educational. Talk to your prescriber, veterinarian or pharmacist about your own situation.