Everyday chemicals and hormone health
Kiwi’s guide to everyday exposure questions and practical choices.
Read more: Everyday chemicals and hormone healthPHARMACY & WELLNESS · Compounding
Compounding Pharmacy in Kelowna
Kiwi compounds medications in our own Kelowna pharmacy lab. Our pharmacists prepare the strength, form or ingredients your prescriber asks for, then explain how to use and store it.
THE KIWI APPROACH
What is compounding?
Compounding is the preparation of medication for an individual prescription. A child may need a liquid, an adult may need a strength that is not commercially available, or a prescription may need a particular dye or filler left out.
Our pharmacy team reviews the prescription, prepares the medication in our lab and explains how to use it.
Types of compounding we do
Our lab prepares the forms prescribers most often ask for: capsules, creams and gels, and troches, which are small lozenges that dissolve in the mouth. Not every medicine can be made in every form.
The pharmacist checks the prescription first and tells you what is possible before anything is prepared.
What a compounding pharmacy can change
A compounded prescription can change the strength, the dosage form or the ingredients. Common requests are a smaller or in-between dose, a cream instead of a tablet, or a preparation without a particular dye, preservative or common allergen.
Allergy-aware does not mean every preparation is free from every allergen, so tell us exactly what you are avoiding.
Compounding for children
Children often need a dose or form that isn't manufactured. Based on the prescriber's instructions, we can prepare smaller strengths and forms that are easier for a child to take.
Ask the pharmacist what will work for your child's prescription.
Hormone compounding and BHRT
Hormone and thyroid prescriptions are a core part of our compounding work. Depending on the prescription, preparations may include creams, capsules or troches.
Your prescriber selects the dose and form for your care, with the benefits and risks discussed as part of the treatment plan. Learn more about hormone therapy and BHRT at the clinic.
Compounded skincare and dermatology
Our lab also prepares prescription skincare. Kiwi Skincare includes formulas with ingredients such as GHK-Cu (copper peptide), estriol and tretinoin.
Veterinary compounding
We compound for pets too. Your veterinarian sends the prescription, and our team confirms the form, timing and cost with the clinic before preparing it.
Call 778-940-1950 about a veterinary prescription.
How compounding works at Kiwi
Your prescriber sends the prescription.
Our pharmacist reviews it and contacts the prescriber if anything needs clarifying.
The lab prepares it and the pharmacy checks the finished medication.
We explain how it should be used and stored, and when to contact us with questions.
Our compounding lab and team
Our glass-walled lab is inside the pharmacy. Explore it on the online lab tour.
James Epp leads the Kiwi pharmacy team, and our compounding team works with your prescriber, so the person explaining your next step is connected to the people preparing it.
Compounding cost, timing and delivery
Preparation time and cost depend on the prescription. Ask for the estimate, insurance coverage and pickup or delivery arrangements before preparation starts.
Kiwi offers free local delivery in Kelowna and shipping across Canada. Some preparations need refrigeration, and the team will tell you how to store yours.
For prescribers
Prescribers can reach the compounding team directly, and the Prescriber Portal has prescribing resources and a way to request access.
Good to know. A compounded medication requires a valid prescription and pharmacist review.
Common questions
Do I need a prescription for a compounded medication?
Yes. A valid prescription and pharmacist review are required. Kiwi can coordinate with your prescriber about the preparation.
Can compounding help with swallowing difficulties or ingredient sensitivities?
Sometimes. A different form or an ingredient change may be possible, but not every medicine can be prepared in every form. The pharmacist checks the specific prescription and sensitivity.
How long will preparation take, and what will it cost?
Timing and cost depend on the prescription. The pharmacy can confirm an estimate, insurance coverage and pickup or delivery arrangements before preparation begins.
How do I get started with a compounded prescription?
If you already have a prescription, ask your prescriber to send it to Kiwi. Our pharmacist reviews the details before the lab prepares it. If you want to talk through a possible preparation first, book a Compounding Consultation online or call 778-940-1950.
Can my compounded prescription be delivered?
Yes. Kiwi offers free local delivery and shipping across Canada. Call 778-940-1950 so the pharmacy can confirm the arrangements for your prescription.
Is Kiwi’s compounding done on site?
Yes. Our compounding lab is inside our Kelowna pharmacy. You can look around on our online lab tour.
Can you compound medication for my pet?
Yes. Call 778-940-1950 about your pet’s prescription so our pharmacy team can confirm the preparation with your veterinarian, including timing and cost.
Is compounding covered by my insurance plan?
Coverage varies by plan and by preparation. Bring your plan details and we'll check what it pays before the lab starts, so there are no surprises at pickup.
Can I transfer a compounded prescription from another pharmacy?
Yes. Start with our prescription transfer form or call 778-940-1950. We contact your previous pharmacy and your prescriber if anything on the prescription needs clarifying.
Articles & resources
Hormone therapy and BHRT
Understand assessment, prescribing and the pharmacy’s role.
Read more: Hormone therapy and BHRT
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Meet the formulas and the pharmacy team behind them.
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Prescription refills and transfers
Refills, transfers and practical help from the Kiwi pharmacy.
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