Storing and handling compounded medications at home

Because compounded medications are prepared in smaller quantities, they generally carry a shorter shelf life than a sealed manufacturer's package. The label is the authority on yours.

Read the beyond-use date

Every compounded prescription carries a date after which it should not be used, based on the formulation and its stability. It is not the same as a refill date, and it is not a suggestion.

Most formulas want a cool, dry place

A kitchen counter near the stove or a bathroom cabinet sees wide swings in heat and humidity. A bedroom drawer or a shelf away from sunlight is usually steadier. Some items, such as certain gels and liquids, may need refrigeration. The label will say.

Keep the container and the cap

Creams and gels are measured by the pump, syringe, or scoop that comes with them. Substituting a household spoon changes the dose.

If a formula looks, smells, or feels different than when it arrived, call before using it. That is a five-minute conversation that can save a prescription.