Frequently Asked Questions

Veterinary compounding is the process of creating customized medications for animals when commercially available drugs don't meet their specific needs. This might involve changing the dosage form (e.g., from a tablet to a liquid), removing allergens, combining multiple medications, or creating a flavor that's more appealing to the animal.

NPLabs has over 19 years of experience in pharmaceutical compounding, with specialized expertise in veterinary medications. Our team of pharmacists and technicians has extensive training in creating customized medications for pets and animals of all species.

NPLabs is based in Athens, Greece, but we serve veterinarians and pet owners throughout the European Union. Our state-of-the-art compounding facility is designed to meet and exceed international standards for pharmaceutical manufacturing.

We compound medications for all types of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, small mammals (such as rabbits, guinea pigs, and ferrets), horses, and exotic species. Our pharmacists have experience with the unique medication needs of various species and can create appropriate formulations for each.

Compounded medications require a prescription from a licensed veterinarian. Your veterinarian will determine if a compounded medication is appropriate for your pet and will send the prescription to NPLabs. We'll then prepare the medication according to the prescription and either ship it directly to you or to your veterinarian's office, depending on your preference and local regulations.

There are several reasons why your pet might need a compounded medication:

• The medication is not commercially available in the required dosage
• Your pet is difficult to medicate and needs a different form (e.g., liquid instead of tablet)
• Your pet has allergies to ingredients in commercial medications
• Your pet needs a combination of medications in a single dose
• The medication needs to be flavored to improve palatability
• The commercial medication has been discontinued

Administration depends on the form of the medication. Each compounded medication comes with specific instructions for administration. Common forms include:

• Flavored liquids (administered orally with a syringe)
• Transdermal gels (applied to the skin, usually inside the ear)
• Flavored treats or chews
• Capsules or tablets
• Topical creams or ointments

Your veterinarian or our pharmacists can provide guidance on the best way to administer the specific medication to your pet.

Storage requirements vary depending on the medication and formulation. Each compounded medication comes with specific storage instructions on the label. Common storage requirements include:

• Room temperature (15-25°C)
• Refrigeration (2-8°C)
• Protection from light
• Protection from moisture

Always follow the storage instructions provided with your pet's medication to ensure its stability and effectiveness.

Veterinarians can submit prescriptions to NPLabs through several methods:

• Through our secure online portal (recommended)
• By email to vet@nplabs.online
• By phone for urgent prescriptions

For the most efficient service, we recommend creating an account on our online portal, which allows you to track prescriptions, view patient histories, and communicate directly with our pharmacists.

For a complete compounded prescription, we need:

• Veterinarian's name, license number, and contact information
• Clinic or practice information
• Patient (animal) name, species, breed, and weight
• Owner's name and contact information
• Medication name and strength
• Dosage form (e.g., liquid, capsule, transdermal gel)
• Quantity to be dispensed
• Directions for use
• Flavor preference (if applicable)
• Any known allergies
• Shipping information

Our online portal includes a comprehensive prescription form that guides you through all required information.

Our standard turnaround time is 24-48 hours from receipt of a complete prescription, plus shipping time. Rush orders can be accommodated for urgent cases and are typically prepared within 24 hours. For medications that require specialized testing or ingredients, the turnaround time may be longer. We'll always communicate any expected delays and provide estimated completion times for all prescriptions.

Yes, all of our compounded medications include beyond-use dating based on stability data and industry standards. We provide detailed documentation for all compounded medications, including storage requirements and stability information to support your practice's compliance needs. For specific formulations, we can provide additional stability information upon request.

We can compound medications in a wide variety of dosage forms, including:

• Oral liquids (suspensions, solutions, syrups)
• Capsules (various sizes for different species)
• Tablets and chewable treats
• Transdermal gels
• Topical creams, ointments, and lotions
• Eye drops and ointments
• Ear drops and ointments
• Injectable solutions (when appropriate)
• Medicated treats and biscuits

Our pharmacists can recommend the most appropriate dosage form based on the medication, species, and individual patient needs.

We offer a wide range of flavors to improve medication palatability for different species:

For Dogs:

• Chicken
• Beef
• Liver
• Bacon
• Peanut butter

For Cats:

• Fish
• Chicken
• Tuna
• Sardine

For Birds and Exotic Pets:

• Fruit (banana, apple, berry)
• Vanilla
• Sweet (honey-based)

We can also prepare unflavored medications when necessary or for animals with specific dietary restrictions.

Compounding for food-producing animals is subject to strict regulations to ensure food safety. We can compound medications for food-producing animals only in compliance with all applicable EU regulations and when there is no commercially available alternative. These prescriptions require additional documentation and may have specific withdrawal period requirements. Please contact our pharmacists directly to discuss your specific needs for food-producing animals.

We ensure the quality and safety of our compounded medications through multiple measures:

• Using pharmaceutical-grade ingredients from verified suppliers
• Following standardized compounding procedures
• Maintaining clean room environments for sterile preparations
• Conducting quality testing on finished preparations
• Implementing rigorous quality control checks throughout the process
• Regular equipment calibration and maintenance
• Continuous staff training and education
• Compliance with all applicable regulations and standards

For more detailed information about our quality assurance processes, please visit our Quality Assurance page.

If your pet experiences any adverse reaction to a compounded medication:

1. Stop giving the medication immediately
2. Contact your veterinarian right away
3. After consulting with your veterinarian, please notify our pharmacy about the reaction

We take all adverse reactions seriously and will work with your veterinarian to determine the cause and find an appropriate alternative if needed. Reporting adverse reactions helps us improve our formulations and ensure the safety of all patients.

Compounded medications are prepared using the same active pharmaceutical ingredients found in commercial medications. When properly formulated and administered, they can be equally effective. However, it's important to note that compounded medications have not undergone the same FDA/EMA approval process as commercial medications.

We use evidence-based formulations and quality ingredients to ensure the efficacy of our compounded medications. Our pharmacists work closely with veterinarians to create formulations that meet the specific therapeutic needs of each patient. Regular monitoring by your veterinarian is important to ensure the medication is achieving the desired effect.

NPLabs adheres to all applicable European Union regulations for pharmaceutical compounding, including:

• EU Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines
• European Pharmacopoeia standards
• National pharmacy regulations in Greece
• International quality standards for compounding pharmacies

Our facility undergoes regular inspections and audits to ensure compliance with these standards. We maintain comprehensive documentation of all our processes and quality control measures to demonstrate our commitment to regulatory compliance.