Not every patient can rely on off-the-shelf medications. For many people in Aurora, allergies, sensitive systems, or unique dosage needs necessitate customized medications that exceed what is available at standard pharmacies.
That’s where Aurora Compounding Pharmacy comes in.
We specialize in creating personalized medications—both sterile and non-sterile—to suit your health needs, delivery preferences, and safety requirements. Whether you're managing a chronic illness, recovering from surgery, or caring for a child or pet, we offer custom solutions tailored to your body and life.
But what exactly is the difference between sterile and non-sterile compounding? And how do you know which one you need?
In this guide, we’ll break it down so you can:
- Understand the key differences between sterile and non-sterile compounding
- Know when each is required for your health.
- Feel confident choosing the right option—and the right pharmacy—right here in Aurora, Ontario.
What Is Pharmaceutical Compounding?
Pharmaceutical compounding is the process of creating personalized medications for patients when standard, commercially available options aren’t a good fit. Instead of dispensing a one-size-fits-all drug, a licensed compounding pharmacist mixes, alters, or customizes ingredients based on your unique prescription.
At Aurora Compounding Pharmacy, we do this every day for people across Aurora and the Greater Toronto Area—providing safer, more effective, and better-tolerated medications for:
- Adults with chronic conditions
- Children with special dosage needs
- Seniors who have trouble swallowing pills
- Patients with allergies to common fillers or preservatives
- Pet owners who need customized veterinary formulations
Why Is Compounding Necessary?
Compounding becomes essential when:
- Allergies or Sensitivities: You need a formula that excludes dyes, gluten, or preservatives
- Exact Dosage Adjustments: Your condition requires a dose that isn’t commercially manufactured
- Alternative Delivery Forms: You can’t take pills and need a liquid, cream, gel, or troche
- Discontinued Medications: A drug you rely on is no longer available from big pharma
Pediatric or Veterinary Needs: You need child- or animal-friendly flavours, doses, or formats
We work closely with your physician or specialist to ensure your compounded medication is safe, accurate, and clinically appropriate—all prepared locally at our pharmacy in Aurora, Ontario.
What Is Non-Sterile Compounding?
Non-sterile compounding refers to the preparation of medications that are not required to be sterile, meaning they aren’t intended for injection or use in sterile areas of the body. These medications are typically taken orally, topically, or rectally and are customized to meet your exact therapeutic needs.
At Aurora Compounding Pharmacy, we prepare a wide range of non-sterile compounds for patients in Aurora who require tailored solutions that standard medications cannot provide.
Common Non-Sterile Compounded Forms
- Oral Capsules & Tablets: Customized dosages for adults and children who need strengths not available commercially
- Oral Liquids & Suspensions: For patients who can’t swallow pills—ideal for children, seniors, or post-surgical recovery
- Creams, Gels & Ointments: Topical options for localized pain relief, hormone therapy, or dermatological treatments
- Lozenges & Troches: Dissolvable formats for sore throat, hormone absorption, or oral treatments
- Suppositories: For patients with digestive sensitivities or nausea that prevents oral intake
These forms are designed to enhance tolerability, absorption, and compliance—especially for individuals managing long-term conditions.
Non-Sterile Compounding: Safety & Environment
Even though sterility isn’t required, non-sterile compounding still follows strict preparation guidelines. At Aurora Compounding Pharmacy, our facility complies with USP <795> standards, ensuring:
- A designated, sanitized compounding area
- Regular equipment cleaning and environmental monitoring
- Proper storage of ingredients and finished medications
- Full traceability and documentation for quality assurance
We take every precaution to ensure your medication is prepared safely, accurately, and in compliance with Canadian standards.
What Is Sterile Compounding?
Sterile compounding involves the preparation of medications in an environment that is completely free from bacteria, viruses, fungi, or other microorganisms. This level of cleanliness is critical when medications are introduced directly into the body—where even the smallest contaminant could cause a serious infection.
At Aurora Compounding Pharmacy, we compound sterile medications in our state-of-the-art sterile suite, serving patients across Aurora and surrounding regions who require precisely prepared, contamination-free treatments.
Common Sterile Compounded Medications
- Injectables – Intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), or subcutaneous (SC) medications for pain management, hormone therapy, or nutritional support
- Ophthalmic Drops & Ointments – Sterile eye preparations for infections, inflammation, or post-surgical healing
- Inhalation Solutions – Nebulized medications for asthma, COPD, or respiratory infections
- Irrigation Fluids – Sterile solutions used during wound care or surgical procedures
Whether you’re receiving treatment at home, through a clinic, or post-operatively, these medications require maximum safety and precision.
How We Ensure Sterility in Aurora
Sterile medications at Aurora Compounding Pharmacy are prepared under USP <797> cleanroom standards.
We compound sterile prescriptions for oncology patients, post-op recovery, ophthalmology, pediatrics, and more—right here in Aurora, Ontario, without compromising on quality or convenience.
Why It Matters for You as a Patient
Whether you need a liquid version of a discontinued medication or a sterile eye drop following surgery, knowing the difference between sterile and non-sterile compounding can help you make informed, safer choices.
At Aurora Compounding Pharmacy, we prioritize your health, comfort, and outcomes—which means we take the time to ensure every compounded medication is prepared exactly as your body requires.
Here’s why it matters:
Sterile Compounding Protects You from Infection
Medications like injectables and ophthalmics go directly into the body or sterile areas, where contamination can lead to serious health risks. That’s why we follow USP <797> sterile standards and maintain strict cleanroom protocols to:
- Eliminate microbial risk
- Protect vulnerable patients (e.g., immunocompromised or post-surgical)
- Ensure complete sterility from start to finish.
Non-Sterile Compounding Offers Personalized, Comfortable Solutions
Non-sterile compounding allows us to adjust:
- Form – Can’t swallow pills? We can prepare your medication in various forms, including liquid, gel, cream, or troche.
- Dose – Need a strength not available commercially? We’ll create the exact dosage your body needs
- Ingredients – Sensitive to fillers, dyes, gluten, or lactose? We’ll leave them out.
This level of customization often improves medication adherence, symptom relief, and treatment satisfaction—especially for children, seniors, and patients with chronic conditions in Aurora.
Greater Access to Critical Medications
Sometimes, your pharmacy informs you that your medication is on backorder or has been discontinued. In many cases, we can recreate your medication from raw ingredients based on your prescription, ensuring you stay on track with your treatment without interruption.
A More Collaborative Approach to Healthcare
We don’t work in isolation. Our pharmacists work closely with your physician or specialist to ensure that your compounded medication is clinically appropriate, accurately dosed, and compatible with your care plan.
That means safer, more effective results for you—and peace of mind for your provider.
Choosing the Right Compounding Pharmacy
Not all compounding pharmacies offer the same level of safety, expertise, or regulatory compliance—especially when it comes to sterile medications. Whether you need a topical cream, a liquid alternative, or a sterile injectable, it’s critical to choose a pharmacy that you can trust with your health.
At Aurora Compounding Pharmacy, we’ve been providing customized, high-quality medications to patients in Aurora and the surrounding region for over 30 years. Here’s how we ensure you receive the best care possible:
1. Verified Licensure & Accreditation
We are fully licensed by the Ontario College of Pharmacists and operate under the compounding standards of NAPRA and Health Canada. Our sterile and non-sterile operations comply with:
- USP <795> for non-sterile compounding
- USP <797> for sterile compounding
- NAPRA’s Model Standards for Canadian pharmacies
2. Highly Trained Pharmacists & Technicians
Our team includes compounding-trained pharmacists who have undergone specialized education in aseptic technique, formulation science, and regulatory protocols. Every medication is compounded with:
- Clinical accuracy
- Documented processes
- Ongoing oversight by licensed professionals
3. Pharmaceutical-Grade Ingredients & Testing
We only use ingredients sourced from trusted suppliers with Certificates of Analysis (CoAs) that verify identity, potency, and purity.
- All compounds are prepared in our in-house facility—nothing is outsourced.
- Potency and stability testing is performed when needed
- Cleanrooms and non-sterile areas are regularly monitored for compliance.
4. Exceptional Service & Communication
We’re not a mail-order compounding facility. We’re right here in Aurora, available for:
- Consultations to help you understand your options
- Same-day pickups for most non-sterile compounds
- Free shipping across Ontario if you prefer convenience
- Ongoing pharmacist support for follow-ups, refills, or dose adjustments
When you choose Aurora Compounding Pharmacy, you’re not just filling a prescription—you’re starting a collaborative relationship with a pharmacy that’s invested in your safety, comfort, and long-term results.
Choosing the Right Compounding Solution for Your Health
Whether you're dealing with a chronic illness, recovering from surgery, or managing allergies or sensitivities, the form and quality of your medication matter more than ever.
That’s where sterile and non-sterile compounding makes all the difference.
At Aurora Compounding Pharmacy, we help patients across Aurora and the GTA access medications that are:
- Precisely dosed to your body’s needs
- Free from allergens or irritants
- Available in a format that works for you—whether oral, topical, injectable, or otherwise
- Prepared locally in our compounding lab under Canadian regulatory standards
For over 30 years, Aurora Compounding Pharmacy has helped patients receive medications tailored to their individual needs, conditions, and lifestyles.
We collaborate with physicians, specialists, and veterinarians across Aurora to deliver high-quality, personalized care—right when and where you need it.
