Frequently Asked Questions

What is the benefit of a compounded pain cream?

Pain is complicated and compounding offers an easy way to help address your patients specific pain issues.  Compounding allows the physician the ability to combine the perfect solution for their patients in a quick easy manner.  Just let our phamacist know the type of pain and they can help you prescribe the appropriate dose, combination of ingredients to best meet the needs of the patient.  If you have patients not receiving good results from proprietary products and need a more customized approach, call us today - 813-839-8861.  We have answers!

Many patients have different types of pain and may benefit from a combination of different ingredients to address issues such as inflammation, muscle tightness and neuropathy.   Instead of using multiple oral pills which have high systemic absorption and can cause stomach distress, the creams provide several different medications to address multiple pain sypmtoms with one medication.  Side effects are minimal with transdermal delivery and by working closely with the physician and patient, the pharmacist can help recommend the proper dermatome area of application for the best therapeutic effect. 

How do I prescribe the medication?

You may call or fax in the Rx to our pharmacy.   Our pharmacist are always ready to assist you in selecting the appropriate pain cream for an individual patient.  

120 grams is a commonly prescribed one month supply.

Will the patient's insurance pay for compounded medications?

Most insurance companies will pay for our compounded medications. The patient is usually responsible for a small co-pay.   If the patient is unable to pay their co-pay, Hoye’s Pharmacy will try to work out an arrangement to ensure the patient gets their medication, on a case by case basis. 

Who explains proper application of the pain cream prescription to the patient?

The patient is instructed by our clinical staff as to where to apply their medication to ensure it is applied to the  proper dermatome area specific to their pain. Our pharmacy monitors the patient’s progress while on the transdermal pain management therapy by contacting them to ensure the patient’s pain goals are being achieved.   

If my patient is taking a blood thinner can they use a topical NSAID?

Yes, the patient should start using their pain cream medication 5 days before their next monthly blood (PT) test.

What if my patient is pregnant?

We do not recommend using topical pain relievers during pregnancy.

 Are there any side effects associated with topical pain relievers?

Side effects are rare. A rash could develop if the patient has very sensitive skin or an allergy to one of the drugs in the prescription. There is very little systemic absorption with the transdermal gels; therefore, the chance of side effects is much lower than if the patient was taking the same drugs in an oral form. Unlike Oral NSAIDS, the transdermal gels do not produce any G. I. upset or complications.

 Can the patient apply topical pain relievers directly over an incision or stitches?

We suggest the patient apply their medication to the area around the incision until the stitches are removed. Do not apply directly to the incision.

If you have patients that are needing customized alternatives, please call us at  813-839-8861 with any questions!