Amy L.
Google
I initially hesitated to write this review, but decided to do so after my experience with Alive and Well this morning.
Earlier this month, I picked up a compounded hydroquinone prescription after a multi-week delay, during which no explanation was provided. The office is well decorated, and the staff generally appear courteous. However, I did not check the medication before leaving. Once home, I noticed that the hydroquinone compound had been dispensed in a plastic jar with a twist-off lid rather than an airless pump, which is the packaging I have consistently received from other pharmacies for this medication.
Because hydroquinone is chemically unstable and prone to oxidation, I contacted the pharmacy to ask about the packaging. I was told I could bring it back to be repackaged or leave it as is, and that it should be fine. Due to the distance from my home, I chose to keep it as dispensed.
Approximately one week later, the cream began turning yellow. A few days after that, I experienced discomfort in the area where I applied the medication. When I called Alive and Well again, I was told that although the cream had oxidized, it should still be effective. This conflicted with well-established information that oxidized hydroquinone can lose potency and increase the risk of irritation.
I requested to speak with a manager and asked about obtaining a replacement in appropriate packaging. Instead of acknowledging a potential issue, I was told that my doctor or I should have specified the packaging type. I was not offered a replacement, only a 50% discount on a future refill.
Based on this experience, I am disappointed with the quality control and customer service. I would encourage the pharmacy to reconsider their handling and packaging of unstable compounded medications and how concerns are addressed.