Start with the full pharmacy name
People who obtain made-to-order medicines through online services may not know the business that made them, the FDA notes.
FDA is the Food and Drug Administration. Its advice is to fill prescriptions through a state-licensed pharmacy.
Go to the Massachusetts pharmacy boardCompare the name you were given with the state record. If a different name appears on the label later, ask how the businesses relate.
A pharmacy outside the state has another check
As of September 30, 2026, state law requires a Massachusetts non-resident licence for a pharmacy elsewhere that sends medicine here.
Compounded means prepared to order. A medicine described as sterile has no living germs in it.
An outsourcing facility is a business registered with the FDA that makes batches of sterile medicine.
For sterile medicines made to order outside Massachusetts, check the place that makes them. State law checked September 30, 2026 requires it to hold an extra Massachusetts permission.
If a pharmacy makes the medicine, look for a nonresident sterile compounding licence. If an outsourcing facility makes it, look for a nonresident outsourcing facility registration.
An ordinary non-resident pharmacy licence is not enough for this work, under the law checked September 30, 2026.
- Which pharmacy is responsible for this finished product?
- What Massachusetts licence or registration covers what it will send?
- Who at the pharmacy can answer my questions?