Frequently Asked Questions

• How long will it take my order to be completed?
• It depends upon the type of order. For instance, large capsule studies requiring over 4,000 capsules may require 4-6 weeks. For ointments and other semi-solid compounding, 2-3 working days may be enough. IV piggybacks and total parenteral nutrition can be ready on the same day the order is placed. For difficult to compound sterile products which must be quarantined and tested for pyrogens, at least two weeks are necessary. An estimate of the required time to compound the product will always be given.
• Can products be mailed?
• Yes, we ship by Federal Express or by any carrier you desire. The cost of mailing is added to the invoice for the product.
• I am at UCSF. How do I pay for your services?
• We bill via the recharge method. All we need is the DPA of your fund and account number.
• I am not at UCSF. How do I pay for your services?
• We will send you an invoice with the product. You make out a check payable to the Regents of the University of California or UC Regents. See billing information.
• Does DPSL have a FDA license?
• At one time DPSL had a FDA license but presently we are a retail compounding pharmacy. We adhere to good manufacturing practices in all our paperwork. We keep samples from each batch of compounded products. We perform pyrogen and sterility testing on intravenous products and work within preset tolerances of all active ingredients.
• How long has DPSL been in business?
• Since 1937, DPSL has been the active compounding pharmacy for UCSF.
• I am an individual patient with a prescription for a compounded product. Does DPSL accept insurance?
• Unfortunately, no. We fill prescriptions for individual patients but are unable to take insurance. Many compounded products are not reimbursable by insurance. Payment is by check made out to the Regents of the University of California or UC Regents.
• Where is DPSL located? Is it possible to visit DPSL?
• DPSL is located at the Laurel Heights Campus of UCSF. The aseptic (sterile) laboratory is in the main building. The oral and topical liquids, ointments, capsules and other solid and semi-solid compounding occurs in the Annex building. We encourage you to visit either facility by appointment.
• Does DPSL provide consulting?
• Yes. We do provide consultation services in the areas of expert witness testimony, patent assessment, literature review and compounding technology. Lectures for continuing education are available.
• Does DPSL make chemotherapeutic products in dosage forms other than intravenous formulations?
• Yes. DPSL personnel are experienced in the compounding of ointments, liquids and other formulations for delivering chemotherapy.
• How do I know the price of a product or service?
• DPSL will provide a written quotation detailing the costs of the raw products, supplies, labor and shipping necessary to produce and deliver the product. Contact us.
• I am applying for a grant. Will DPSL give me a quotation to place in my proposal?
• Absolutely. DPSL will provide a complete quotation for your grant proposal. We will send a cover letter detailing our involvement, required products for the study, and our conviction of the study's importance.
• How does DPSL determine beyond use dating?
• Every product's beyond use dating will be evaluated individually. Beyond use dating depends upon the expiration date of the raw product, adjunct ingredients, use of preservatives and the manipulations performed. In all cases, DPSL endeavors to obtain raw products with the longest expiration dates.