Topical pain relief, where the pain actually is.
Compounded topical creams that deliver pain medication directly to the affected area — without the GI side effects, sedation, or systemic burden of oral opioids. For neuropathy, arthritis, post-surgical pain, plantar fasciitis, and chronic localized pain.
Rx
Targeted, not systemic
Medication absorbs at the application site. Therapeutic concentrations where the pain is — minimal blood levels everywhere else.
Multi-mechanism blends
A single cream can combine an NMDA blocker, an anesthetic, an anticonvulsant, and an NSAID — targeting pain through four different pathways at once.
Opioid-sparing
For many patients, topical compounds reduce or eliminate the need for oral opioids — a meaningful win in a state still managing the consequences of the prescribing crisis.
Ketamine / Lidocaine / Gabapentin
TopicalDiclofenac / Cyclobenzaprine
TopicalKetamine / Amitriptyline
TopicalIbuprofen / Lidocaine
Topical"PNP" — Pain Nerve Plus
TopicalKetoprofen / Cyclobenzaprine / Lidocaine
TopicalBaclofen / Cyclobenzaprine / Lidocaine
TopicalLow-Dose Naltrexone (LDN)
OralPrescriber sends Rx
eRx, fax (323-348-4213), or phone. We'll confirm receipt when we get your Rx.
Insurance & PA support
We bill your plan and submit PA paperwork when needed.
Compounded by hand
Prepared in our USP <795>-compliant lab. Turnaround depends on complexity.
Pickup or delivery
Pickup in store or ask about delivery — call to confirm your address.
Topical and other pain-management preparations compounded to prescriber specification. Call (323) 348-4205 for transfers, formulation consults, or to check whether we can fill your prescription.
Do topical pain creams actually work?
Yes, with the right formula and patient. The key is matching the active ingredients to the type of pain — neuropathic pain responds to ketamine, gabapentin, and amitriptyline; inflammatory pain to diclofenac and ibuprofen; spasm to cyclobenzaprine and baclofen. Our pharmacists work with your prescriber to dial in the right blend.
How much absorbs systemically?
It depends on the vehicle, the active, and the application area. Pluronic and Lipoderm bases are designed for transdermal delivery — typically 5–15% of the applied dose reaches systemic circulation, which is far less than oral. We can adjust the base if a patient is sensitive.
Is the prescription covered by insurance?
Sometimes. Compounded pain creams are not always covered. We bill your insurance first; if denied, we can quote a cash price after reviewing the prescription. We can also help submit prior authorization.
How long does a tube last?
A 60g tube typically lasts 4–6 weeks at standard pea-sized applications 2–3 times daily. Larger application areas (back, both knees) may use a tube in 2–3 weeks.
Can pain compounds be combined with oral pain medication?
Yes, and they often are. Many of our patients use a topical compound to reduce — not necessarily eliminate — their oral pain medication. Coordinate with your prescriber on the full regimen.
Ready to fill a pain compound?
If your prescriber has written the script, transfer to TFC by phone or our transfer form. Prescribers — call our compounding desk for a consultation on formulation, vehicle, and dose.