Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1453344
40 | SIGNATURE MONTANA started compounding when the Medicine Shoppe closed its doors in 2002. Without that pharmacy, a void existed in the community. e Andersons have been pharmacists for twenty-two years. ey find that the specialized work they do is rewarding because it is so helpful to individuals. "I also like the problem-solving that goes along with being a compounding pharmacy," said Stuart Anderson. ey were able to fill a need at the beginning of the pandemic. Early on, sanitizer became unavailable. ree Rivers telephone company ordered sanitizers to put in each of the company trucks. Stuart was able to supply them until he, too, could not get a new order of the main ingredient, ethyl alcohol. e pharmacy is a member of e United States Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) and follows this organization's guidelines. It is regulated and inspected by the Montana Board of Pharmacy. When the Andersons moved into the building at 2828 Tenth Avenue South in Great Falls, they constructed a USP 800 compliant compounding cleanroom, where their technician spends eight hours a day, compounding medications for pharmacy clients. e electric mortar and pestle used in this cleanroom look nothing like the old- fashioned mortar and pestle still used as a pharmacy symbol. e Andersons serve the outlying communities, even those with pharmacies, because the extensive compounding they provide is a unique service not offered by traditional pharmacies. ey encourage individuals who think a compounded medication might be right for them to confer with their health care provider. ey also compound over-the-counter items as well. Anderson Specialty Pharmacy is open om 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Rocky Mountain Carriers deliver for Anderson Specialty Pharmacy in Great Falls for a nominal fee to the client. A life-long interest in communications made Suzanne Waring first a college instructor and then a writer. She lives in Great Falls and writes about Montana people and their communities. Stuart Anderson measures powder for supplements. An electronic mortar and pestle used in mixing topical prescriptions. Old apothecary jars filled with colored water sit on display at Anderson Specialty Pharmacy. S MT