LATHAM— The owner of Fallon Wellness Pharmacy is relocating her business to accommodate growing demand for custom prescription medications—known as compound pharmaceuticals—for human and animal clients who cannot use mass-produced drugs.
“Our lease is basically up here, and we’re moving to a bigger space,” said Erika Fallon, adding that the pharmacy at 1057 Troy-Schenectady Road in Latham is expected to relocate several blocks east to 303 Troy-Schenectady Road by fall.
Last month, Fallon received approval from the Colonie Planning Board to add a 1,650-square-foot second floor to the existing building at the new location. The expansion will house a new laboratory dedicated to compounding pharmaceuticals, which accounts for 95% of the business, Fallon said.
She emphasized the importance of compounding for patients with allergies to common drug ingredients and for those who need medications in different forms, such as liquids instead of pills.
“Maybe someone has an allergy to an active ingredient, or maybe it’s for an animal that needs a different strength or dosage form,” Fallon said. “We can custom-make it without those allergens or in the form that works best for them.”
Fallon said demand for compounded medications has remained steady, prompting the need for a larger space.
The pharmacy sees a particularly high demand for animals needing thyroid medication.
“Elderly cats, for example, can develop overactive thyroids. We make a medication that can be rubbed on their ear flap to help control it,” she said. Other commonly compounded prescriptions include hormone therapy for men and women, as well as medications that major manufacturers do not produce in accessible forms.
One of the pharmacy’s most frequently requested compounds is an ointment for anal fissures, which is expensive through insurance but more affordable as a compounded drug. While compounding remains the backbone of the business, Fallon sees potential for growth in wellness services as well.
“People are becoming more aware of what they can do to get ahead of chronic disease and avoid prescription medications in the first place,” she said.
The pharmacy offers consultations to help patients understand nutrient deficiencies, make lifestyle changes, and explore supplement options tailored to their health needs. Fallon said this shift toward wellness aligns with broader healthcare trends, as more individuals seek preventive care rather than just treatment. Fallon Wellness provides counseling on therapeutic lifestyle changes, including lowering blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar through nutrition and supplements.
“It’s a space where we see a lot of potential for growth,” Fallon said.
Despite the growing need for compounded medications, few pharmacies in the Albany area specialize in the practice.
“I’d say we’re probably the largest one locally doing it,” Fallon said. Independent pharmacies like Lange’s, Young’s, and Kelly’s also offer compounding, but most major chains have phased it out.
“Big-name pharmacies used to do simple compounds, but they’ve really moved away from it,” Fallon said.
She does not anticipate demand for compounding slowing anytime soon.
“Issues with allergies are just increasing in general, so it’s a business that continues to grow organically,” she said.
Tahlia Pearson is a UAlbany Journalism student participating in the SUNY Institute for Local News initiative to help community journalism.
