CCC Pharmacy in Claremore: Making Medicine Magical

CCC Pharmacy (formerly Claremore Compounding Center) has been around since 2001. If you’re anything like me, you’ve never been there because you have no clue what ‘compounding’ is. You also assume that you can’t get regular things there that sick people need, like Tylenol.

Well. Ahem. We all know what assuming does.

I was dead wrong.

CCC2I had the privilege of sitting down with CCC manager Darren Hightower recently, and he set me straight. (Darren is from Mangum, a Jenks High and Oklahoma State graduate who earned his pharmacy degree from Southwestern Oklahoma State. After a stint at Drug Warehouse, he’s been with CCC for the past 10 years.)

 

 

 

First of all, CCC does anything a regular pharmacy does. You can walk in and buy ibuprofen, bandages, and allergy medicine. If you’re in need of medical equipment, say, a shower chair for granny, a cane for your brother, or new wheelchair cushions for your neighbor, you’re in luck. CCC Pharmacy carries all kinds of medical equipment; one of their most popular items is compression hose to prevent swelling. They’ve got all different kinds and colors! CCC is also the largest provider of hospice medications in northeast Oklahoma.

While you’re shopping, enjoy a FREE cup of Java Dave’s coffee or cappuccino. If you’re not a coffee person, you can choose from an array of snacks and beverages available for purchase. (So it seems there’s one advantage of being a coffee drinker.)

CCC5CCC carries a full retail line of gifts for any occasion. If you need to pop in for a last-minute birthday or baby shower gift, you’re sure to find something. There’s even an extensive Melissa & Doug selection for the little people in your life.

Now let’s talk about the whole ‘compounding’ thing. I admitted to Darren that I was clueless. Didn’t know a thing about it. Here’s what I learned: it’s pretty spectacular. First, CCC has a special on-site compounding room with a magic filtration system. Other pharmacies can try compounding, but it’s dangerous if it’s not done in a secure environment. Compounding involves changing medicine from one form to another. Perhaps the doctor has prescribed pills for your toddler, and you know that’s never going to work. CCC can change it to a liquid form. Another example is to change narcotics from pills to a topical cream. This is a safer method to pills, as it prevents an addiction and let’s face it, there aren’t many drug dealers out looking for pain CREAM.

Compounding is especially helpful to autistic patients. Many children refuse to take capsules, and prefer medicine to be a specific color or flavor, and CCC can take care of that.

Ready to learn something else fascinating? Compounding is also helpful with animal medications. If you get a prescription for your pet, CCC can compound it into a different form. Because honestly, cats won’t take pills, either. Wait, does anyone like pills? I’m seeing a trend here. The goal of CCC is to make the world of medications as easy as possible.

CCC Pharmacy also offers natural hormones, which are an alternative solution to medicine. If you have a question or want to talk with a pharmacist about deficiencies in estrogen, testosterone, or more, you can walk in and have a private chat with someone on staff.

Did you know that CCC offers FREE delivery to any customer in Rogers County? I was under the impression that delivery was only available to elderly or homebound patients, but I was wrong (again). It’s open to anyone! All you have to do is let the staff know. The folks at CCC are very aware that their customers are busy people, and go above and beyond to keep things simple. They offer express checkout; just have your credit card on file, and when your prescription is ready (generally within 15 minutes), you just sign and go. If you’re not waiting in the store, you’ll receive a text or email when your prescription is ready. Auto refill is also available on your regular orders. And of course, there’s an app! It’s available on both Apple and Android. If you’re currently with another pharmacy, transferring is easy; all you have to do is call.

CCC3Be sure to sign up for the rewards program, too; it’s FREE! For every dollar spent, you earn one point, and for each 100 points, you’ll get $5 off a purchase. Extra points are offered for birthdays and anniversaries, and Wednesday is double points day!

If you’re a rewards customer, CCC will give back to Claremore schools based on your purchases!  Just let them know which school you support and money will be donated on your behalf.

CCC Pharmacy is definitely a one-stop shop. It’s certainly not what I expected at all; I was shocked at all that is available. I honestly thought that it was compounding only, and I didn’t even know what that was. The only thing I knew about CCC was that they invented Jungle Juice, which is an amazing product that stops itching on all kinds of bug bites, stings and rashes (oak mite bites included!). A bottle of this Claremore original is $9.99, but as it’s a dauber applicator, it will last a very long time.

‘Tis the season for flu shots, and CCC Pharmacy is ready. Walk-ins are welcome, and the cost is $25. Patients 6 years of age and up, please; they aren’t in the business of traumatizing young kids.

CCC4The owner and staff at CCC Pharmacy are all local folks. They care about Claremore, they care about their customers, and they are all very involved in the community. The pharmacy is open Monday – Friday from 8a – 6:30p, and Saturday from 9a – 2p. They are closed on Sundays, but will answer the phone 27/7 for patients at (918) 283-3784. CCC Pharmacy is located at 1151 N. Lynn Riggs Blvd., just north of Blue Starr on Route 66.

To keep up with the latest updates, rewards news, and retail sales, follow CCC Pharmacy on facebook or on the web.

-MCM Staffer Ashley,

who is not quite as confused

about compounding anymore

ashley

 

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