If you are dealing with an anal fissure, hemorrhoids, rectal itching, or a chronic condition like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, you already know how uncomfortable and disruptive these problems can be. What you should not have to deal with is a pharmacy that cannot fill your prescription, a medication that costs more than you expected, or a trip across town when you are in pain.

Pharmaconic is a compounding pharmacy in Queens, NY that specializes in gastroenterology and colorectal medications. This guide explains the most common conditions we help treat, why your doctor may prescribe a compounded cream, and how to get your medication delivered free, same or next day.

Free Same-Day or Next-Day Delivery in NYC and Long Island

Every order is delivered free, same day or next day, throughout the five boroughs (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island), Nassau and Suffolk counties, and across New York State. Prefer to pick up? That is free too, and there is no waiting in line.

What Is an Anal Fissure and Why Won’t It Heal?

An anal fissure is a small tear in the lining of the anus. It usually starts with a hard bowel movement, constipation, or diarrhea, and it causes sharp pain during and after going to the bathroom, often with a small amount of bright red blood.

Many fissures heal on their own within a few weeks. The problem is that the pain causes the internal sphincter muscle to tighten, which reduces blood flow to the tear and keeps it from closing. When a fissure lasts longer than six to eight weeks, it is considered chronic and usually needs treatment beyond fiber, water, and warm baths.

How Anal Fissure Creams Work

Your gastroenterologist or colorectal surgeon may prescribe a compounded cream containing nifedipine 0.2%, nitroglycerin 0.2%, or diltiazem 2%. These medications relax the sphincter muscle and restore blood flow so the fissure can heal. They are often combined with lidocaine (0.5% to 5%) to numb the area and make bowel movements less painful. A common mistake is using an over-the-counter hemorrhoid cream for a fissure; those products do not relax the muscle and will not treat the underlying problem.

Fissure creams are not sold ready-made at most pharmacies. They are prepared by a compounding pharmacy like Pharmaconic in the exact strength and combination your doctor orders.

Hemorrhoid Treatment: When Over-the-Counter Cream Isn’t Enough

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins inside the rectum or around the anus. They cause itching, burning, swelling, and sometimes bleeding, and they are extremely common, especially after pregnancy, with constipation, or with long periods of sitting.

Drugstore creams typically contain 1% hydrocortisone. When that is not enough, your doctor can prescribe a stronger compounded cream, such as hydrocortisone 2.5% with lidocaine (1% to 5%) to reduce inflammation and numb pain, or hydrocortisone 2.5% with baclofen 2% and lidocaine when muscle spasm is adding to the discomfort. We also carry hydrocortisone 25 mg suppositories for internal hemorrhoids.

Rectal Itching (Pruritus Ani)

Persistent itching around the anus, called pruritus ani, can come from hemorrhoids, a fissure, moisture, irritation, or skin conditions. It is frustrating because scratching makes it worse. Depending on the cause, your doctor may prescribe a compounded hydrocortisone and lidocaine cream to break the itch-scratch cycle while the skin heals.

Medications for Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, and IBS

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, is managed with medications that need to be taken consistently. Missing doses because a pharmacy is out of stock or waiting on insurance can trigger a flare.

Pharmaconic keeps IBD medications in stock, including Uceris 9 mg (budesonide), Entocort EC 3 mg, mesalamine in various oral forms, Canasa 1,000 mg suppositories, Rowasa enema, and others. If your current pharmacy is telling you to come back in a few days, we can usually have it to you the same or next day.

Colonoscopy Prep: What to Expect

A colonoscopy is the standard screening for colon cancer, generally recommended starting at age 45, and it is also used to diagnose IBD and other GI conditions. The prep is the part most people dread, but it is manageable with a plan.

• The day before: clear liquids only (broth, clear juice without pulp, tea, sports drinks, gelatin). No red or purple dyes.
• The prep: your doctor will prescribe a bowel prep solution. Start it when instructed and finish the entire amount, even if your stools are already clear. An incomplete prep can mean a repeat procedure.
• After the procedure: expect some bloating and cramping. If you had a polyp removed or hemorrhoid banding, a sitz bath and a donut cushion make the first few days much more comfortable.

Pharmaconic carries bowel preps and a full line of recovery and surgical supplies, including sitz baths, enema bags, and donut seat cushions, delivered together with your prescription.

Affordable Pricing When Insurance Doesn’t Cover It

Pharmaconic accepts most insurance plans. When a medication is not covered or your copay is too high, we offer low cash prices on many common GI medications so you can start treatment right away:

• Zegerid 20 mg or 40 mg capsules, 30 count: $30
• Omeprazole or esomeprazole capsules, 30 count: $15
• Rabeprazole or pantoprazole tablets, 30 count: $15
• Zofran or Zofran ODT 4 mg or 8 mg tablets, 30 count: $24
• Hydrocortisone 25 mg suppositories, 28 count: $35
• Hydrocortisone 2.5% cream, 1 oz: $20

Compounded creams and ointments are generally not covered by insurance, so we price them to stay affordable. No prior authorization is needed, which means no waiting days for your insurance company to decide.

How to Get Your Prescription Filled at Pharmaconic

1. Your doctor sends the prescription. Ask your gastroenterologist or colorectal surgeon to e-prescribe or fax it to Pharmaconic.
2. We call you. A Pharmaconic pharmacist contacts you to go over your medication, answer questions, and confirm pricing and delivery.
3. It arrives at your door. Free same-day or next-day delivery, discreetly packaged.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a prescription for a compounded fissure or hemorrhoid cream?

Yes. These are prescription medications. Your doctor decides the ingredients and strength, and Pharmaconic prepares it to that order.

Does insurance cover compounded creams?

Usually not. That is why Pharmaconic prices them affordably and does not require prior authorization. We accept most insurance plans for commercially available medications.

How long does a compounded cream take to prepare?

Most compounds are prepared and delivered the same or next business day.

Can I talk to a pharmacist about how to use my medication?

Yes. Every Pharmaconic patient receives a consultation with a pharmacist who can explain how to apply your cream, what to expect, and how to get the best results.

Ready to Get Started?

Contact David or Stan at Pharmaconic to find out how to have your provider send your prescription over. We will take it from there.

This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always follow your provider’s instructions for your treatment plan.