This is incredibly helpful, thank you all. My doctor recommended a 503B facility called Empower. I looked them up and they're on the FDA registered list. Feeling much better about this now.

One more question — should I ask for the COA before or after filling the prescription? Is that a normal thing patients do? I don't want to come across as difficult. 😅

Ask after you receive it — the COA is batch-specific so you need your lot number first. And don't worry about being "difficult." Any pharmacy worth using will happily provide a COA. If they refuse or act weird about it, that's a red flag the size of Texas. 🚩

Pinning this thread as it's one of the best 503A vs 503B breakdowns we've had. Thanks to our pharmacy and compounding experts for the detailed input.

Quick mod note: please don't post direct links to purchase from specific pharmacies. Discussion and naming is fine, but we can't have the forum become a storefront. Thanks all. 👍