TAMPA, Fla. — Moving ahead with its expansion plans, Benzer Pharmacy has opened its first store in Georgia.

The new location, in Greensboro, offers compounding and specialty ­medications. “Whereas the national chain drug stores offer virtually everything from soup to nuts, Benzer Pharmacy, which is an independent retail chain store, is more of an apothecary type of operation, offering only drugs and health care needs, and demonstrating a strong and competitive edge in service to patients,” states pharmacy manager James Kratzer.

Compounding pharmacies are becoming more popular because they provide customized medications that meet patients’ exact treatment requirements. The store’s specialty pharmacy services offer medication management for people with complex diseases and chronic conditions, such as HIV, hepatitis C, dermatological conditions, intravenous immunoglobulin and rheumatoid arthritis.

“Both specialty and compounding services allow us to deliver better medication and outcomes for our patients,” reiterates Kratzer.

In addition, the store will use the Sharps TakeAway Environmental Return System to provide the community a safe, easy and environmentally friendly way to dispose of expired and unused medications.

The Greensboro store marks the fourth location that Tampa, Fla.-based Benzer has opened since late September, with the other three in Pompano Beach, Brandon and Jacksonville, Fla. It now has over 50 stores overall, with locations in Florida, Michigan, Virginia, North Carolina, Texas, Tennessee, Georgia, Nevada and Louisiana.

Benzer has projected growth of two pharmacies per month this year, with a goal of having at least 58 by the end of the year.