I was so excited to learn how to make things like capsules, suppositories, lollipops (my favorite), troches and more. Robyn Crow, our compounding pharmacist, and the other techs taught me so much, and I am truly grateful for the knowledge they have given me. One of the things I think we do best at The Compounding Lab is hormone replacement therapy. Robyn is so great at working with doctors to develop the best regimen for each individual patient. Hormone issues affect such a large percentage of our population; I know this personally, as I suffer with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). When hormones are out of whack, they can really take a toll on your physical and mental well-being, so I find it very rewarding that we are able to help our patients get that part of their lives back. Pediatric medications are another one of my favorites.
What do you find most fulfilling about compounding?
I love that we can make a medication for our patients who are children that may not be commercially available in a pediatric dosage, but could be very beneficial to their treatment. Not only does it help the child with their condition, but it also gives the parent(s) peace of mind.
What are some of your favorite PCCA formulas? What do you like about them?
My favorite PCCA formula to compound is for tetracaine lollipops (PCCA Formula #5380). We have received very good feedback from patients and their doctors. They are fun to compound, and it makes me happy that we can help these patients.
PCCA members with Clinical Services access can see Rachelle’s favorite formula for tetracaine lollipops in our formula database.
What is one of your favorite compounding success stories?
We have a young patient with rheumatoid arthritis who was practically bedridden before her doctor ordered allergy testing and found that the medications she was taking to help her arthritis were actually making her sick. Since coming to us to make her medications allergen free, she has been able to enjoy a higher quality of life.
What advice would you give to a new compounder?
I would tell them to take it slow. It takes time and patience to develop good technique. Also, take notes and do your research. There is so much to learn that it can seem overwhelming at times. I have been doing this for years and feel like I learn something new almost every day. If you stick with it, and it is something you really enjoy, it can be the best career path you will ever take!
What has been your most satisfying patient experience?
Extending the life of an elderly canine patient who was experiencing seizures. She enjoyed a year of nearly seizure-free life.
What is the biggest “aha” moment you’ve had as a member of PCCA?
The exposure to others who practice at the cutting edge of the profession. Seeing others approaching this niche area and using it to springboard onto other things and not be boxed in .
What is your favorite PCCA base, and why?
LoxaSperse® . It has so many useful applications and great results. One patient in particular had issues absorbing drugs. We tried several different capsule formulas and fillers, and we achieved adequate absorption by adding a low percentage of LoxaSperse to the formula. The resulting levels have stabilized, and the patient is now enjoying better quality of life.
What is your favorite PCCA educational event, and why?
In my first C3 compounding course at PCCA, I made some lifelong friends and was exposed to more about compounding than I ever would have expected.
When was the last time a patient thanked you?
It seems almost daily we hear from patients on hormone replacement therapy about how it has improved their lives and their spouses’ lives.
What is the one thing you would say to new compounders?
I preach it to students in each pharmacy school rotation: Use the profession as an entry to other things you enjoy — be it investing, another hobby or another profession. Pharmacy compounding allows you to grow quickly, so use that opportunity early, and you will reap many benefits later.
What are the other properties of PCCA bases you think are important to know? What data about the bases are you and your physicians eager to see? Go to our webpage and look for it under the Technical Reports tab. If your answer is not there, an easy thing to do is to email PCCAScience@pccarx.com, then let us to help you address those data concerns. We’re happy to hear about the needs of your pharmacy, practitioners and patients. The whole Research and Development team is driven by this and works diligently to development new products and techniques to provide you solutions. Talk with us to make sure your needs are being heard. Maybe next year at International Seminar, the unveiled new product will be exactly what you’ve been waiting for.
Finally, here’s a sneak peek of the next PCCA Science update: Several manuscripts authored by PCCA have recently been accepted for publication in peer-reviewed journals, covering everything from clinical to regulatory topics. We will present these in the next PCCA Science post here on the blog. Stay tuned, and see you soon!
Yi Liu, PharmD, PhD, is a research pharmacist in the Research and Development department at PCCA. She joined PCCA as a clinical pharmacy researcher in the Clinical Services department in 2018 and started her current role in 2019. Yi graduated from Ohio University with a PhD in molecular and cellular biology in 2012. She also worked as a postdoctoral research fellow in the Houston Methodist Research Institute for three years prior to starting pharmacy school. Yi received her PharmD from the University of Houston College of Pharmacy in 2019.