PCCA Compounding Technician of the Month: November 2018

Wed, 07 Nov 2018 16:22:00 GMT

PCCA Compounding Technician of the Month:
November 2018

Suzette Holzer, CPhT
Of Heartland Apothecary Compounding and Infusion Pharmacy in Knoxville, Tennessee

Years in Compounding: 14

Path to Compounding: I didn’t start out in pharmacy, but I did start out in health care. I worked as a diagnostic medical sonographer for eleven years. An opportunity presented itself in 2004 to work at a compounding pharmacy helping to manage the hormone patients. Within months, I become a certified technician and went to PCCA for primary and aseptic training.

I enjoy that pharmacy compounding aims to create a solution to meet everyone’s specific needs. I have been told that compounding has saved marriages and that we have helped improve day-to-day activities for autistic children. We have created formulas and treatments for monkeys, horses, birds and tigers. I love the art of compounding because it is so creative, and you can help treat a different issue every day.

Favorite Formula:
PCCA Formula #6620 – Size #1 Capsules (PCCA members can access the formula here.)
T4/T3 formulas are my favorite. Thyroid needs hit very close to home to me as a thyroid cancer survivor. I like these formulas because each one is compounded for the individual’s specific needs based on lab work and symptoms they’ve shared with their health care provider. Being able to help people who have issues in this area makes this career even more rewarding and each calculated formula that much more important.

PCCA provides premade T3 dilutions and T4 dilutions. Members can find a similar formula that uses them here.

Success Story: This is a personal story that has been shared with me, and I was given permission to pass it on: A patient and friend was struggling eight years ago in many areas. She was overweight, was on nine different medications, and had to use a CPAP machine to sleep.

She came to the pharmacy looking for guidance, and we directed her toward a health care provider who would prescribe compounded medications. Her provider prescribed bioidentical hormones and magnesium glycinate to help with her sleep. Along with exercise and supplements, she has lost 80 lbs, and her health has drastically improved. She is no longer on multiple commercial drugs and overall feels she has a better quality of life. She always tells us how she is forever grateful for the way compounding and our pharmacy has changed her life.

Advice for New Compounders:
I would encourage those starting out in compounding to be as involved with their patients’ lives as possible. Make connections and build relationships with them so that you are better able to meet their individual needs. Always go above and beyond with customer service because word of mouth is your best compounding educator.

Lastly, I would encourage them to compound a high-quality product above all else. You are only as good as that last compound dispensed. This is not a job to be taken lightly, and people’s lives are changed because of the tailored work you do for them.

The views and therapies expressed in the above article are those of the interviewee and may not be endorsed by PCCA. The statements are provided for educational purposes only. They have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and are not to be interpreted as a promise, guarantee or claim of therapeutic efficacy or safety. The information contained herein is not intended to replace or substitute for conventional medical care, or encourage its abandonment. Every patient is unique, and formulas should be adjusted to meet their individual needs.

Heartland Apothecary Compounding and Infusion Pharmacy is owned by Charles Wall, PharmD.

PCCA Compounding Technician of the Month: October 2018

Tue, 16 Oct 2018 19:01:00 GMT

PCCA Compounding Technician of the Month:

October 2018

Christine Gaglia, Pharmacy Tech

Of Pine Pharmacy in Williamsville, New York

Years in Compounding: 6

Path to Compounding: I had relocated with my husband to Williamsville from Syracuse, New York. I had two small boys and met another mom at their school. She wanted to split a full-time job at a pharmacy. After researching the position, I found that it had perfect hours for a busy mother. I wanted to get away from the long hours in retail.

Seeing as it has worked out well for the last six years, I know I have found the perfect fit. I truly believe things happen for a reason, and I am very fortunate to find such a gratifying position at Pine Pharmacy.

I really like the idea of helping people with medicine that has to be custom made just for them. Mothers with children who have severe allergies depend on us to make their prescriptions correctly. Women who go through such highs and lows with menopause or cancer need something specific that we can custom make just for their bodies. It is truly a pleasure when they call with such gratitude.

Favorite Formula:

PCCA Formula #0821 – Troches in PCCA’s Gelatin Base (PCCA members can access the formula here.)

We have one patient who really enjoys these troches. She has to have different flavors and colors to distinguish each medicine. It really is interesting when making this formula how you can customize the color, taste and strength.

Success Story: There was a 5-year-old patient who was refusing to take his medicine. Another compounding pharmacy had made it, and he did not like the grape or cherry flavoring. We talked to the patient’s mother and offered the option of bubblegum flavor, and she thought he would try it. Not long after, she called for a refill, stating this medication was a godsend and that he loved it.

I had the opportunity to be there when they picked up the refill, and I said to him, “Hi, it is nice to meet you. I made your medicine for you.” He had the biggest smile and said, “Thank you. I really like it, and you did a great job!”

That is the compliment that means the most to me. There may not be frequent compliments, but you learn that those are the ones that can make your day.

Advice for New Compounders: I would let new compounders know that the prescriptions they are making are special for each customer. They need to take extra care when mixing, measuring and dispensing because this is not something taken off a shelf but something that is specific to each individual customer. With that comes the responsibility to make someone’s life a little easier.

Pine Pharmacy is owned by Al Muto, RPh.

THE PCCA BLOG

PCCA Compounding Technician of the Month: November 2018

PCCA Compounding Technician of the Month: October 2018