OUR PHARMACY is a member of PCCA
PCCA = Professional Compounding Centers of America
An Introduction To PCCA & Compounding
What is Compounding?
Compounding combines an ageless art with the latest medical knowledge and state-of-the-art technology, allowing specialty trained professionals to prepare customized medications to meet each patient's specific needs. Compounding is fundamental to the profession of pharmacy and was a standard means of providing prescription medications before drugs began to be produced in mass quantities by pharmaceutical manufacturers. The demand for professional compounding has increased as healthcare professionals and patients realize that the limited number of strengths and dosage forms that are commercially available do not meet the needs of many patients, and that these patients often have a better response to a customized dosage form that is "just what the doctor ordered".
Our compounding professionals can prepare
Quality Compounding Maximizes Therapeutic Outcomes
The efficacy of any formulation is directly related to its preparation, which is why THE SELECTION OF YOUR COMPOUNDING PHARMACY IS CRITICAL. Ongoing training for compounding pharmacists and technicians, state-of-the-art equipment, and high quality chemicals are essential. Experience and ingenuity are important factors as well. When tweaking a formula or developing a unique preparation, the compounding pharmacist must consider physical and chemical properties of both the active ingredient and excipients, solubility, tonicity, viscosity, and the most appropriate dosage form or device for administering the needed medication. Standard Operating Procedures should be in place, stability studies should be considered when compounding, and appropriate potency and sterility testing should be performed.
Our compounding professionals can formulate suitable medications as sublingual drops, oral and nasal sprays, lollipops, rectal solutions and suppositories, and other customized dosage forms. Please contact us to discuss your patients' needs.
Compounding combines an ageless art with the latest medical knowledge and state-of-the-art technology, allowing specialty trained professionals to prepare customized medications to meet each patient's specific needs. Compounding is fundamental to the profession of pharmacy and was a standard means of providing prescription medications before drugs began to be produced in mass quantities by pharmaceutical manufacturers. The demand for professional compounding has increased as healthcare professionals and patients realize that the limited number of strengths and dosage forms that are commercially available do not meet the needs of many patients, and that these patients often have a better response to a customized dosage form that is "just what the doctor ordered".
Our compounding professionals can prepare
- unique dosage forms containing the best dose of medications for each individual.
- medications in dosage forms that are not commercially available, such as transdermal gels, troches, "chewies", and lollipops.
- medications free of problem-causing excipients such as dyes, sugar, lactose, or alcohol.
- combinations of various compatible medications into a single dosage form for easier administration and improved compliance.
- medications that are not commercially available.
Quality Compounding Maximizes Therapeutic Outcomes
The efficacy of any formulation is directly related to its preparation, which is why THE SELECTION OF YOUR COMPOUNDING PHARMACY IS CRITICAL. Ongoing training for compounding pharmacists and technicians, state-of-the-art equipment, and high quality chemicals are essential. Experience and ingenuity are important factors as well. When tweaking a formula or developing a unique preparation, the compounding pharmacist must consider physical and chemical properties of both the active ingredient and excipients, solubility, tonicity, viscosity, and the most appropriate dosage form or device for administering the needed medication. Standard Operating Procedures should be in place, stability studies should be considered when compounding, and appropriate potency and sterility testing should be performed.
Our compounding professionals can formulate suitable medications as sublingual drops, oral and nasal sprays, lollipops, rectal solutions and suppositories, and other customized dosage forms. Please contact us to discuss your patients' needs.
Our PHARMACY is a member of PCCA and is committed to upholding the PCAA commitment to Quality and Safety.
VIDEO: PCCA: A Commitment To Quality
VIDEO: A Doctor Tells Why PCCA Quality is Important
Proud Member
|
Compounding Pharmacy Specialty Pharmacy Customizing Formulations |
THE BENEFITS OF USING
OUR PHARMACY:
WORLD CLASS CUSTOMER SERVICE
All prescriptions are called, faxed or sent in with the patient directly to our Pharmacy. You can speak with one of our Pharmacists or Compounding Specialist. We can do any research needed or make a recommendation based on our extensive database formulary in house. We are happy to find the right solution for each patient.
Once we receive a prescription, the patient is called by our Pharmacy and we review the medication being ordered, answer questions, & tell them the cost. Once we receive the patient's approval to make the medication, the Rx is prepared and dispensed within 24 hours of patient approval. Several quality control checks are made before the Rx receives it's final check. The medication will be shipped directly to the patient or we will call the patient to let them know their medication is ready to be picked up, depending on the patient's preference.
Prompt Insurance Adjudication
Routine 24-Hour Prescription Processing
Flavor Compounding for Animals
ANIMALS like cats, dogs, exotic pets and
even zoo animals are prime candidates
for flavored medications like beef,
cheese, chicken, fish, alfalfa,
cherry, apple, carrot, and molasses.
Flavor Compounding for Adults & Children
Making medication taste better
An Adult or child may prefer
medication that taste like bubblegum,
peaches, or even chocolate.
It can also take the form
of a gummy treat, or lollipop.
Removing fillers, dyes, sugars,
or other allergens from medications
Solving a recurring medication problem
you see often in your practice
Combining medications to improve patient compliance
and sometimes reducing side effects
Evaluating what services or
new therapies to add to your practice
Helping train your staff
on new or specific therapies
Staying updated on education
and medication advancements
Researching a medication you just
learned about at a recent conference
Safe and Evidence Based
Covered by Most Insurances
Personalized Medication
BHRT - Bio-identical
Hormone Replacement Therapy
(Not available)
Injectable Therapies
Sterile Ophtalmic Eyedrops
Veterinary Medicine
Compounding for Clinical Drug Studies
and Investigational Trials
Scar Healing Creams for Old Scars
and post-surgical scars
Skin Care - Acne Rosacea
Wrinkles and Sun Damage
Reduce Pain without Pills
Avoid the Side Effects & Drug addiction
that can occur with some pills
IV Therapies using vitamin and nutrients
Meso-Therapy Ingredients
Injectable Vitamins and nutrients
Targeted Topical Drug Delivery Pain Creams
Weight Management
Scar Therapy Creams
Anti-Fungal Creams & Ointments
Dental Topical Pain Creams
Dental Oral Gels
TMJ Neuropathic Pain
TMJ Musculoskeletal / Myofascial Pain
Topicals Avoid Mental Impairment:
You can operate machinery & continue
to work and remain clear-headed
Capsules, suppositories, sublingual lozenges,
& liquid suspensions are available
Pain Cream Information
What is the benefit of a compounded pain cream?
Pain is complicated and compounding offers an easy way to help address your patient's specific pain issues. Compounding allows the physician the ability to combine the perfect solution for their patients in a quick easy manner. Just let our phamacist know the type of pain and they can help you prescribe the appropriate dose, combination of ingredients to best meet the needs of the patient. If you have patients not receiving good results from proprietary products and need a more customized approach, call us today - 415.373.2923. We have answers!
Many patients have different types of pain and may benefit from a combination of different ingredients to address issues such as inflammation, muscle tightness and neuropathy. Instead of using multiple oral pills which have high systemic absorption and can cause stomach distress, the creams provide several different medications to address multiple pain sypmtoms with one medication. Side effects are minimal with transdermal delivery and by working closely with the physician and patient, the pharmacist can help recommend the proper dermatome area of application for the best therapeutic effect.
How do I prescribe the medication?
You may call or fax in the Rx to our pharmacy. Our pharmacist are always ready to assist you in selecting the appropriate pain cream for an individual patient.
120 grams is a commonly prescribed one month supply.
Will the patient's insurance pay for compounded medications?
Most insurance companies will pay for our compounded medications. The patient is usually responsible for a small co-pay. If the patient is unable to pay their co-pay, our Pharmacy will try to work out an arrangement to ensure the patient gets their medication, on a case by case basis.
Who explains proper application of the pain cream prescription to the patient?
The patient is instructed by our clinical staff as to where to apply their medication to ensure it is applied to the proper dermatome area specific to their pain. Our pharmacy monitors the patient's progress while on the transdermal pain management therapy by contacting them to ensure the patient's pain goals are being achieved.
If my patient is taking a blood thinner can they use a topical NSAID?
Yes, the patient should start using their pain cream medication 5 days before their next monthly blood (PT) test.
What if my patient is pregnant?
We do not recommend using topical pain relievers during pregnancy.
Are there any side effects associated with topical pain relievers?
Side effects are rare. A rash could develop if the patient has very sensitive skin or an allergy to one of the drugs in the prescription. There is very little systemic absorption with the transdermal gels; therefore, the chance of side effects is much lower than if the patient was taking the same drugs in an oral form. Unlike Oral NSAIDS, the transdermal gels do not produce any G. I. upset or complications.
Can the patient apply topical pain relievers directly over an incision or stitches?
We suggest the patient apply their medication to the area around the incision until the stitches are removed. Do not apply directly to the incision.
If you have patients that are needing customized alternatives:
Please call us at 415.373.2923 or
email: [email protected]
What is the benefit of a compounded pain cream?
Pain is complicated and compounding offers an easy way to help address your patient's specific pain issues. Compounding allows the physician the ability to combine the perfect solution for their patients in a quick easy manner. Just let our phamacist know the type of pain and they can help you prescribe the appropriate dose, combination of ingredients to best meet the needs of the patient. If you have patients not receiving good results from proprietary products and need a more customized approach, call us today - 415.373.2923. We have answers!
Many patients have different types of pain and may benefit from a combination of different ingredients to address issues such as inflammation, muscle tightness and neuropathy. Instead of using multiple oral pills which have high systemic absorption and can cause stomach distress, the creams provide several different medications to address multiple pain sypmtoms with one medication. Side effects are minimal with transdermal delivery and by working closely with the physician and patient, the pharmacist can help recommend the proper dermatome area of application for the best therapeutic effect.
How do I prescribe the medication?
You may call or fax in the Rx to our pharmacy. Our pharmacist are always ready to assist you in selecting the appropriate pain cream for an individual patient.
120 grams is a commonly prescribed one month supply.
Will the patient's insurance pay for compounded medications?
Most insurance companies will pay for our compounded medications. The patient is usually responsible for a small co-pay. If the patient is unable to pay their co-pay, our Pharmacy will try to work out an arrangement to ensure the patient gets their medication, on a case by case basis.
Who explains proper application of the pain cream prescription to the patient?
The patient is instructed by our clinical staff as to where to apply their medication to ensure it is applied to the proper dermatome area specific to their pain. Our pharmacy monitors the patient's progress while on the transdermal pain management therapy by contacting them to ensure the patient's pain goals are being achieved.
If my patient is taking a blood thinner can they use a topical NSAID?
Yes, the patient should start using their pain cream medication 5 days before their next monthly blood (PT) test.
What if my patient is pregnant?
We do not recommend using topical pain relievers during pregnancy.
Are there any side effects associated with topical pain relievers?
Side effects are rare. A rash could develop if the patient has very sensitive skin or an allergy to one of the drugs in the prescription. There is very little systemic absorption with the transdermal gels; therefore, the chance of side effects is much lower than if the patient was taking the same drugs in an oral form. Unlike Oral NSAIDS, the transdermal gels do not produce any G. I. upset or complications.
Can the patient apply topical pain relievers directly over an incision or stitches?
We suggest the patient apply their medication to the area around the incision until the stitches are removed. Do not apply directly to the incision.
If you have patients that are needing customized alternatives:
Please call us at 415.373.2923 or
email: [email protected]
COMPOUNDING ANSWERS
PROVIDED BY THE PCCA WEBSITE:
Do you have questions about pharmacy compounding? We have answers. Pharmacy compounding is a long-established tradition that offers customized care to meet the specific needs of individual patients.
Have you ever wished your child’s medicine tasted better, so they would accept it without a fuss? Or struggled to cut a prescription tablet in half because the pill wasn’t manufactured in the strength you required? Perhaps an ill loved one could have benefited from having multiple medications combined into a single dose. Compounding pharmacists provide solutions to all these problems, and more.
Ask your prescriber or pharmacist today about customized compounding, or read on for more information . . .
Call our Pharmacy:
Phone: 415.373.2923 or email: [email protected]
What is compounding?
Pharmacy compounding is the art and science of preparing customized medications for patients. Its practice dates back to the origins of pharmacy, although compounding’s presence in the pharmacy profession has changed over the years. In the 1930s and '40s, the majority of prescriptions were compounded. With the advent of mass drug manufacturing in the 1950s and ‘60s, compounding declined as the pharmacist’s role as a preparer of medications quickly changed to that of a dispenser of manufactured dosage forms. However, this “one-size-fits-all” approach to medication meant that some patients’ needs were not being met.
Within the last few decades, however, compounding has experienced a renaissance as modern technology and innovative techniques and research have allowed more pharmacists to customize medications to meet a patient’s unique needs.
How does compounding benefit me?
There are several reasons why prescribers and pharmacists provide compounded medications for patients. The primary reason for compounding is to avoid patient non-compliance, which means the patient is either unable or unwilling to use the medication as directed. Many patients are allergic to preservatives or dyes, or require a dosage that is different from the standard drug strengths.
With a physician’s consent, a compounding pharmacist can:
Can my child – or my elderly parent –
take compounded medication?
Yes! Children and the elderly are often the types of patients who benefit most from compounding. It is common for parents to have a tough time getting their children to take medicine because of the taste. A compounding pharmacist can work directly with the physician and the patient to select a flavoring agent, such as bubblegum, grape, tutti frutti, or vanilla butternut, which provides both an appropriate match for the medication’s properties and the patient’s taste preferences. Just think – no more wasting medicine when a cranky patient spits it out!
Compounding pharmacists also can help patients who experience chronic pain. For example, some arthritic patients cannot take certain medications due to gastrointestinal side effects. With a healthcare practitioner’s prescription, a compounding pharmacist may be able to provide these patients’ anti-inflammatory or pain-relieving medications with topical preparations that can be absorbed through the skin. Compounded prescriptions frequently are used to ease pain, nausea, and other symptoms for hospice patients as well.
Is compounding legal? Is it safe?
Compounding has been part of healthcare since the origins of pharmacy, and is widely used today in all areas of the industry, from hospitals to nuclear medicine. Over the last few decades, compounding’s resurgence has benefited largely from advances in technology, quality control and research methodology. The Food and Drug Administration has stated that compounded prescriptions are both ethical and legal as long as they are prescribed by a licensed practitioner for a specific patient and compounded by a licensed pharmacy. In addition, compounding is regulated by state boards of pharmacy.
Will my insurance cover compounded
medications?
Some insurance plans allow the patient to be reimbursed by sending in claim forms. While you may be paying a pharmacy directly for a compounded prescription, many insurance plans may cover the final cost.
Is compounding expensive?
Compounding may or may not cost more than conventional medication. Its cost depends on factors such as the type of ingredients and equipment required, plus the time the pharmacist spends researching and preparing the medication. Fortunately, compounding pharmacists have access to pure-grade quality chemicals which dramatically lower overall costs and allow them to be very competitive with commercially manufactured products.
What kinds of prescriptions can be
compounded?
Almost any kind! Compounded prescriptions are ideal for any patient requiring unique dosages and/or delivery devices.
Compounding applications can include:
Does my prescriber know about
compounding?
Prescription compounding is a rapidly growing component of many physicians’ practices, but some may not realize the extent of compounding’s resurgence in recent years due to today’s climate of aggressive marketing by drug manufacturers. Ask your healthcare practitioner about compounding, or get in touch with a compounding pharmacy – one that is committed to providing high-quality compounded medications in the dosage form and strength prescribed by the practitioner. Through the triad relationship of patient, prescriber, and pharmacist, all three can work together to solve unique medical problems.
Is custom compounding right for you? Ask your healthcare practitioner or pharmacist today about the benefits of personalized prescription compounding.
CONTACT OUR PHARMACY:
Phone: 415.373.2923 or email: [email protected]
PROVIDED BY THE PCCA WEBSITE:
Do you have questions about pharmacy compounding? We have answers. Pharmacy compounding is a long-established tradition that offers customized care to meet the specific needs of individual patients.
Have you ever wished your child’s medicine tasted better, so they would accept it without a fuss? Or struggled to cut a prescription tablet in half because the pill wasn’t manufactured in the strength you required? Perhaps an ill loved one could have benefited from having multiple medications combined into a single dose. Compounding pharmacists provide solutions to all these problems, and more.
Ask your prescriber or pharmacist today about customized compounding, or read on for more information . . .
Call our Pharmacy:
Phone: 415.373.2923 or email: [email protected]
What is compounding?
Pharmacy compounding is the art and science of preparing customized medications for patients. Its practice dates back to the origins of pharmacy, although compounding’s presence in the pharmacy profession has changed over the years. In the 1930s and '40s, the majority of prescriptions were compounded. With the advent of mass drug manufacturing in the 1950s and ‘60s, compounding declined as the pharmacist’s role as a preparer of medications quickly changed to that of a dispenser of manufactured dosage forms. However, this “one-size-fits-all” approach to medication meant that some patients’ needs were not being met.
Within the last few decades, however, compounding has experienced a renaissance as modern technology and innovative techniques and research have allowed more pharmacists to customize medications to meet a patient’s unique needs.
How does compounding benefit me?
There are several reasons why prescribers and pharmacists provide compounded medications for patients. The primary reason for compounding is to avoid patient non-compliance, which means the patient is either unable or unwilling to use the medication as directed. Many patients are allergic to preservatives or dyes, or require a dosage that is different from the standard drug strengths.
With a physician’s consent, a compounding pharmacist can:
- Adjust the strength of a medication
- Avoid unwanted ingredients, such as dyes, preservative, lactose, gluten, or sugar.
- Add flavor to make the medication more palatable
- Prepare medications using unique delivery systems. For patients who find it difficult to swallow a capsule, a compounding pharmacist may prepare the drug as a flavored liquid suspension instead. Other medication forms include topical gels or creams that can be absorbed through the skin, suppositories, sublingual troches, or even lollipops.
Can my child – or my elderly parent –
take compounded medication?
Yes! Children and the elderly are often the types of patients who benefit most from compounding. It is common for parents to have a tough time getting their children to take medicine because of the taste. A compounding pharmacist can work directly with the physician and the patient to select a flavoring agent, such as bubblegum, grape, tutti frutti, or vanilla butternut, which provides both an appropriate match for the medication’s properties and the patient’s taste preferences. Just think – no more wasting medicine when a cranky patient spits it out!
Compounding pharmacists also can help patients who experience chronic pain. For example, some arthritic patients cannot take certain medications due to gastrointestinal side effects. With a healthcare practitioner’s prescription, a compounding pharmacist may be able to provide these patients’ anti-inflammatory or pain-relieving medications with topical preparations that can be absorbed through the skin. Compounded prescriptions frequently are used to ease pain, nausea, and other symptoms for hospice patients as well.
Is compounding legal? Is it safe?
Compounding has been part of healthcare since the origins of pharmacy, and is widely used today in all areas of the industry, from hospitals to nuclear medicine. Over the last few decades, compounding’s resurgence has benefited largely from advances in technology, quality control and research methodology. The Food and Drug Administration has stated that compounded prescriptions are both ethical and legal as long as they are prescribed by a licensed practitioner for a specific patient and compounded by a licensed pharmacy. In addition, compounding is regulated by state boards of pharmacy.
Will my insurance cover compounded
medications?
Some insurance plans allow the patient to be reimbursed by sending in claim forms. While you may be paying a pharmacy directly for a compounded prescription, many insurance plans may cover the final cost.
Is compounding expensive?
Compounding may or may not cost more than conventional medication. Its cost depends on factors such as the type of ingredients and equipment required, plus the time the pharmacist spends researching and preparing the medication. Fortunately, compounding pharmacists have access to pure-grade quality chemicals which dramatically lower overall costs and allow them to be very competitive with commercially manufactured products.
What kinds of prescriptions can be
compounded?
Almost any kind! Compounded prescriptions are ideal for any patient requiring unique dosages and/or delivery devices.
Compounding applications can include:
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
- Hospice
- Pediatrics
- Pain management
- Ophthalmology
- Dentistry
- Otic (for the ear)
- Dermatology
- Medication flavoring
- Neuropathy
- Veterinary
- Sports medicine
- Infertility
- Wound therapy
- Podiatry
- Gastroenterology
- And many more!
Does my prescriber know about
compounding?
Prescription compounding is a rapidly growing component of many physicians’ practices, but some may not realize the extent of compounding’s resurgence in recent years due to today’s climate of aggressive marketing by drug manufacturers. Ask your healthcare practitioner about compounding, or get in touch with a compounding pharmacy – one that is committed to providing high-quality compounded medications in the dosage form and strength prescribed by the practitioner. Through the triad relationship of patient, prescriber, and pharmacist, all three can work together to solve unique medical problems.
Is custom compounding right for you? Ask your healthcare practitioner or pharmacist today about the benefits of personalized prescription compounding.
CONTACT OUR PHARMACY:
Phone: 415.373.2923 or email: [email protected]
Hormone Replacement Therapy
(Not available presently)
Have you ever experienced: Mood swings, Hot flashes, Forgetfulness, Loss of libido, PMS, Sleepless nights, Loss of energy, or Dry skin
As people age, the hormone levels in our bodies change. Many people experience gradual changes and notice little to no side effects or discomfort. Others will experience side effects such as those listed above and will be uncomfortable. Keeping our hormones balanced is essential to keeping ourselves healthy and happy.
Hormone replacement therapy is becoming a hot topic. Mainstream television shows such as "The Oprah Winfrey Show" are devoting programs to it and celebrities, such as Suzanne Somers and Robin McGraw (wife of Dr. Phil) have written books on their experiences with menopause and Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT). More and more web forums related to BHRT are available online, all leading to an increasing awareness of this emerging therapy for the treatment of hormone imbalance.
Hormone levels can be measured by using blood or saliva tests. Your physician can order the tests or saliva test kits can be purchased at our pharmacy. These tests measure your hormone levels and indicate whether or not your hormones are in balance.
If you are experiencing what you feel is a decline in your hormone levels, ask your physician today about your options for Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT). If your physician is not familiar with BHRT, let them know that we can provide training, assistance, and knowledge about the therapy. You can also schedule a personal consultation with one of our experienced hormone replacement therapy specialists to discuss your symptoms.
Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy uses hormones that are compounded in our lab specific to each individual patient's need. All hormones are from plant or natural sources and are physiologically identical to what our bodies produced in our younger years.
Our pharmacy works closely with many physicians already familiar with hormone replacement therapy.
Aging and staying healthy should be a positive and happy process.
Contact Us today at 415.373.2923 for more information on balancing your hormones!
The Hormone Replacement Therapy formulations are not available yet.
(Not available presently)
Have you ever experienced: Mood swings, Hot flashes, Forgetfulness, Loss of libido, PMS, Sleepless nights, Loss of energy, or Dry skin
As people age, the hormone levels in our bodies change. Many people experience gradual changes and notice little to no side effects or discomfort. Others will experience side effects such as those listed above and will be uncomfortable. Keeping our hormones balanced is essential to keeping ourselves healthy and happy.
Hormone replacement therapy is becoming a hot topic. Mainstream television shows such as "The Oprah Winfrey Show" are devoting programs to it and celebrities, such as Suzanne Somers and Robin McGraw (wife of Dr. Phil) have written books on their experiences with menopause and Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT). More and more web forums related to BHRT are available online, all leading to an increasing awareness of this emerging therapy for the treatment of hormone imbalance.
Hormone levels can be measured by using blood or saliva tests. Your physician can order the tests or saliva test kits can be purchased at our pharmacy. These tests measure your hormone levels and indicate whether or not your hormones are in balance.
If you are experiencing what you feel is a decline in your hormone levels, ask your physician today about your options for Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT). If your physician is not familiar with BHRT, let them know that we can provide training, assistance, and knowledge about the therapy. You can also schedule a personal consultation with one of our experienced hormone replacement therapy specialists to discuss your symptoms.
Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy uses hormones that are compounded in our lab specific to each individual patient's need. All hormones are from plant or natural sources and are physiologically identical to what our bodies produced in our younger years.
Our pharmacy works closely with many physicians already familiar with hormone replacement therapy.
Aging and staying healthy should be a positive and happy process.
Contact Us today at 415.373.2923 for more information on balancing your hormones!
The Hormone Replacement Therapy formulations are not available yet.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)
Hormone Replacement Therapy formulations are not available yet.
OCTOBER 20, 2010: Latest breaking news regarding hormone therapy - Media Reports on Hormone Replacement Therapy and Breast Cancer
A study published in today's issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) on the increased risk of breast cancer and HRT is drawing a great deal of attention from the lay press. To address your questions and concerns, please read the International Academy of Compounding Pharmacists (IACP) for a good explanation of the findings and what they mean:
Information About the Study
Information to Use in Counseling Patients
Feel free to contact our pharmacist and staff with any additional questions you may have.
Hormone therapy continues to be a highly requested therapy by women and men who begin experiencing changes in their quality of life as they age.
Do these questions sound familiar?
Women and men both are becoming more informed and empowered with their healthcare. Physicians are being inundated with questions and inquiries from patients regarding Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT).
As information becomes more available to patients and consumers, hormone replacement therapy is becoming a hot topic. Mainstream televisions shows such as "The Oprah Winfrey Show" are devoting programs to it and celebrities, such as Suzanne Somers and Robin McGraw (wife of Dr. Phil) have written books on their experiences with menopause and BHRT. More and more web forums related to natural hormone therapy are available online, all leading to an increasing awareness of this emerging therapy for the treatment of hormone imbalance.
There is no doubt that hormone therapy is changing. The findings of the Women's Health Initiative in 2002 discovered that traditional hormone therapy could increase the risk of breast cancer, blood clots, stroke and heart disease. Many women decided to discontinue their traditional hormone therapy and look for other options.
Whether or not you agree with the use of bio-identical hormone replacement therapy, are you prepared to answer the questions and discuss the options with your patients?
Our Pharmacy can help reduce the long learning curve and help you more easily understand the basics of BHRT, help decide if BHRT is a therapy you want to include in your practice, and if so, help you learn proper dosing criteria and patient follow up.
We understand that integrating BHRT into a practice can be overwhelming due to the amount of hands-on time spent with patients. To make the transition easy, our Pharmacy specializes in working one-on-one with practitioners, and their staff, to assist in providing individualized hormone replacement therapy for women and hormone replacement therapy for men.
Our staff is trained to consult with you in reviewing individual patient lab results, discussing individual patient cases and making recommendations regarding proper dosing. We can also provide in-office training, at your convenience, for you and your staff. We are here to serve you!
Contact Us to schedule an appointment to learn more about our Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) programs. The Hormone Replacement Therapy formulations are not available yet.
Click here or below to contact: Derek L. Toliver - 415.373.2923
Hormone Replacement Therapy formulations are not available yet.
OCTOBER 20, 2010: Latest breaking news regarding hormone therapy - Media Reports on Hormone Replacement Therapy and Breast Cancer
A study published in today's issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) on the increased risk of breast cancer and HRT is drawing a great deal of attention from the lay press. To address your questions and concerns, please read the International Academy of Compounding Pharmacists (IACP) for a good explanation of the findings and what they mean:
Information About the Study
- The study was published in the 20 October 2010 issue of JAMA and it is entitled "Estrogen Plus Progestin and Breast Cancer Incidence and Mortality in Postmenopausal Women."
- The study is part of continuing research from the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) research on estrogen plus progestin hormone replacement therapy
- The original WHI was terminated in 2002 when initial results found an increased risk of breast cancer in women taking HRT vs. placebo.
- Data was collected over 8 years after the study ended to further determine long term effects of HRT therapy. Of the 12,788 women followed during that period, the study published today showed:
- An increased risk of breast cancer (385 taking HRT vs. 293 taking placebo)
- Breast cancers were more commonly diagnosed in an advanced stage with more lymph node involvement
- Twice as many women who took HRT died within the follow-up period compared with those who took placebo (25 vs. 12 deaths - 2.6 deaths from breast cancer for every 10,000 women vs. 1.3 deaths from breast cancer for every 10,000 women, respectively)
- There are key limitations to the new study:
- The study only looked at long term use of HRT on breast cancer.
- The published study and an accompanying editorial specifically state that research did not examine the effects of short periods of HRT.
- The published study and an accompanying editorial specifically state that additional studies need to be done to see if lower doses or shorter durations of HRT can reduce menopausal symptoms without increasing cancer risk.
- The study tracked patients taking a very specific combination of conjugated equine estrogens and medroxyprogesterone. It did not track or review patients taking other types of estrogens, and progestins or progesterone.
Information to Use in Counseling Patients
- The estrogen used by the patients in the study was Premarin (conjugated equine estrogens 0.625mg). Not estriol, estradiol or other estrogens used by compounders. Premarin is not considered to be a "bio-identical" hormone.
- Medroxyprogesterone acetate 0.25mg was used, not progesterone as some media outlets have reported.
- Neither the estrogen nor the progestin taken by the patients in this study are bioidentical hormones. Bioidentical hormones were not studied.
- Although "twice as many died" sounds alarming, the actual statistics are 2.6 deaths for every 10,000 women vs. 1.3 deaths for every 10,000 who weren't taking the drug combination.
- HRT has definitively been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer; however, women not taking HRT also get breast cancer. Other contributing factors include genetics and smoking.
- All women should conduct regular breast self-examinations, schedule and have mammograms done when recommended, and see a physician on a regular basis to assess and maintain breast health.
Feel free to contact our pharmacist and staff with any additional questions you may have.
Hormone therapy continues to be a highly requested therapy by women and men who begin experiencing changes in their quality of life as they age.
- Are your patients asking you about BHRT?
- Is the new science emerging around BHRT overwhelming you while you try to keep up with your daily workload?
- Are patients demanding more and more of your time to discuss their clinical symptoms for bio-identical hormones, but you just don't have the time to listen?
- Is BHRT a viable natural hormone replacement therapy and is it safe for your patients?
- What would it take to get trained on BHRT and use it in your practice without a lot of time and investment?
- Can you receive reimbursement for BHRT consultations?
- Do you understand the difference between progesterone and progestin?
Do these questions sound familiar?
Women and men both are becoming more informed and empowered with their healthcare. Physicians are being inundated with questions and inquiries from patients regarding Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT).
As information becomes more available to patients and consumers, hormone replacement therapy is becoming a hot topic. Mainstream televisions shows such as "The Oprah Winfrey Show" are devoting programs to it and celebrities, such as Suzanne Somers and Robin McGraw (wife of Dr. Phil) have written books on their experiences with menopause and BHRT. More and more web forums related to natural hormone therapy are available online, all leading to an increasing awareness of this emerging therapy for the treatment of hormone imbalance.
There is no doubt that hormone therapy is changing. The findings of the Women's Health Initiative in 2002 discovered that traditional hormone therapy could increase the risk of breast cancer, blood clots, stroke and heart disease. Many women decided to discontinue their traditional hormone therapy and look for other options.
Whether or not you agree with the use of bio-identical hormone replacement therapy, are you prepared to answer the questions and discuss the options with your patients?
Our Pharmacy can help reduce the long learning curve and help you more easily understand the basics of BHRT, help decide if BHRT is a therapy you want to include in your practice, and if so, help you learn proper dosing criteria and patient follow up.
We understand that integrating BHRT into a practice can be overwhelming due to the amount of hands-on time spent with patients. To make the transition easy, our Pharmacy specializes in working one-on-one with practitioners, and their staff, to assist in providing individualized hormone replacement therapy for women and hormone replacement therapy for men.
Our staff is trained to consult with you in reviewing individual patient lab results, discussing individual patient cases and making recommendations regarding proper dosing. We can also provide in-office training, at your convenience, for you and your staff. We are here to serve you!
Contact Us to schedule an appointment to learn more about our Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) programs. The Hormone Replacement Therapy formulations are not available yet.
Click here or below to contact: Derek L. Toliver - 415.373.2923
For More Info on how to Order from
OUR PHARMACY- Click Here:
Derek L. Toliver, Territory Manager
Direct: 415.373.2923
