Mike Johnston of the National Pharmacy Technician Association (NPTA) shares his thoughts on how the profession has progressed over the last 25 years. He also offers advice to technicians on how to advance their careers.

Two recent compounding case studies describe treatments that helped adults with persistent drooling as well as cats with behavioral issues.

Congratulations to Randy Robin, RPh, co-owner of Better Living Medical Compounding Pharmacy and Wellness Center in Nederland, Texas for being our January Profile in Personalized Medicine. These profiles celebrate members of the PCCA family who have proven to be champions of pharmacy compounding by providing the highest quality of service to their patients.

Beau Harger explains why permeation-enhancing topical compounds are important options for many patients with acute or chronic pain. He also walks through the evolution of compounding bases used in this clinical area.

Surfactants are versatile ingredients in pharmacy compounding. Four PCCA experts explain what they are and list many of the ones that are used commonly, including their important characteristics to help you determine which surfactants to use in different situations.

In 2021, we were proud to honor some wonderful pharmacy compounding professionals who make a big difference in their communities. We presented our annual awards to these extraordinary and deserving compounders in October and November this year.

Andrew Glasnapp helps you understand which form of lidocaine to use in different situations by explaining the chemical and physical properties, clinical considerations, common dosages, and safety and toxicity factors for both lidocaine and lidocaine hydrochloride.

Congratulations to Kevin Hennessy of The Compounding Pharmacist in West Chester, Pennsylvania for being our December Profile in Personalized Medicine. These profiles celebrate members of the PCCA family who have proven to be champions of pharmacy compounding by providing the highest quality of service to their patients.

Bill Letendre walks you through the four main categories of business goals, according to experts. (Hint: They're not all financial.) He also explains why each type is important for pharmacies and provides tips for setting and achieving your goals.

A.J. Day outlines how the FDA PCAC process works as well as a major development that happened with methylcobalamin at the 2021 PCAC meeting. He then explains how compounding pharmacies can help to further the process now.