As compounders, we work with a variety of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), some of which are more challenging to compound than others. Compounding with methylene blue as an API has risen due to emerging research for a variety of clinical applications. However, methylene blue can be intimidating to compound due to its intense blue color, which may stain costly lab equipment, countertops and other materials. Discover some useful techniques that can ease the sometimes stressful process of working with this vibrant API.

Vulvodynia, a condition shrouded in mystery, affects 7% of American women and many times is misdiagnosed as vaginitis.1 The chronic vulvar pain disorder — often described as itching, burning or stabbing sensations — presents symptoms ranging from persistent discomfort to pain during intimacy.2 To better assist patients, we will explore the signs and symptoms of vulvodynia, illuminate the connection with pelvic floor dysfunction and discuss various ways to help patients: topical medications, pelvic floor physical therapy and the intriguing world of acupuncture.

Although January is National Thyroid Month, our Clinical Services team gets a lot of queries throughout the year on managing thyroid patients, including those with autoimmune conditions such as Graves’ disease (GD) and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT). While thyroid clinical management may seem complicated, understanding some basics of thyroid physiology and the pathophysiology of these autoimmune diseases may help make a difference in patients’ lives.

Getting involved in wound care can be a very rewarding clinical niche. Many medical practitioners have limited experience and training in treating wounds, so when pharmacists have knowledge and compounded options to share, it is usually greatly appreciated. Understanding the pathophysiology of wounds and the pharmacology of the active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) used in wound treatment are needed to interact with prescribers and to formulate a patient-specific compound.

In the quest for effective weight management, traditional methods often take center stage — balanced diets, regular exercise and lifestyle changes. However, emerging research suggests that certain nutritional and pharmaceutical ingredients, such as berberine, alpha-lipoic acid, oxytocin and topiramate, may each in their own way offer alternative avenues for those seeking additional support in their weight loss journey.

EctoSeal P2G, our revolutionary powder-to-hydrogel base, is the first natural, biodegradable polymer base created for wound care preparations. Read about the motivation behind its development, as well as clinical applications, from PCCA Clinical Compounding Pharmacist Mark Gonzalez, PharmD.

We are excited to introduce three members of our Clinical Services team: Matt Lester, RPh, MBA, Catherine Henderson, PharmD, and Celeste Zizzamia, PharmD, BCSCP. Each brings their unique expertise — including addressing business concerns, compounding for lifestyle medicine, as well as compounding for oncology patients and USP 800 minimum standards — to assist our members with questions and concerns. You will also see their respective byline in future PCCA Blog posts and Apothagram articles, as well as featured guests in future Mortar & Pestle podcasts.

ThinkNext: International Seminar 2023 (ThinkNext: ISTX23) was a huge success, attended by more than 400 global participants. We’re reviewing the pearls — highlights of key takeaways — from the event to rekindle memories and, for those who missed attending, inspire your participation next year.

Due to pending USP updates that are effective on November 1, 2023, we’re reposting our January Blog, which reviews how a modular compounding cleanroom can meet evolving regulatory requirements and standards.

Read how estrogen levels in men impact testosterone levels, the consequences of low testosterone and the potential ways compounding pharmacies can help.