COMPOUND WITH CONFIDENCE: PCCA Membership, $795/month.

Pharmacy compounding's source for clinical information, regulatory updates, and opportunities

THE PCCA BLOG

rss

Stay current on PCCA news and events, market trends, and all things compounding!

BB_Hypothyroidism_800w.jpg

Thyroid health plays a pivotal role in regulating metabolism, energy levels and overall well-being.1 Among the spectrum of thyroid disorders, subclinical hypothyroidism often flies under the radar due to its subtle symptoms. However, its implications on weight management warrants closer attention. Taking a closer look into what subclinical hypothyroidism entails, its connection to weight loss challenges, the importance of appropriate testing, and how excipients in medications can influence thyroid hormone absorption can help many patients with this elusive condition.

BB_Mitochondria Dian_800w.jpg

In the race to unlock the secrets of longevity, one of the most exciting areas of research is mitochondrial health. These tiny organelles, often referred to as the "powerhouses" of the cell, are responsible for producing the energy (ATP) that fuels every cell in the body. As we age, mitochondrial function tends to decline, leading to reduced energy, increased oxidative stress and accelerated aging. Maximizing mitochondrial health has emerged as a key strategy for extending both lifespan and health span — how long we live and how well we live.1

BB_Estrogen and GLP-1 RA_800w.jpg

In a woman’s life, the absence of menstruation for 12 months marks the official beginning of menopause. Waning ovarian function coupled with declining circulating hormone levels spark natural menopause, but menopause may also occur as result of surgical procedures such as following a hysterectomy and/or oophorectomy. Commonly reported symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, sleep disturbances, mood swings and weight gain,1 with an estimated 70% of menopausal women experiencing weight gain.

20240812_BB-Pediatric Dosing_823x462.jpg

Developing pharmaceutical products for pediatric patients typically involves creating age-appropriate, weight-based dosing or considering complex formulations. Many commercially available drugs are not tailored for children, often containing unsafe excipients or being provided in dosage forms unsuitable for pediatric use.

202406_BB_Acne_900w.jpg

Although acne commonly occurs in adolescents and some adults, it can leave lasting effects, including scarring. With June designated as Acne Awareness Month, gain clinical understanding of causes and potential treatments that may help your patients.

202405_BB_The Vaginal Microbiome_900w.jpg

Menopause causes more than hot flashes, mood swing and changes in libido; it also impacts diseases caused by shifting changes in the vaginal microbiome. Bridget Briggs, MD, sheds light on the vaginal microbiome, its influences on a woman’s health throughout various life stages, as well as how HRT helps mediate changes — and associated diseases — in the vaginal microbiome during menopause.

2002403_BB_SubMagna_823x462.png

The PCCA Research & Development (R&D) team constantly explores innovative ways to help meet the unique needs of patients. Using a multi-disciplinary approach, we developed SubMagna SL HMW, a self-emulsifying, sublingual delivery system, to accommodate a wide range of drugs with varying molecular weights — including those with a high-molecular weight. This innovative base is another way PCCA helps to fill the unmet needs of patients, prescribers and compounding pharmacies.

20240207_BG_Working Methylene Blue_823x462.jpg

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.

20240202_BG-Vulvodynia_823x462.jpg

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.

20240124_BG-Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases_823x462.jpg

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.