What to do when you are told that your medicine is discontinued or there is a manufacturer shortage

Over the years Expert Compounding Pharmacy has filled prescriptions for many discontinued medications and medications that are unavailable due to a manufacturer's shortage. These situations may occur when a medication becomes less profitable causing companies to stop production.

Just recently we have heard of numerous shortages. What does a patient along with their healthcare provider do in such a situation? Call Expert Compounding Pharmacy and if the active ingredient is available we will be able to compound the medication for you.

With a written prescription we can help prevent a disruption in the course of treatment that you and your physician have chosen.

Not only can Expert Compounding Pharmacy fill prescriptions for drugs that are no longer available but we can also compound commercially available medications for patients that may be lactose intolerant, allergic to preservatives & dyes and that require a different strength or dosage form than what is commercially available.

A History and a Love of Compounding

It is hard to believe that I have been compounding for 26 years. I had been a pharmacist who worked in retail pharmacy filling 300-400 prescriptions a day which for the most part meant either counting or pouring commercial medications. In 1984 I was offered a position at Expert Compounding Pharmacy and as they say, "the rest is history."

We began to compound prescriptions for patients as an additional service to our traditional commercial pharmacy. In 1998 the compounding business expanded enough to allow Expert Compounding Pharmacy to be one of the first "Compounding Only" pharmacies in the United States. Through the years we have established a well known reputation for our compounding skills. With our state of the art equipment and our on going participation in training for our entire staff we feel we provide only the best quality of products.

We first began compounding Customized Hormone Replacement for both men & women but over the years we have worked with healthcare practitioners in almost every specialty. Pain Management, Dermatology, Pediatrics, Dentistry and Veterinary needs are just some of the areas that we have helped to solve unique medical problems.

At a regular commercial pharmacy there seems to be a "one size fits all" approach to healthcare. As a compounding pharmacist I have been able to treat every patient as an individual because we customize every prescription we dispense. We work with practitioners to provide the most optimal healthcare available. The "one on one" relationship with those we serve is one of the main reasons I love my profession as a compounding pharmacist.

Please feel free to contact us for additional information, referrals or if you have any questions. Tel.: 818 988-7979, email: info@expertpharmacy.org.

Elaine Speaks at the Monrovia Providers Group

Elaine explained the difference between a regular pharmacy and a "compounding" pharmacy" to the Monrovia Providers Group --- a robust group of professionals who are dedicated to serving the senior citizens. Many of the members are in the home care and senior care industries. Some of them were not aware of different options that were available for their patients like combining 10 pills into one making it easier for their patients to remember taking their daily requirements. Elaine also explained that it is possible to remove lactose from certain medications for patients who are lactose intolerant. What was supposed to be only a ten minute presentation lingered on because of the many questions that followed.

Elaine is available to speak to businesses and organizations who are interested in learning the advantages of compounding pharmacies. Call 818-988-7979.

Vulvodynia Treatment
By Elaine Blieden, Pharmacist Expert Compounding Pharmacy Phone: 800-247-9767

About 10 years ago our pharmacy received a prescription from a doctor that was treating a patient with Vulvodynia. I knew very little about this condition so I decided to do some research. I subsequently learned that this doctor was an authority on Vulvodynia.

Coincidentaly, around this same time, I was contacted by a physical therapist who specialized in treating women with this condition and wanted to meet with myself and our other pharmacist.

Developing a Treatement for Vulvodynia
Vulvodynia [vul-vo-DIN-ee-uh] — Refers to chronic pain in the external female genital area called the vulva. It is pain in the area around the opening of the vagina. The burning or irritation associated with vulvodynia can be so uncomfortable that sitting still for long periods or even having sex becomes unthinkable.

When we met with the physical therapist she was able to explain in depth what Vulvodynia was, how she assists in a woman's treatment and expressed the need to partner with a reputable Compounding Pharmacy that she could refer physicians and patients to. We were excited to be able to be a part of a team that works with women who so desperately need help. Over the years Expert Compounding Pharmacy has been customizing prescriptions such as compounded pain gels, suppositories and preservative-free hormone creams for the treatment of such a painful condition.

Many women suffer silently with the condition of Vulvodynia. Knowing the symptoms and finding a knowledgeable health care provider are your first steps to finding relief.

Symptoms of Vulvodynia
Pain in the female genital area, This can be (but not limited to) any of the following sensations: burning, soreness, Itching, stinging, rawness, painful intercourse (dyspareunia), throbbing.