Custom medications can be useful in many areas such as:

Dermatology

We work closely with several reputable dermatologists in the city, providing solutions and alternatives to help their patients. Apotheca Compounding Pharmacy offers a variety of advanced skin-care products to treat, correct and prevent various dermatological conditions. We also compound custom formulations for dermatologists’ offices, such as anesthetic creams, and supplements. As a result of our ongoing relationship with dermatologists and plastic surgeons we continue to expand our knowledge of skin and skin health, in developing specialized treatment options.

Dosage forms: creams, foams, lotions, pastes, ointments, shampoos, powders, gels, nail paints and solutions

We treat: Wounds, Eczema, Psoriasis, Melasma(dark skin spots), Hair loss, Acne, Adult acne, Nail fungal infections, Diaper rash, Brittle nails, Warts and Angiofibromas (TSC)

Antiaging: The treatment of the skin to prevent and reverse aging is very effective when the right combination of ingredients and strengths are used. Department store skin care products list the ingredients, but seldom list the concentration of active ingredients. By law, these products are only required to be safe and do not have to prove effectiveness. Our compounding pharmacy can take these formulas and increase the concentration of active ingredients to enhance the effectiveness, or make a new formulation from scratch.

Discontinued or Backordered products: We compound products that are not currently commercially available such as Zonalon® cream. When manufacturers are not able to supply items such as Sulfacet-R® and Vitamin A acid creams due to backorders, we fill the need.

Allergies: If you have specific allergies or sensitivities, we can formulate a product that meets your needs, while avoiding certain allergens.

Ingredients not found in most pharmacies: We have a long list of active ingredients that we use in our formulations, such as: Niacinamide, Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate (more stable form of Azelaic acid), EGCG (green tea), spironolactone( topically), kojic acid, Alpha lipoic acid, Estriol (anti-aging), Vitamin B12 (topically for atopic dermatitis), Idebenone, Biopeptides, DMAE, CoQ10, etc.

If you are not satisfied with your current treatment, we may be able to suggest some alternatives.

Podiatry

In recent years, more and more podiatrists and physicians have depended on compounding pharmacies to help treat a variety of foot-related problems and diseases. Our compounding pharmacists can work directly with podiatrists to provide treatment options for:

• Athlete’s Foot
• Nail Removal
• Heel Pain
• Excessive Perspiration
• Diabetic Neuropathy
• Foot Odour
• Foot Pain
• Circulation Improvement
• Nail Fungus
• Skin Care Treatments
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Warts
• Hyperhydrosis (excessive sweating)
• Inflammation
• Wound Healing
• Calluses

We can combine several compatible medications into a single dosage form for easy administration. Also, when certain medications are used in unison, a positive effect is often achieved, improving your treatment program.

Possible dosage forms and examples include:

• Powders: Aluminum Chlorohydrate 5%
• Roll-on solutions: Formaldehyde 10% solution
• Ointments: 40% urea ointment
• Transdermal gels: Ketamine 10%, Gabapentin 6% & Clonidine 0.2% pain gel
• Nail polish: Ketoconazole or Itraconazole 2%, Ibuprofen 2% in DMSO nail polish, Terbinafine 1.67% nail polish

If you are suffering from diabetic neuropathy we can work with your physician and provide some suggestions.

Paediatrics

Children offer a unique challenge for every parent when it comes to administering medication. Many drugs taste terrible. Others are in tablets too large to swallow. Some aren’t even made for children. In cases where a medication is manufactured in liquid form, it often doesn’t meet the taste requirements of children. Pediatricians and compounding pharmacists can work together to find alternative dosage forms for your child.

Several dosage forms are possible:

• Lollipop
• “Gummy bear” lozenge
• Suspension, liquid
• Suppository
• Effervescent powder
• Topical cream

With a choice of many flavors, we can make just about any medication taste better:

The medication flavours are dye-free (most), sugar-free, alcohol-free(most), sodium free, phosphate free, gluten free, casein free and non-allergenic. Why go home with bad tasting medicine, when you can go home with Chocolate Banana flavoured medicine?

Dentistry

We work together with dentists and their patients to solve problems using customized medications.

Menopause—BIOIDENTICAL HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY (BHRT)

Bioidentical hormones have received a lot of attention over the last several years. Bioidentical hormones are an option worth exploring for women experiencing the symptoms of menopause but who are reluctant to try traditional hormone replacement therapy. Bioidentical hormones are derived from plants and have been modified to have the exact same chemical structure as hormones produced within the human body. Bioidentical hormones function within the body just as if the body had produced them. Our compounding pharmacists prepare these hormones most commonly as creams that absorb into the skin. Bioidentical hormones make it possible to customize therapy for the individual. Dosage forms can be designed with various strengths and combinations of hormones – whatever is best for that particular person. You are your own unique individual. Why not have your own individualized hormone replacement therapy customized to meet your specific needs?

Get informed. There are a lot of studies and information available on the benefits of BHRT. These 2 studies are a good start.

http://obgyn.imng.com/fileadmin/content_pdf/obn/archive_pdf/vol44iss2/70015_main.pdf

http://www.holtorfmed.com/pdf/01-Bioidentical-hormone-debate.pdf

There is a theory that aging is mainly due to the progressive appearance of hormone deficiencies, aggravated by nutritional deficiencies and poor lifestyle. If you are interested in learning more or finding out if BHRT would be right for you, call or email us for a One-on-One Health Consultation.

Tuberous Sclerosis

We are one of the few pharmacies in North America that make topical rapamycin (sirolimus) ointment in strengths ranging from 0.1-0.35%. It has been successfully used in the treatment of facial angiofibromas in patients with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex. Facial angiofibromas have been historically resistant to medical, surgical and laser treatments. Topical application of rapamycin has shown to be an effective treatment, with minimal side effects.