Elite Level compounding pharmacy located outside of Akron Ohio.  Therefore, we are experts when it comes to compounding.  Because of this,  we routinely ship compounds to patients throughout Northeast Ohio.  In addition to the local area, we are capable of taking care of patients throughout the entire state of Ohio.  In addition, we mail to Florida and we also take care of many patients in Pennsylvania.  Below we will explain why it is important to use an elite level compounding pharmacy and not just some pharmacy at does some compounding.

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What Makes PharmaCare Compounding Pharmacy Unique?

Everything about PharmaCare is unique.  Especially relevant is the training, the quality of the chemicals, the education and our consulting services. In addition, the level of customer service and the sincere desire to help our patients lead a better life make us stand out.  Because of this, patients, physicians and veterinarians all seek out our services.

We are a unique organization. We help physicians, veterinarians, and patients by developing customized formulas and finding unique solutions to medication problems. Not all pharmacies have the knowledge, equipment or the unique skills that this requires.  Therefore, our pharmacists and technicians have gone through extensive training beyond pharmacy school.  As a result, our staff has expertise in the area of compounding.  In conclusion, specialized training is very important. Visit our pharmacy to see our lab and state of the art compounding equipment.

Serving Akron, Cleveland and all of Ohio

PharmaCare Compounding Pharmacy has been at its current location in Tallmadge, OH since 2003.  Veterinarians and physicians trust us because of our strong ties to Northeast Ohio.  The success of Akron, OH and the surrounding areas are important to PharmaCare Compounding Pharmacy.  We have sponsored youth softball teams, donated to local high schools, and support local police and fire fighters.  Most of all, we love the people of Northeast Ohio.  Hence, we are proud to have helped so many people over the years.

Standards are Important

PharmaCare has worked hard to become compliant with all United States Pharmacopoeia Standards.  In many cases, we do not just meet these standards but exceed them. Due to the high level of difficulty in compounding medications, this is very important.  We go above and beyond due to the difficulty.  We have earned previous accreditations by meeting a set of standards created by experts in the field of pharmaceutical compounding, a board composed of the leading experts in the compounding pharmacy field today. Consequentially, we are leading experts in the field of compounding pharmacy.  These standards focus on the quality and safety of compounded preparations.  In conclusion, exceeding all standards set forth by the United States Pharmacopoeia is a strong statement of our pharmacy’s commitment to provide high quality compounded medications for our community.

In order to be an elite level compounding pharmacy, we completed an extensive application that was reviewed by the Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board. Our compounding policies and procedures were then reviewed by pharmaceutical and compounding professionals. Next, we opened our doors for an extensive on-site inspection led by compounding experts. Our pharmacy was awarded accreditation only when these stringent evaluations were completed and our pharmacy was deemed compliant.  Since this time, we have continued to evolve and make our preparations even better!

Facts about Elite Level Compounding Pharmacies

What are Compounded Medications?

Compounded medications are prescriptions that are written by a physician, veterinarian or other legally authorized prescriber and prepared for an individual patient. They are not commercially available; rather, they are prepared by a pharmacist to meet an individual’s unique needs as determined by the prescriber.

Pharmacy compounding is the art and science of preparing customized medications for patients. Its practice dates back to the origins of pharmacy; yet, compounding’s presence throughout the pharmacy profession has changed over the years.  In the 1930’s and 1940’s, approximately 60 percent of all medications were compounded. With the advent of drug manufacturing in the 1950’s and 60’s, compounding rapidly declined.

The Pharmacist’s Role

The pharmacist’s role as a preparer of medications quickly changed to that of a dispenser of manufactured dosage forms. Within the last two decades, though, compounding has experienced resurgence, as modern technology and innovative techniques and research have allowed more pharmacists to customize medications to need specific patient needs. Today, an estimated one percent of all prescriptions are compounded daily by pharmacists working closely with physicians and their patients.

Compounded medications are necessary for a variety of reasons. Examples include:

  • If a child needs a dose smaller than the manufactured dose.
  • When a patient cannot tolerate an inactive ingredient in a manufactured medicine.
  • A doctor believes a medicine is needed for his or her patient, but a manufacturer has discontinued the medicine for economic reasons.
  • When a pet needs a medication that is only available in bubble gum flavor (try and give that to your cat!)

Compounded medications are safe and effective treatment options for patients. Prescribers customize prescriptions for patients when they believe compounded medications are that patient’s best treatment option.

Why is it important to use a Specialized,  Compounding Only Pharmacy?

Compounding medications is an integral part of the practice of pharmacy, and with the demand of patient-specific compounded medications increasing each year, there is a need for an enhanced, profession-wide system of standards by which each compounding pharmacy can test its quality processes. While compounding pharmacy is regulated by the state, accreditation is an even more comprehensive way to ensure a compounding pharmacy is meeting the highest quality and safety standards.

Pharmacists also want to give patients and prescribers a way to select a quality pharmacy. An elite level compounding pharmacy wants to be able to demonstrate that they are “the best.”  PharmaCare Compounding pharmacy goes above and beyond all state and federal laws.

In 2013, we were accredited by a not-for-profit corporation formed and led by eight national pharmacy organizations that recognized the need for a national standards organization for compounding pharmacy. Together, these leading organizations developed the industry principles, policies and standards for the practice of compounding pharmacy, as well as the Accreditation criteria and processes.  We maintain and exceed these standards even today.

Examples of Specific Quality and Safety Standards

  • As a Compounding Only Pharmacy, can use only certain chemicals from highly reliable suppliers.
  • Our pharmacists and their technicians must receive regular, specialized training which is unique to PharmaCare Compounding Pharmacy
  • Compounding facilities must meet design and other related standards to help ensure the area is clear and free of contamination.
  • PharmaCare Compounding Pharmacy meets or exceeds USP <795> standards for non-sterile compounding and/or USP <797> standards for sterile compounding.
  • We focus on making the best compounds for our patients, that is why we take great pride in following and exceeding all of the United States  Pharmacopoeia’s principles of compounding.

PharmaCare Compounding Pharmacy once submitted documented proof that we meed all United States Pharmacopeia’s quality standards, submitted our policies and procedures for review, and opened our doors to a physical inspection.

Why is Compounding Important?

In every field of medicine, there are some patients who can’t take or use medication in the form or strength that is commercially available from the manufacturer. Compounding pharmacists have access to the pure chemical form of drugs which then enables doctors and pharmacists to meet the individual needs of patients. Having the ability to compound with unique dosage forms such as foam, effervescent powders, animal treats, pastes, rectal rockets, polyox bandages and troches may help patients get the medication they need.

Compounding Prescriptions

 Almost any kind. Compounded prescriptions are ideal for any patient requiring unique dosages and/or delivery devices, which can take the form of solutions, suppositories, sprays, oral rinses, lollipops, and even as transdermal creams. Compounding applications can include: Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy, Veterinary, Hospice, Pediatric, Ophthalmic, Dental, Otic, Dermatology, Medicine Flavoring, Chronic Pain Management, Neuropathies, Sports Medicine, Infertility, Wound Therapy, Podiatry and Gastroenterology.

Is Compounding Legal? Is it Safe?

Over the last decade, compounding’s resurgence has largely benefited from advances in technology, quality control and research methodology. Compounded preparations are ethical and legal according to the FDA as long as they are prescribed by a licensed practitioner for a specific patient and compounded by a licensed pharmacy. In addition, compounding is regulated by the state boards of pharmacy.

More detailed information about PharmaCare Compounding Pharmacy can be found on its Web site at https://pharmacarerx.com/about-us/

What do Veterinarians have to say about PharmaCare Compounding Pharmacy?

According to the AMVA, evaluating the quality of a compounding pharmacy is very important because the health of your pet depends on it.  The AMVA recommends only using a specialty compounding pharmacy.  This way veterinarians are sure patients only get quality compounds that will be safe and effective.  The AMVA goes on to state that a quality compounding pharmacy will meet or exceed very high quality and practice standards.  Therefore, it is very important to only use a compounding pharmacy if you ever have to have a compounded made for you or your beloved pet.

About Dr. Powell

Dr. Powell earned his Doctorate in Pharmacy from Duquesne University in 2007.  The Mylan School of Pharmacy held the number three ranking in the country.  While in pharmacy school Dr. Powell took an interest in infectious disease and endocrinology. During his 6th year of pharmacy school he had the opportunity to study infectious disease under renowned infectious disease clinical pharmacist, Dr. Hank Freedy, Pharm.D.  The clinical pharmacists at Duquesne University sparked Dr Powell’s interest in endocrinology. The clinical pharmacists examined the effects of melatonin on breast cancer.

When it comes to compounding, Dr. Powell’s specialty is consulting patients and physicians on bio-identical hormone replacement therapy. His consulting services are unique in that he will be making recommendations based upon his expertise in pharmacology. Not only can Dr. Powell consult on hormone replacement therapy, but he believes the body should be treated as a whole. In other words, the sex hormones are all interconnected. He ties nutritional supplements, vitamins, adrenal dysfunction and stress management techniques into his recommendations.

Dr. Powell’s Training

  • Accredited from 2013 to 2019 by the Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board
    • less than 2% of all pharmacies earn this accreditation
  • Member of the Professional Compounding Centers of America
    • General Compounding Training
    • Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Training (BHRT)
  • Completed accredited compounding training activities in regards to BHRT with the Medisca Network
  • Completed training at the American Academy of Anti-Ageing

Dr Powell’s first order of business was to achieve full compliance with United States Pharmacopoeia Standards. “Safety and quality are important components of our philosophy. It is important to set a higher-than-commonplace level of safety and quality. Our attention to detail regarding exposure control protects our staff and our patients. End product validation and quality checks are a mainstay in our day to day operations.”

Favorite Compounding Success Story

Powell: I really enjoy helping women balance their hormones.  A woman off the street came in to visit us one day.  The woman wanted to learn more about bio-identical hormone replacement therapy.  “My primary care physician just blew me off. I feel sick and tired all the time! Why won’t anyone listen to me?” I took her into my office, offered her a cup of coffee and we chatted for about an hour. She left my office with a saliva kit so she could check her hormones at home and she took a copy of our hormone questionnaire that she was going to return to me before her consultation.

Two weeks later I had the results of her saliva test and we met to discuss her levels. I made my recommendations to the same primary care physician she had met with earlier. After some discussions and many questions he was ready to try some bio-identical hormones. Three months later, the patient stated that she was a new woman; she lost 18 pounds and, now, my biggest proponent of compounding is her husband. He said I gave him his wife back.

About Tom Stewart, RPh

Tom has a long tenure in compounding. He has been practicing the art for more than 18 years.  Community pharmacy was his prior practice setting.  As a result, Tom is attentive to the patient at all times.  This is one of Tom’s trademarks at PharmaCare Compounding Pharmacy.

Tom graduated from Ohio Northern University School of Pharmacy in 1973 with a BSPh (Bachlors of Scinece in Pharmacy.) Tom worked as a community pharmacist until 1990 and then began a career that focused specifically on specialized compounding that included sterile preparations, progesterone suppositories and various compounds for a wide variety of veterinary patients. “Compounding affords me something a high-volume community chain pharmacy could not do – provide an endless variety of prescriptions and pharmaceutical challenges,” says Tom.

In 2003 Tom and a fellow pharmacist opened up one of the first compounding only pharmacies in Northeastern Ohio; they called it PharmaCare Compounding Pharmacy. They wanted a name that conveyed the fact that they really cared about their patients and that those patients were the priority.  In 2008 the Professional Compounding Center of America recognized Tom as an industry leader.  This organization named Tom their pharmacist of the month.

PharmaCare has attained and maintained a reputation for its patient consultation services.  “Practitioners consider our pharmacy as a designated site for direct referrals.  The referrals come to us for a verity of issues.  We help the physician treat neuropathic pain to hyperhidrosis to hormone imbalance,” states Stewart.

Favorite Compounding Success Story

Stewart: Mine involves a four-legged patient, a very large canine with a significant seizure disorder. The owner presented to me what she described as the last chance to save her beloved dog.  The dog was on a large phenobarbital dose.  The once-playful pup had become a lethargic mass of fur.  Therefore, this poor pup had a very low quality of life.

I took on the challenge to save the dog and worked with the vet to titrate up potassium bromide while weaning down the phenobarbital. Within weeks, the seizures stopped.  PharmaCare Compounding Pharmacy restored the dog’s quality of life.  Restored so much that the owner would actually bring in this “big mass of tongue” to the pharmacy for his monthly prescription refill. Upon many of their visits, his loyal owner often was teary and emotional, remarking on how close she was to putting her beloved dog down.  Such a simple compound had such a powerful and lasting outcome.

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