PCCA Compounding Technician of the Month:

October 2018

Christine Gaglia, Pharmacy Tech

Of Pine Pharmacy in Williamsville, New York

Years in Compounding: 6

Path to Compounding: I had relocated with my husband to Williamsville from Syracuse, New York. I had two small boys and met another mom at their school. She wanted to split a full-time job at a pharmacy. After researching the position, I found that it had perfect hours for a busy mother. I wanted to get away from the long hours in retail.

Seeing as it has worked out well for the last six years, I know I have found the perfect fit. I truly believe things happen for a reason, and I am very fortunate to find such a gratifying position at Pine Pharmacy.

I really like the idea of helping people with medicine that has to be custom made just for them. Mothers with children who have severe allergies depend on us to make their prescriptions correctly. Women who go through such highs and lows with menopause or cancer need something specific that we can custom make just for their bodies. It is truly a pleasure when they call with such gratitude.

Favorite Formula:

PCCA Formula #0821 – Troches in PCCA’s Gelatin Base (PCCA members can access the formula here.)

We have one patient who really enjoys these troches. She has to have different flavors and colors to distinguish each medicine. It really is interesting when making this formula how you can customize the color, taste and strength.

Success Story: There was a 5-year-old patient who was refusing to take his medicine. Another compounding pharmacy had made it, and he did not like the grape or cherry flavoring. We talked to the patient’s mother and offered the option of bubblegum flavor, and she thought he would try it. Not long after, she called for a refill, stating this medication was a godsend and that he loved it.

I had the opportunity to be there when they picked up the refill, and I said to him, “Hi, it is nice to meet you. I made your medicine for you.” He had the biggest smile and said, “Thank you. I really like it, and you did a great job!”

That is the compliment that means the most to me. There may not be frequent compliments, but you learn that those are the ones that can make your day.

Advice for New Compounders: I would let new compounders know that the prescriptions they are making are special for each customer. They need to take extra care when mixing, measuring and dispensing because this is not something taken off a shelf but something that is specific to each individual customer. With that comes the responsibility to make someone’s life a little easier.

The views and therapies expressed in the above article are those of the interviewee and may not be endorsed by PCCA. The statements are provided for educational purposes only. They have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and are not to be interpreted as a promise, guarantee or claim of therapeutic efficacy or safety. The information contained herein is not intended to replace or substitute for conventional medical care, or encourage its abandonment. Every patient is unique, and formulas should be adjusted to meet their individual needs.

Pine Pharmacy is owned by Al Muto, RPh.