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Profiles In Personalized Medicine - Marvin Almendarez

This Profile in Personalized Medicine highlights Marvin Almendarez, CPhT, of Patio Drugs in Metarie, Louisiana. Patio Drugs is owned by John and Daisy DiMaggio, and they have been PCCA members since 1992.


What led you into the career of a pharmacy technician?

I wanted a stable and interesting field. I decided to go to school to become a technician and once I was in the program, I realized I thoroughly enjoyed it. After I graduated, I became nationally certified and wanted to make sure I learned and absorbed all vital information regarding pharmacy once I started working at Patio Drugs Pharmacy.
 

When did you learn about compounding?

When I was in school, I had the opportunity to take an IV/compounding class and I immediately knew this was the aspect of pharmacy I wanted to specialize in. I moved to Louisiana where Patio Drugs was the leading compounding pharmacy in the area (and still is). Once I was aware there was an opening, I applied and was blessed with the opportunity to learn and work alongside the best. I started compounding in February 2010; I have been compounding for 12 years and in this area of pharmacy, I learn something new every day.
 

What do you find most fulfilling about compounding?

The most gratifying facet of compounding is being able to assist our patients and doctors in providing treatments that are personalized to their specific need or requirement.
 

What are some of your favorite PCCA formulas?

Nasal suspensions and solutions are big for us.

A favorite base of mine is NataTroche™. It’s a pleasure to compound with since it is an "all-in-one" base that makes creating the troche way more efficient. And I cannot forget to mention the PCCA Rectal Rocket, as it is the epitome of pharmaceutical elegance.
 

What are some compounding success stories of yours?

There are many achievements at Patio Drugs Pharmacy that have had meaningful impacts. We take great pride in being a community pharmacy and make sure we best serve our patrons in any way possible.

One time in particular stands out in my mind. We had a patient who was an organ transplant recipient and could not take the necessary lifesaving commercially available medication. Our compounding team researched and found a formulation to make the important medication into a suspension so they could continue their treatment uninterrupted and alleviate any concerns the patient or doctors had.

Patio Drugs Pharmacy also serves animals. We are able to make custom dosage forms to ease the administration of medication to our beloved pets. I have two cats, Loki and Tootsie, and I’ve learned how difficult it is to give them medications.

We once received a call from a dog owner, asking if there was any way we could help with medication administration. The dog would not take liquid medication and they’d already tried capsules with little to no success. Working with the veterinarian, our compounding team came up with a resolution. The dosage form was reformulated into a gel using a penetration-enhancing base that facilitated the administration of the medication. Happy pet, happy life.
 

What advice would you give to a new compounder?

The utmost advice I can convey is to learn the fundamentals. Learn the math, the laws, the correct sterile/nonsterile compounding techniques, policies and procedures. Hold yourself to the absolute highest standard; error is not an option. Double-, even triple-check all formulations. Compounding pharmacies address and serve patients in need of solutions when others do not have the answers.

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