ThinkNext: International Seminar 2024 (ThinkNext: ISTX24), held October 17 - 19 in Houston, Texas, was a huge success with well over 500 rockstar compounders from around the world. We’re sharing seminar highlights and memorable takeaways that make PCCA members return year after year.

October 15 is National Pharmacy Technician Day! Our Profile in Personalize Medicine highlights Katie Albers, CPhT, Pharmacy Manager and Co-Owner, along with Dawn Trame, RPh, and Richard W. Schulte, Esq., of Impact Compounding, located in Tipp City, Ohio. We asked Katie what “Compounding: It’s Personal” means to her and her pharmacy, why she was drawn to compounding and so much more.

Thyroid health plays a pivotal role in regulating metabolism, energy levels and overall well-being.1 Among the spectrum of thyroid disorders, subclinical hypothyroidism often flies under the radar due to its subtle symptoms. However, its implications on weight management warrants closer attention. Taking a closer look into what subclinical hypothyroidism entails, its connection to weight loss challenges, the importance of appropriate testing, and how excipients in medications can influence thyroid hormone absorption can help many patients with this elusive condition.

The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) General Chapter 800 addresses the handling of hazardous drugs (HDs) to minimize the risk of exposure to patients, health care workers and the environment. It became compendially applicable in November 2023. USP 800 contains some key elements that specifically apply to employee safety and HD containment. Section 16, for example, discusses managing HD spills and retaining spill kits on site. This article addresses HD spills that occur in a compounding pharmacy; however, it can be adapted for handling of non-HD chemical spills as well.

In the race to unlock the secrets of longevity, one of the most exciting areas of research is mitochondrial health. These tiny organelles, often referred to as the "powerhouses" of the cell, are responsible for producing the energy (ATP) that fuels every cell in the body. As we age, mitochondrial function tends to decline, leading to reduced energy, increased oxidative stress and accelerated aging. Maximizing mitochondrial health has emerged as a key strategy for extending both lifespan and health span — how long we live and how well we live.1

Our Profiles in Personalized Medicine highlights Erik Nelson, PharmD, FAAMFM, FACA, owner of Koru Pharmacy in Spokane, Washington. Erik shares what “Compounding: It’s Personal” means in his pharmacy, his motivation to become a compounding pharmacist, a special patient success story and more. Erik has been a proud PCCA member since 2013.

In a woman’s life, the absence of menstruation for 12 months marks the official beginning of menopause. Waning ovarian function coupled with declining circulating hormone levels spark natural menopause, but menopause may also occur as result of surgical procedures such as following a hysterectomy and/or oophorectomy. Commonly reported symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, sleep disturbances, mood swings and weight gain,1 with an estimated 70% of menopausal women experiencing weight gain.

You’re likely familiar with semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) used in commercially available prescription medicines for treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. Are you aware that GLP-1 — the hormone semaglutide is designed to induce — is naturally produced by the body to help promote healthy blood sugar levels, curb cravings and maintain a healthy weight? Or aware of the bacterium in the gut microbiota that induces natural production of GLP-1?

I'm thrilled to speak at the upcoming ThinkNext: International Seminar 2024 (ThinkNext24) in October. My keynote, "The Power of Kindness: Strategies to Unite and Elevate Your Organization," isn't just another feel-good presentation — it's a call to action backed by science and proven results.

Our Profile in Personalized Medicine highlights Neda Debassige Toeg, BSP, RPh, founder and owner of Sweetgrass Pharmacy & Compounding in Manitoulin Island, Ontario, Canada. Neda shares her experience as the first Indigenous-owned and operated pharmacy on a reserve in Canada, highlighting the impact on her community and patients. She also shares what motivated her to become a compounding pharmacist, the special role compounders hold in healthcare and more. Nada has been a proud PCCA member since 2019.