Off-Label Drug Use Versus FDA-Approved Medications
In November 2012, Medtronic issued a warning letter regarding the use of off-label medications within its Synchromed II pain pump. This letter emphasized an increase of motor stalls within implantable infusion devices with unapproved drugs. This letter specifically stated, "The [...]
Bill HR 3204: The Drug Quality and Security Act
I wish to discuss with you the recent passage of federal legislation as it relates to sterile compounding. In November 2013, President Obama signed a bill "“ HR 3204, The Drug Quality and Security Act "“ in response to the [...]
Employee Highlight: Cesar Benavidez, Pharmacy Technician
Cesar Benavidez, Pharmacy Technician at Hartley Medical, has been a crucial part of Hartley's pharmaceutical compounding team for over four years. With vast training from the Pharmacy Technician Training Institute, Cesar has invaluable knowledge of both sterile and non-sterile compounding. [...]
William’s Notations from NANS 2013: Dr. David Caraway, A Review
Dr. David Caraway was another intriguing presenter at the 2013 NANS meeting. His discussion, On-label and Off-label Use of Intrathecal Medications and PACC Review, hit some very controversial issues over which many of my clients have expressed concerns. He started [...]
William’s Notations from NANS 2013: Dr. Elliott Krames, A Review
Another great 2013 NANS meeting presentation was by Dr. Elliott Krames on Using the S.A.F.E. Principles for Patient Selection and IT Trialing Methods. Initially, Dr. Krames produced a set of guidelines for treating patients with chronic pain, known as KISS; [...]
William’s Notations from NANS 2013: Dr. Lawrence Poree, A Review
I recently attended the North American Neuromodulation Society (NANS) Meeting 2013, in Las Vegas, Nevada, held at the Mandalay Bay Resort. It was another amazing conference and I have much to report. I was fortunate to attend the Intrathecal [...]
Sterile Compounding: New Laws and Regulations: A Review
I recently attended a symposium conducted by Western University of Health Sciences, College of Pharmacy entitled, Sterile Compounding New Laws And Regulations. This took place at the Newport Beach Hyatt on January 18 of this year, and it was [...]
Endotoxins and Environmental Monitoring for Your Pharmacy, A Review
Recently, I had the honor and privilege to present a webinar on behalf of the International Academy of Compounding Pharmacists entitled, Endotoxins and Environmental Monitoring for Your Pharmacy. There were over 130 attendees for [...]
20th Annual Napa Pain Conference, Dr. Elliott Krames: A Review
I recently returned from the 20th Annual Napa Pain Conference where I was fortunate to attend and present at a pre-conference meeting entitled, "Intraspinal Therapies: Enhancing Clinical Practices and Improving Patient Safety." The pre-conference was held for Allied Health Professionals [...]
20th Annual Napa Pain Conference, William Stuart, RPh
At the 20th Annual Napa Pain Conference, I was fortunate to conduct a presentation at a pre-conference meeting entitled, "Drugs for Intrathecal Administration: Access and Safety." I began with a discussion of pharmacy provider considerations in order to provide basic [...]