The voice for pharmacy compounding | April 8, 2022
From APC’s President
Threats abound
David J. Miller, RPh
APC President
You’ll read below about the case of La Vita Compounding Pharmacy and the California Board of Pharmacy — and how APC is responding to the issue. It’s a reminder that, while we tend to focus on threats from federal agencies, often they’re much closer to home.
In the case of La Vita, the APC Board of Directors authorized $15,000 from APC’s Legal Defense Fund to commission an amicus brief on behalf of La Vita Pharmacy. That’s the latest example of how members don’t have to go into battle alone — your investment in APC goes right back to support your profession.
I wanted to share with you the gratitude expressed by the co-founders of La Vita Pharmacy for your support (and the in-kind support of all compounders licensed in California).
You have no idea how much your support provides us the inner motivation to continue to do the right thing. It can be a daunting task to take on the California Board of Pharmacy […] We know you have many competing agendas right now and appreciate your support of this critical issue.
—Deb Hubers
Thank you for holding the Town Hall Briefing. It is imperative all compounders understand the critical nature of this case and the ramifications it could have. There is power in numbers, as we all know. To that point, Deb and I started a website to gather patient testimonials regarding methylcobalamin and glutathione.
Thank you again for your support— we feel less alone on this issue and are determined to fight with all we have to preserve access to dietary-grade injectables.
—Christine Givant, R.Ph.
David Miller is APC’s president and the managing co-owner of Keystone Compounding Pharmacy in Grand Rapids, Michigan. You can reach him at drdave@keystonepharm.com.
This Week
APC launches Pharmacy/Facility Membership
APC has launched a new, more valuable class of membership — and a better way support and benefit from the alliance. Pharmacy/Facility Membership was rolled out at the Owner Summit two weeks ago, and already more than 20 pharmacies and facilities have transitioned their membership. It’s now available for large and small 503A pharmacies and 503B outsourcing facilities.
Pharmacy/Facility Membership lets these companies offer more to employees while doing more for their business — not to mention helping protect the practice of pharmacy compounding.
When a pharmacy or facility joins APC, every one of its employees becomes a full APC member with all that has to offer: our deep well of continuing education opportunities, professional development events, information services, and professional discounts.
And every one of those employees helps amplify APC’s influence with Congress, regulatory agencies, and state legislatures.
It’s good for your business, too. APC Pharmacy/Facility members can take advantage of new members-only products, services, and discounts, including our new Compounded Cost-Charge Tool, training webinars, APMS enrollment, listing in our compounding-pharmacy locator, discounts, and much more. It’s all to keep you informed, compliant, and practicing at the top of your game.
What does it cost? Less than it would for individual memberships! Check out the dues calculator here to see exactly what your annual dues will be.
Upgrading to Pharmacy/Facility Membership
It’s simple: Just download the Pharmacy/Facility Membership form, fill it out, and email or fax it back — we’ll take care of the rest.
If you have any questions, just drop us a note at info@a4pc.org or call (281) 933-8400.
(If you’ve already turned in your paperwork and don’t see your pharmacy/facility listed, don’t worry — we’re processing more memberships as you read this!)
Welcome — our first 25 Pharmacy/Facility Members!
Like the Louisiana Purchase did for the U.S., these 25 new Pharmacy/Facility Members have effectively doubled APC’s membership count virtually overnight — and more are signing up. We hope you’ll be one!
Keystone Pharmacy; Alto, MI
MedQuest Pharmacy; North Salt Lake, UT
Central Compounding Center; Durham, NC
Central Ohio Compounding Pharmacy; Worthington, OH
Union Avenue Compounding Pharmacy; Tacoma, WA
Pacific NW Specialty Pharmacy; Vancouver, WA
Designer Drugs; Chattanooga, TN
Civic Center Pharmacy; Scottsdale, AZ
Town & Country Compounding & Consultation Services; Ramsey, NJ
The Art of Medicine; Philadelphia
Koshland Pharm; San Francisco, CA
Innovative Pharmacy Solutions; Edmond, OK
North Fulton Compounding Pharmacy; Alpharetta, GA
Makers Compounding Pharmacy; Mount Vernon, WA
Empower Pharmacy; Houston
Elements Compounding Pharmacy; Mesa, AZ
Williamsburg Drug Co; Williamsburg, VA
Rivertown Compounding Pharmacy; Grandville, MI
Town Total Compounding Center; Woodbury, NY
Flourish Integrative Pharmacy; Oklahoma City
Nubratori Rx; Torrance, CA
Pharmco; Torrance, CA
Puramint; Raleigh, NC
San Ysidro Pharmacy; Montecito , CA
Small pharmacy, big implications
There’s good reason to be concerned about a small compounding pharmacy in California: La Vita Compounding Pharmacy’s situation is a warning to compounders nationwide.
The pharmacy is under fire by the California Board of Pharmacy for compounding glutathione and methylcobalamin.
APC is holding a 30-minute virtual town hall briefing to explain the La Vita Pharmacy situation, the nationwide implications, and what we’re doing to defend the pharmacy — and compounders in general.
Please join us Wednesday, April 13 at 4:00 PM EDT via Zoom. The briefing is free and open to all, but we do need you to register at A4PC.org/lavitatownhall.
And please, spread the word!
Welcome aboard, CTA!
A warm welcome to APC’s newest Corporate Patron: Corporate Tax Advisors of Huntsville, Alabama!
Letter to Califf calls attention to Menopause study
APC was one of four organizations —including APhA, NCPA, and PCCA — that sent a letter to FDA Commissioner Robert Califf making him aware of the peer-reviewed study in Menopause, the Journal of The North American Menopause Society, that we wrote about last week — the one that found no evidence that compounded hormones pose an increased clinical risk compared to FDA-approved products.
“As you continue to evaluate what, if any, additional steps the FDA will take in response to the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Mathematics (NASEM) study,” the letter said, “we encourage you to keep these new findings in mind and help ensure continued access to these important therapies.”
A special thank you to PCCA for taking the lead on this message.
APC reps tape PBS cBHT documentary segment
Here are APC member Peter Koshland of Koshland Pharm in San Francisco, Dr. Angela DeRosa of Belmar Pharmacy, and APC CEO Scott Brunner. What’s going on?
They’re on set in south Florida, filming a documentary on the threat to compounded hormone therapy — one that will air on “PBS ViewPoint,” hosted by Dennis Quaid.
It’s just one of the ways the funds from the Campaign to Save Compounded Hormones are helping get the message out. The episode is scheduled to air this summer, then will be available on the PBS website. (We also hope to have versions you can play in your lobby or office.)
Short Takes
Don’t miss it: If you haven’t already, be sure to mark your calendars for PCCA’s ACT Virtual Legislative Conference (May 10) followed by virtual Hill visits (May 12). Sign up now!
Vote for Matt! You have a chance to ensure APhA includes a voice for compounding. APC member Matt Martin is running for APhA-APPM Compounding SIG Coordinator-Elect, and he would love your support. He’s not just a pretty face: Matt has been a long-time compounding advocate, led PCCA’s Clinical Services Team, served on APhA’s Policy Committee, and he has years of compounding and community pharmacy experience. Voting ends noon EDT on Monday, April 18. Click here and vote Matt!
Can’t argue: Britain’s National Health Service has added nine new signs of infection to its official list of Covid-19 symptoms. Included on that list: “feeling sick or being sick.”
Beyond hormones: Older women should consider eating six to 12 prunes a day to prevent osteoporosis. All those prunes “may reduce pro-inflammatory mediators that may contribute to bone loss in postmenopausal women” according to a study out of Penn State.
Coming Up
April 13 — La Vita Pharmacy town hall briefing
April 21 — APC FREE CE: Compounding Thyroid with Michelle Moser
May 10 — PCCA ACT Virtual Legislative Conference
May 12 — PCCA ACT Virtual Hill Visits
September 14–15, 2022 — APC’s Compounders on Capitol Hill 2022, Hilton National Mall, Washington, DC
APC is committed to addressing any concerns or complaints within one business day. Please send them — and, of course, any compliments — to info@a4pc.org.
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