Choosing between Sterile Compounding vs Non-Sterile Compounding

Compounding medications is an important responsibility of a pharmacist. Pharmacists follow a method of compounding medications for both sterile and non-sterile techniques. Let’s try to differentiate sterile and non-sterile compounding.

 

Sterile compounding aims to create a medication in a virus and bacteria-free environment. It aims to eliminate the risks of potentially infectious microorganisms to contaminate the medications. This type of compounding is used for medications that will be administered either through an IV, injection, or directly into the eyes. Administering medications through these routes all have a very high risk of causing infection, and using sterile compounding techniques will help to significantly reduce the risk of infection.

 

Non-sterile compounding involves creating a medication in a clean environment but does not require the environment to be completely free from all microorganisms. This type of compounding is used for medications that will be taken orally, such as pills and liquids that are swallowed by the patient. It is also used for medications that are administered topically, such as ointments that are rubbed onto the skin. These medications that are taken orally have a much lower risk of causing infections compared to the medications injected into the body. That’s why these medications do not need to be compounded using sterile techniques.

 

Now that we have differentiated sterile and non-sterile compounding, you might wonder who offers these techniques in Fort Myers. At MyerLee Pharmacy, we have an established reputation with doctors and patients in Southwest Florida for our state-of-the-art compounding practices. Our pharmacy offers sterile compounded injectable medications, oral medications, sublingual medications, topical medications, and suppositories – to list a few.

 

Injectables, as well as some other compounded medications, must be sterile, have limited endotoxins and must meet labeled potency. Particularly with injectable medication, if the medicine does not meet these specifications, usage may lead to infections and other more severe complications.

 

To prevent this risk, our highly-trained pharmacy staff works in our specially designed facility with state-of-the-art sterile equipment, quality assurance program, and adheres to policies and procedures. At MyerLee Pharmacy, we exceed these standards to provide the best and safest medication to our customers. MyerLee Pharmacy has the experience and expertise in compounding sterile products that you can rely on. Contact MyerLee Pharmacy for your sterile and non-sterile compounding needs today! Call 239-482-3022 for your prescription transfer!

How to Care for your Eyes

Common eye problems include blurred vision, halos, blind spots, and floaters. Blurred vision refers to the loss of sharpness of vision and not being able to see small details. Blind spots, called scotomas, are dark "holes" in the visual field in which nothing can be seen. Floaters are small bits of protein or other material that drift in the clear gel-like part of the eye. These problems can be from damage to the eye itself, a condition of the body like aging or diabetes, or a medicine.

That’s why it is important to see your eye healthcare professional regularly to help avoid or reduce vision problems. Or, you can also do these to protect your eyesight.

1. Find out if you are at higher risk for eye diseases and be aware of your family's health history.
2. Get regular eye exams to maintain your eye health and good vision.
3. Have regular physical exams to check for diabetes and high blood pressure. If left untreated, these diseases can cause eye problems.
4. Look for warning signs of changes in your vision. If you start noticing changes in your vision, see your eye doctor immediately.
5. Exercise more frequently. Yes, exercise helps!
6. When outdoors during daytime, always wear sunglasses that shield your eyes from 100 percent of the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays.
7. Numerous studies have shown that antioxidants can possibly reduce the risk of cataracts. That’s why it is important to eat a healthy and balanced diet.

With these said, always seek the help of an eye specialist. And if it happens that there are some problems with your eyesight, eye specialists usually suggest custom compounding for many ophthalmology medications.

Common ophthalmic sterile compounds:

• Vancomycin & Tobramycin drops for serious eye infection(s)
• Prepare patient specific ophthalmic solutions used in surgery eye centers
• Chemo preparation for eye surgery centers
• Amphotericin Injectables
•  Ceftazidime & Vancomycin Injectables

Where do you get these? Here in Cape Coral and in Naples, Myerlee Pharmacy is your best compounding pharmacy! Myerlee Pharmacy has a certified ISO Class 7 clean room to formulate each compound to your specific needs. We only provide high-quality medicines just for you! For your ophthalmic compounding needs in Cape Coral and Naples, call Myerlee Pharmacy at 239-482-3022 today!

What is Bio-Identical Hormones Replacement Therapy?

Hormones are the body's messengers made in glands and are secreted in the bloodstream into cell receptors throughout the body.  Hormones are essential to the body’s proper functioning. It basically tells you the importance of balanced hormones in our body to function to its full potential. Imbalanced hormones simply means there is something needed to be fixed in your body not only it triggers fat storage and weight gain , they also cause other symptoms like migraines, loss of libido, a disrupted monthly cycle (for women), menopausal issues and psychological symptoms.

Bio-Identical Hormones Replacement Therapy is the process of re-balancing hormones using natural bio-identical hormones. Bioidentical hormones are man-made hormones derived from plant estrogens that are chemically identical to those the human body produces. BHRT or Bio-Identical Hormones Replacement Therapy can be used to treat people when their hormone levels drop or become unbalanced. 

Myerlee Pharmacy uses bioidentical hormones rather than synthetic because synthetics are patented chemicals, and are proven to have deadly side effects including cancer.  Bio-identical hormones, on the other hand, are identical to the body’s naturally produced hormones for our body to function efficiently.

Everyone’s hormone is different, that is why it is important that to run blood or saliva tests in order to determine their unique hormone structures. It will then give us the idea in prescribing just the right formula to balance each one individually.  

BHRT requires unique combinations to work just for you. Myerlee Pharmacy can customize any BHRT formula in several dosage forms depending on the symptom, severity, or your preference. These include vaginal, transdermal, sublingual, & oral capsules. Discuss with your doctor which method is best for you.

You can contact us through 239-482-3022. Our hours of operation is from Monday to Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and on Friday we open at 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. We are closed on Saturday & Sunday. You can also visit our website https://www.myerleepharmacy.com for more information.

Dermatology: Help from a Pharmacy in Fort Myers, Florida

No one gets through life without the occasional rash, sunburn, or patch of itchy, dry skin. Less fortunate individuals suffer with chronic severe skin conditions, such as psoriasis, eczema, acne, or rosacea. Effective prescription treatments can give greater relief and in some cases, result in complete remission, but these drugs may carry large price tags. Specialty pharmacy like MyerLee Pharmacy is helping patients with dermatology issues get their medications without breaking the bank in Fort Myers area.

Many patients with severe skin disorders have gone from general practitioners to dermatologists or even to a series of dermatologists because their conditions are more extensive or are intractable. Take psoriasis for example. These patients may have already been treated with the usual first-line treatments and either did not respond or did not respond well enough. For some cases, many autoimmune skin conditions are effectively treated with pricy medications. However, there are some cases such as psoriasis, eczema, or rosacea, insurance companies often reject. Therefore, patients’ are given older generic formulations that may not work with them.

Myerlee Pharmacy knows that your skin is as unique as you are. The natural loss of elasticity in our skin and wrinkles are due to aging. It can be attributed to exposure to things like the sun, stress, fatigue, poor nutrition and environmental irritants. Aging skin is impossible to avoid since we can’t turn back the hands of time that is why we have many innovative cosmeceutical products available that will help with rejuvenating aging skin.

Our pharmacists will work closely with you and your dermatologist to formulate the right custom blend of medication for your skin. Our dermatology compounds are made for Skin Cancer (5-FU Products), Anti-Aging Cream, Wart Removal, Fungus, Rosacea, Psoriasis/Eczema, Acne, Facial peels, Hair loss, Radiation Burns, Shingles and among many other skin conditions.

The team at Myerlee Pharmacy offers great support and advice for your prescription needs for different dermatology problems with options in Fort Myers.  You can reach us by phone at 239-482-3022 or contact us with your dermatology questions. We will be more than happy to help you anywhere in Lee County or Fort Myers area!

Pain Management Options in Fort Myers

No pain, no gain! But, that doesn’t have to be true all the time. Some of us have little pain tolerance especially when we are not in good condition. “No pain is the same” as they say. So, effectively treating pain must also be unique to the individual experiencing it. May it be a simple headache, back ache, stomach ache, knee pain, etc., each pain is different. The most effective medicinal treatment plans for pain will consider a person’s type of pain (whether it is acute or chronic), the reason for the pain, and the medical history of that individual.

Pain is complex, so there are many treatment options -- medications, therapies, and mind-body techniques. The most common pain treatments include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) and opioid analgesics. By combining various agents that utilize different mechanisms to alter the sensation of pain, physicians have found that smaller concentrations of each medication can be used. Let’s discuss some of the means and ways to administer pain medication.

• Oral Pain Medicine – Delivery methods include capsules, dissolvable troches, Lolli-pops & liquids. This helps release the medication within the blood stream for proper absorption.
• Topical Pain Medicine – Delivered through creams, lotions, sprays, drops or patches; and are applied topically to the skin. Topical pain medications have the best relief without the side effects. Most popularly, this kind of pain medicine is used for skin problems.
• Rectal – suppositories and other dosage forms may be preferable when patients are nauseated or vomiting, or when patient is not permitted oral intake. Once it’s inside, it melts or dissolves and releases its medication.
• Nasal sprays and drops – When you're all stuffed up from a cold, you can get fast relief from a nasal spray. This promotes rapid absorption and clear up the blockage inside your stuffed nose. Some examples would be decongestants, salt-water solutions, and steroid nasal sprays.
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The team at Myerlee Pharmacy offers great support and advice for your prescription needs for different pain management options in Fort Myers.  You can reach us by phone at 239-482-3022 or contact us with your pain management questions.

Understanding Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is a medical condition that may afflict men of different ages, as well as those with health conditions which may lead to it. Erectile dysfunction is described as the inability to make or keep an erection suitable for sexual intercourse. This can bring negative effects to the affected person and may also affect the relationship with a partner.

Causes. Erectile dysfunction may be caused by existing medical conditions of the patient. If for some reason, the flow of blood to the penis is obstructed, a man cannot produce an erection necessary for sexual intercourse to take place. The blockage may be due to problems with the vessels that supply blood to the penis, which may be due to nerve dysfunction, side effects of taken medications, or diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. 

Psychological problems such as depression, anxiety, and stress can also result in erectile dysfunction. In addition, poor habits such as drug usage, alcoholism, and smoking can also lead to this condition.

Effects. A person with erectile dysfunction can suffer from depression, low self-esteem, and decreased self-confidence which, in turn, can affect his health, his relationships with others, and his sex life.

Prevention. In order to prevent the occurrence of erectile dysfunction, you may need to alter your lifestyle if you currently practice some habits which may lead to it. This includes cutting tobacco and alcohol out of your diet, engaging in an exercise which benefits the body, and following a healthy diet plan. Since obesity can also be a cause of erectile dysfunction, you may need to shed a few pounds if you are overweight. Also, you may need to see a therapist if you are experiencing anxiety or depression.

Treatment. You need to see a doctor for proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment that best works for you. Erectile dysfunction treatment includes medications, implants, injections, and devices. In some cases, it can involve surgery. 

Erectile Dysfunction Treatment in Southwest Florida

If you are suffering from erectile dysfunction and your treatment requires penile injections, you can check with Myerlee Pharmacy for possible compounded injection formulas, which are formulated in our certified ISO 7 sterile clean room. Myerlee Pharmacy also has a potency-testing program to ensure that each of the compounds we make is accurate. We have an established reputation among doctors and patients in Southwest Florida and are always ready to help you. For erectile dysfunction treatment in Fort Myers, Florida and its surrounding areas, contact Myerlee Pharmacy at 239-482-3022. 

Different ways to achieve Weight Loss

Every one of us wants to look good and feel good. You can see different weight loss treatments in the market right now. All are claiming to be effective and healthy. You know the drill when it comes to losing weight: take in fewer calories, burn more calories. But you also know that most diets and quick weight-loss plans don't work as promised.

Most people bank on natural weight loss. With all the weight loss products in the market right now, what is really the effective way for losing weight?

1. Apple Cider Vinegar - So apple cider vinegar may work to regulate blood sugar, appetite, insulin and cravings, but it can actually melt pounds? Some research suggests it does. Aside from the one mentioned above, acetic acid can also regulate your metabolism. Thus, it can help your morning routine. They say acetic acid may help fat breakdown. But more research is needed to replicate the study's findings and identify exactly how ACV caused the weight loss. Interesting.

2. Diet and exercise - Depending who you talk to, these words are either dirty or sacred. There’s no doubt that they’re both vitally important to good health, but do they carry equal weight when it comes to losing weight? If you ask people around, they have different opinions about diet and exercise. There’s no one-size-fits-all plan for nutrition. It varies per person. That’s why, before you decide which diet or exercise you will do, ask an expert’s opinion on which diet plan and exercise routine is suitable for you.

3. Prescription medicine - With the obesity rate hitting alarming numbers among adult Americans at 32.2% for men and 35.5% for women, pharmaceutical companies have worked hard on finding medication treatments that are proven to be effective. It has been researched that obesity can be from medical issues and not as healthcare professionals one believed from a person having low will power. Because of this successful research, there are now medications that if used along with proper exercise and healthy eating habits combined will significantly increase weight loss. These medications are to be used for obesity diagnosis only and not to just lose a few pounds. You must be obese, determined by your doctor to be considered for these medication treatments.

As with any medication, there are side effects which should be explained to you by your physician. He or she will determine if a successful outcome outweighs the side effects. You may also be monitored with regular visits to track the progress of your weight loss.

The team at Myerlee Pharmacy offer great support and advice for your prescription needs in your weight loss treatment in Fort Myers.  You can reach us by phone at 239-482-3022 or contact us with your weight loss questions.

Menopause: Why it happens and how to handle it

Menopause is a normal condition that all women experience as they age. The term "menopause" can describe any of the changes a woman goes through either just before or after she ceases menstruating, marking the end of her reproductive period.

Let us explain further what menopause is. Most women experience menopause after the age of 40 but sometimes, women can go through menopause early, either as a result of a surgery or damage in the ovaries. Either way, we can call it premature menopause.

Now that we know what menopause is, let’s discuss what the symptoms of menopause are. You need to be vigilant of these symptoms and always consult your physician if you experience any of the following:

• Irregular Periods (Skipping periods)
• Night Sweats
• Hot Flashes /Chills
• Sleep problems
• Mood swings
• Change in weight / Metabolism
• Loss of breast fullness
• Vaginal Dryness
• Hair thinning and/or dry skin

Always consult your doctor if you experience any of the following above. Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider right away!

In addition to the importance of being properly diagnosed with Menopause, After Menopause you are at an increased risk for developing certain medical conditions. Some of which can be serious if not treated professionally.

• Heart and Blood Vessel Disease
• Urinary Incontinence
• Osteoporosis
• Weight Gain
• Sexual Dysfunction

Scary isn’t it? But, don’t fret as there are many treatments available already that could help you undergo this stage in your life. The available treatment as of today includes the following

• Hormone Therapy
• Vaginal Estrogen
• Several types of oral medications
• Oral Medications or Patches for hot flashes
• Medication to either prevent or slow down Osteoporosis
• Low-Dose Antidepressants 

It has been proven that any of these treatment options together with proper exercise and healthy eating habits will drastically improve your physical and emotional well-being during your Menopause cycle. The team at Myerlee Pharmacy offer great support and advice for your prescription needs in your treatment of Menopause.

You can reach us by phone at 239-482-3022 or contact us with your Menopause medication questions at 1826 Boy Scout Dr. in Fort Myers. Call us today!

What is Compounding?

Compounding or medication compounding to be exact is the creation of a particular pharmaceutical product to fit the unique need of a patient. To do this, compounding pharmacists combine or process appropriate ingredients using various tools.

Compounding is a central activity to the practice of pharmacy. Pharmacists are taught in pharmacy school how to properly compound medications, and many states test pharmacists’ compounding knowledge and skills before issuing them a license.

The following are a few examples of how a compounding pharmacist can customize medications based upon a doctor’s prescription to meet a patient’s needs:
 

• Tailor fit the strength or dosage.
• To put flavor to a medication (to make it more appetizing for a child or a pet).
• Reformulate the drug to exclude an unwanted, nonessential ingredient, such as lactose, gluten, or a dye to which a patient is allergic to.
• Change the form of the medication for patients who, for example, have difficulty swallowing or experience an upset stomach when taking oral medications.

Compounding pharmacists can put drugs into specially flavored liquids, topical creams, transdermal gels, suppositories, or other dosage forms suitable for patients’ unique needs. Compounding does not include making copies of commercially available drug products, as this is not allowed by law.

Using leading-edge compounding equipment and technology, Myerlee’s highly trained pharmacists help physicians and patients solve health care needs by specially formulating custom, patient-specific medications. We provide the highest level of service from personal consultation to free home and office delivery. We offer easy-to-use forms for physicians to assist in writing compounding prescriptions. We can also create private-label formulas for individual medical practices. We can do these to make sure your compounded medications are safe and authentic.

Do you have a need for compound prescription medications? Myerlee is here to help compound a customized medication for you. Our highly-trained pharmacists are here to help you with your compounding needs. Always be on the lookout for accredited compounding pharmacists only for your compounding needs. Please call us today at 239-482-3022 or visit us at 1826 Boy Scout Dr. in Fort Myers. Call us today!