Some patients may also have allergic reactions to ingredients in certain medications and will need the medication to be made without the allergen. Side effects can be serious or even lethal, and millions are hospitalized each year because of them as it is the 4th leading cause of death in the United States. It is important to discuss with your doctor and pharmacist any known side effects you’ve experienced with current or past medications, as well as any allergies. Apollo Pharmacy can help make the experience with medication a successful one by personalizing prescriptions.

In addition to creating various combinations of pain relievers, we can also adjust the administration route for our patients. Although many pain medications are taken orally, it may perhaps benefit the patient to apply a topical or transdermal cream or gel instead. Creams and gels allow the patient to target the specific area they are experiencing pain, and apply a higher concentration of the drug to that area. When drugs are administered in this way, the absorption process by the body differs, and oftentimes, patients experience fewer side effects while still enjoying the full relief provided by the medication.

Pain medications available for compounding include:

• Corticosteroids like hydrocortisone, dexamethasone, and triamcinolone
• Muscle relaxants like cyclobenzaprine and baclofen
• Nerve pain modifiers like gabapentin, ketamine, amitriptyline, and clonidine
• NSAIDs like ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and diclofenac
• Opiates like morphine, hydromorphone, and oxycodone
• Topical anesthetics like lidocaine, benzocaine, and tetracaine

Careful adjustment and compounding by pharmacists at Apollo Pharmacy will ensure the best possible administration and dosage for individual pain management needs.

While most of the daily vitamins your body needs is supplied by the food you eat and by spending time in the sun, you may need to supplement your diet with additional vitamins if you are on a special diet or if you are deficient in a certain vitamin. Here at Apollo Pharmacy, we are your one-stop shop for not only the medication you may need, but also the supplements that can help keep your body healthy and operating optimally.

Natural hormones include:

• Estrogen – mainly produced by the ovaries, but also the adrenal glands, and fat tissue; created in three forms:
• Estradiol – primary type of estrogen in women of childbearing age; responsible for regulating menstruation and fertility; low levels can have a significant impact on bone growth.
• Estriol – weak form of estrogen produced during pregnancy; in high doses can be effective at treating hot flashes and menopause symptoms.
• Estrone – only estrogen that is produced by women after menopause; derived from the conversion of androgens.
• Progesterone – release by the ovaries; sometimes referred to as progestin and can be used alone or in combination with estrogen to help control menstrual problems and menopause symptoms.
• Testosterone – produced in the ovaries and adrenal glands; important for reproductive tissue and bone mass; women only produce between 1%-25% as much as men.
• Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) – produced in the adrenal glands, ovaries, and brain; is the most abundant steroid in the human body and regulates the sex steroids; predominantly responsible for the creation of estrogens and testosterone.

Additionally, synthetic hormones are natural hormones that have been altered in a small way in order for a manufacturer to patent them as a drug. Our compounding pharmacists will work with both the physician and the patient to develop the best combination of hormones to treat their specific condition. Even those that have experienced success with certain hormones in the past may benefit from a more customized approach. Small adjustments to the type, form, and dosage of each hormone prescribed can greatly benefit a patient’s overall response to the treatment.

Hormones can be dosed in the following forms by one of our compounding pharmacists:

• Capsules
• Creams
• Injections
• Suppositories
• Sublingual drops
• Troches/lozenges

Symptoms of andropause may include:

• Low libido
• Depression
• Lack of energy
• Diminished bone density
• Insomnia
• Abdominal fat
• Breast enlargement
• Trouble remembering things
• Reduced muscle mass
• Reduced body hair

The benefits of testosterone replacement therapy may include improvements in mood, erectile dysfunction, libido, muscle mass, strength, and bone mass. The compounding pharmacists at Apollo Pharmacy can work with prescribing physicians to find the best option for individual patients’ hormone replacement needs.

Adrenal gland disorders affect the production of these hormones. For example, Cushing’s syndrome causes the body to create too much cortisol while in Addison’s disease, the glands do not make enough. Additionally, conditions such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia and hyperaldosteronism may also cause the adrenal glands to make too much or too little of the essential hormones created in the adrenal glands. Causes of adrenal gland disorders can include genetic mutations, tumors, infections, certain medications, or problems with other glands.

Symptoms of adrenal gland disorders vary significantly between conditions, but may include:

• Obesity, especially around the upper abdomen and face
• Skin problems
• Hypertension or hypotension
• Depression or other mood disorders
• Excess facial hair in women
• Menstrual irregularity
• Early puberty
• Headache
• Brittle bones
• Weight loss
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Craving for salt
• Nausea or vomiting

Depending on the condition, treatment may include surgery to remove tumors or hormone replacement therapy.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism include:

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Cold intolerance
• Decreased libido
• Trouble remembering things
• Depression
• Irritability
• Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
• Hair loss
• Coarse, dry hair
• Dry, rough, pale skin
• Muscle pain
• Constipation
• Abnormal menstrual cycles

Not every patient will experience all of these symptoms, and they may also vary significantly in severity between individuals. Hypothyroidism can typically be diagnosed by a test known as a thyroid panel that checks the levels of thyroid hormones in the blood.

Although rarely life-threatening, hypothyroidism can benefit from a personalized approach, which may greatly improve a patient’s well-being and overall success with prescribed thyroid replacement therapy. Traditionally, patients have been treated with levothyroxine (synthetic T4), although some patients don’t respond fully to this alone and may also require synthetic T3. This can be problematic though due to the swift absorption of this drug by the body resulting in higher than normal T3 levels creating a myriad of problems including heart palpitations.

For patients who require Natural Thyroid rather than synthetic thyroid replacement, Apollo Pharmacy can help. We can formulate many forms and strengths of Natural Thyroid not available in standard pharmacies. Additionally, we can combine pure T3 and T4 powders to exact strengths for individual needs, eliminating unnecessary additives and unwanted side effects.

For example, a compounding pharmacist can work with the prescribing physician to create pain relief solutions unique to that individual patient. We can also assist doctors in finding the right medication combinations to treat symptoms such as dry mouth, diarrhea, constipation, nausea/vomiting, ulcers, excess mucus, and anxiety, to name a few. In addition to creating personalized compounds, Apollo Pharmacy can also adjust the medication route, strength, and may be able to limit unwanted side effects by reducing the number of added ingredients.

Careful consideration for the location and condition by the prescribing doctor can allow the compounding pharmacist to create the most effective dose and transmission route for the patient. For example, in patients suffering from a particularly tough kind of athlete’s food called moccasin tinea pedis, we can compound the antifungal medication with 40% urea cream to improve the absorption rate and achieve much quicker recovery. Traditional routes of treatment for conditions like warts and molluscum contagiosum have generally been to freeze, scrape, or laser the growth off. Applying a compounded topical medication including 10% KOH, however, has been shown effective in treating these conditions without the need for more invasive or painful procedures.

Acne is frequently treated with over-the-counter creams, gels, and scrubs but patients struggling with especially resistant cases might benefit from treatments such as 5% topical spironolactone gel or topical nicotinamide gel. School-age children tend to be a high-risk age group for head lice, as it often spreads in the close confines of classrooms, and many parents worry about the long-term effects of traditional treatments with permethrins. Herbal formulations compounded by our pharmacists are a more natural, but equally effective treatment option; additionally, we can compound ivermectin for use as a topical ointment or as an oral medication created in just the right dose.

Many people worry about the myriad of troubles caused by sun damage. From early signs of aging to skin cancer, the sun can wreak havoc on patients’ skin. While sunscreen can certainly reduce the unwanted effects of summertime sunbathing, it is not without its issues. Some states have begun banning the use of sunscreen that isn’t reef-safe, and all the chemicals involved in making sunscreen as effective as it is can leach into your bloodstream. Sunscreen is certainly not a one-size-fits-all product. Melatonin has been shown to have protective qualities against UV radiation, which is the main cause of skin cancer. A topical cream of 0.1% melatonin solution applied 15 minutes before sun exposure works as an antioxidant in addition to regulating gene expression and stabilizing DNA, thus effectively protecting skin at a cellular level.

Additional examples of ingredients Apollo Pharmacy can include in medications for dermatological use are:

• Alpha lipoic acid
• Azelaic acid
• Coal tar
• Collagenase
• Fluconazole
• Hydroquinone
• Ibuprofen
• Ivermectin
• Minoxidil
• Niacinamide
• Tamoxifen
• Tea tree oil
• Tretinoin
• Triamcinolone
• Zinc

Depending on the reason behind a patient’s thinning hair, a compounding pharmacist can create a medication containing any of the following:

• Azelaic acid
• Biotin
• Estradiol
• Finasteride
• Fluocinonide
• Ketoconazole
• Latanoprost
• Minoxidil
• Niacinamide
• Progesterone
• Saw palmetto
• Tretinoin
• Zinc sulfate

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is commonly known as “male pattern baldness” and is a result of hormone imbalances. This type of hair loss is responsible for approximately 95% of all male alopecia cases. Hair loss is more common in men than women, and over 65% of men over 35 experience some form of balding. By age 50, that number grows to approximately 85% of the male population. While this may seem like a problem related to aging, nearly 25% of men who suffer from hair loss begin before they are 21.

Female pattern hair loss is also a form of androgenetic alopecia (AGA) but differs in that the thinning occurs more diffusely across the scalp rather than in one particular area. While AGA is not as common in women, it still affects over 30% of the female population at some point in their lives. In postmenopausal women, that number climbs to over 65%. Women are also generally more affected by their hair loss because it is considered less socially acceptable. For female pattern hair loss, doctors use the Ludwig Classification to describe the severity.

• Type I – minimal thinning that can be camouflaged by styling the hair
• Type II – moderate thinning wherein hair volume is decreased, and part becomes visibly wider
• Type III – significant, diffuse thinning and the scalp becomes easily visible

No matter the cause or stage of a patient’s thinning hair, Apollo Pharmacy can help create a personalized medication to slow or stop hair loss, and in some cases even help the patient regrow their hair.

Commercially available medications are often limited to a small number of doses and delivery methods. Many are available only in oral form and simply aren’t as effective in some cases as a topical cream or gel, or iontophoresis. Since downtime is such a big factor in sports medicine, it is a field often at the forefront of safely trying out new ways to treat pain and injuries. Compounding pharmacies are in stride with this cutting edge treatment process and can create custom medications not commercially available.

For example, topical medications, including pain relievers like ketoprofen are more effective at treating pain and inflammation at the source versus taking ketoprofen by mouth. Additionally, analgesics to be taken orally often have a mild sedative effect or can cause gastrointestinal upset, which is counterproductive for athletes. Applying such medications topically can avoid this unwanted side effect, and is something only a compound pharmacy can do.

In addition to common sports injuries, we can create customized solutions to the following sports-related conditions:

• Athlete’s foot – treated with topical antifungals
• Calluses – treated with compounded lotions
• Carpal tunnel – treated with transdermal gels
• Cramps – treated with topical gels and/or customized electrolyte solutions
• Dehydration – treated with personalized electrolyte solutions
• Excessive perspiration – treated with customized deodorants and gels
• Dry skin – treated with customized moisturizing creams
• Hemorrhoids – treated with suppositories or topical creams
• Nutrition – personalized vitamin and mineral supplements
• Wounds – treated with compounded healing gels and ointments

Because every wound is unique in its location, severity, and ability to heal, a compounding pharmacy is a patient’s best resource when working towards recovery. Apollo Pharmacy will work with the prescribing physician to ensure the best combination of medications is compounded in a delivery method that will work for the individual on their road to recovery.

An example of this is the “polyox bandage,” which comes as a powder and can be compounded to include any necessary medication to aid in the healing process. The powder is puffed onto the wound in layers, and if not already moist, a small amount of water is added in between the application of the powder layers. This creates a flexible, rubber-like barrier which protects the wound from excess moisture and germs that would inhibit healing.

Some wounds, such as ulcerated tumors, pressure ulcers, and fungating tumors might emit an unpleasant odor during the healing process. This can be embarrassing for the patient and make them self-conscious. Application of topical metronidazole has been shown to eliminate such odors, thereby creating a more comfortable healing process.

Other medications we can compound for wound-healing include:

• Benzoyl peroxide
• Caffeine
• Cholestyramine
• EGCG (green tea polyphenols)
• Meadowsweet extract
• Mupirocin
• Pentoxifylline
• Phenytoin
• Polyethylene glycol
• Pracaxi oil
• Sildenafil
• Sucralfate
• Topical insulin
• Tranilast
• Urea paste

We offer preparations such as:

• Chewable troches
• Creams/ointments/lotions
• Discontinued medications
• Gels
• Medicated treats
• Oral suspensions/pastes
• Otic and non-aqueous solutions
• Rectal enemas and suppositories
• Topical powders
• Transdermals

We know it can be hard to get animals to take medication because caregivers cannot explain why it’s so important or necessary. We offer a wide range of flavors to help ease the frustration of administering a medication that otherwise wouldn’t be very enticing to the animal.

Flavors we offer include:

• Apple
• Bacon
• Beef
• Blueberry
• Cheese
• Chicken
• Fish
• Liver
• Molasses
• Orange
• Peanut butter
• Raspberry
• Shrimp
• Strawberry
• Tuna
• Vanilla

Whether it’s a sick fish or a healing horse, Apollo Pharmacy can work with the prescribing veterinarian to create the best possible and most effective treatment for them.

Combined with a low-calorie diet, daily HCG intake has been proven to help individuals become “more fit.” It signals the hypothalamus to encourage the body to burn fat instead of store it and to maintain muscle mass while decreasing hunger. While healthcare providers have varying preferences when it comes to prescribing the diet and its administration, it most commonly consists of consuming 500-800 calories a day in addition to the prescribed HCG dose for 23-40 days. It is possible for the body to build up a resistance to HCG, so most diets last less than 45 days with a rest period of 3 to 4 months before beginning again.

Whether this is your first time trying to get healthy, or you are merely seeking a new technique to improve your health, we applaud you for making it a top priority.

There is more than one way to achieve a healthy lifestyle. Many people think that the only way to be healthy is to be on an extreme diet and exercise daily. We recommend that you start slow and pace yourself. For example, simply choosing one thing that you could do every day to improve your health is a common way for people to begin. Is there a food or activity that is a part of your daily routine that you could replace with a healthier one? Could you replace your soda with sparkling water or a water bottle? You are more likely to stick to a change if you start small rather than trying to change all your unhealthy habits at once. Becoming healthy does not happen overnight, but over time you can continue to make changes to improve your health.

Our highly trained professionals are here to help evaluate where you are and what techniques will work best with your body to help you reach your wellness goals. We want to help you achieve the physical results you’ve been looking for, as well as to help you create and maintain a healthy, happy lifestyle. Whether you are coming to us to lose weight, lower your cholesterol, or improve your diet and exercise regimen, we are here to help.