PCCA Compounding Pharmacist of the Month:
November 2018

Erik Nelson, PharmD
Of Sixth Avenue Medical Pharmacy in Spokane, Washington

Years in Compounding: 8

Path to Compounding: I wanted to do something in the medical field but couldn’t stand needles or the site of blood, so pharmacy was the most logical choice. Fast forward to now: We offer immunizations and autologous eye drops (serum tears), which involve both, so I guess you could say my comfort level has changed. But looking back, I wouldn’t have changed anything. 

I first learned about compounding when I started working as an intern at Sixth Avenue Medical Pharmacy. I instantly gravitated toward it because compounding was an incredibly powerful way to connect with patients and help them achieve optimal health. It is truly the foundation of personalized medicine, and while the industry is facing challenges, it is here to stay. The results that patients get speak for themselves.

Favorite Formulas:
PCCA Formula #12674 – Topical Gel in PCCA Atrevis Hydrogel® (This formula has a FormulaPlus™   extended beyond-use date study in a bracketed concentration range. PCCA members can access the formula and the BUD study here.)
Many of our patients have had better outcomes with this.

PCCA Formula #11701 – Topical Cream in PCCA Clarifying™ (PCCA members can access the formula here.)
This is a nice compound that has been helpful for patients with acne.

Success Stories: We had a patient who wasn’t getting the results he needed with a commercial testosterone gel. He had also spent close to $9,000 out of pocket in just over a year. We talked to his doctor, who wrote the patient a prescription for testosterone in Atrevis Hydrogel. Both the patient and doctor were beyond pleased. The patient had his levels improve, and he saved a ton of money as well.

Advice for New Compounders: Immerse yourself in as much education as possible and always stay hungry for knowledge. Anyone who thinks they know it all or has seen everything there is to see is crazy.

Surround yourself with good people, friends, co-workers, colleagues, etc., and network, network, network. I have made some incredible friends from PCCA and A4M meetings that I constantly bounce ideas off of. Two heads are always better than one.

The views and therapies expressed in the above article are those of the interviewee and may not be endorsed by PCCA. The statements are provided for educational purposes only. They have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and are not to be interpreted as a promise, guarantee or claim of therapeutic efficacy or safety. The information contained herein is not intended to replace or substitute for conventional medical care, or encourage its abandonment. Every patient is unique, and formulas should be adjusted to meet their individual needs.

Sixth Avenue Medical Pharmacy is owned by Erik Nelson, PharmD.