This Profile in Personalized Medicine highlights Adrianna Rodriguez, CPhT, a pharmacy technician at Stone Oak Pharmacy in San Antonio, Texas, owned by Ernesto Garza-Gongora, PharmD. They have been proud PCCA members since 2006.

Did you always want to work in the field of pharmacy?

I accidentally fell into pharmacy life. I was a line cook, barely able to buy diapers, and a friend told me to come tour a trade school with them because they didn't want to go alone. That friend didn't like the amount of work involved, but I loved everything I saw. I registered the following week and started working at a retail pharmacy. Before I knew it, I was falling more in love with the field of pharmacy at each place I was lucky enough to work.

When did you learn about compounding? Why did you start compounding?

I was working at a retail pharmacy with an intern who happened to come to us after finishing his rotation at Stone Oak Pharmacy. The way he talked about how the specialty pharmacy made medications intrigued me to the point that I had to look into it more. I enjoyed being a tech, but being a compounding technician seemed like a path I wanted to go on.

What do you find most fulfilling about compounding?

Compounding, for me, is very specific — the details, the steps, the learning. Everything makes a difference, and being able to compound medications makes me happy.

What are some of your favorite PCCA formulas? What do you like about them?

PCCA Formula #11432 (rectal rocket suppositories with lidocaine, hydrocortisone and tranexamic acid) is my favorite to make. Yes, the mold can be time consuming and takes some practice. But the challenge of making this formula is so much fun for me. The same can be said for PCCA Formula #6868 (oil-filled capsules). It isn't the standard formula. It isn't something that can be done quickly. These are formulas that make me want to learn more. The hard ones are the best ones.

What is a memorable story from your time in compounding?

This year has impacted everyone. In San Antonio, we not only struggled as a pharmacy but as a community. With the limitations on personal protective equipment (PPE), tests and personnel, the hospitals sought assistance from local compounders. We used PCCA formulas to meet those demands. Finding the formulas and learning the hows, whys and standards for them were not only fun and new for me, but we were also able to provide our community with much-needed preparations for their own protection. Supplying these preparations for our community was one of the best things I could be proud to be a part of. We were standing strong together and helping our health care family stay safe.

“Supplying these preparations for our community was one of the best things I could be proud to be a part of. We were standing strong together and helping our health care family stay safe.” 

What advice would you give to a new compounder?

There is always something new to learn. Do not expect to know everything all at once. Take your time to not only understand the concepts and procedures, but also to be able to explain them to others. It makes everything easier for everyone.