By PCCA

Our January Profile in Personalized Medicine highlights Rachelle Whitaker, CPhT, a compounding technician at The Compounding Lab in Huber Heights, Ohio. The Compounding Lab is owned by PCCA member Tim Clark, RPh, and led by compounding pharmacist Robyn Crow, RPh.

For how long have you been compounding?
I was 19 years old when I started compounding. I took my first pharmacy job in 2004 at a long-term care pharmacy. Since that time, I have had the opportunity to work in several different compounding settings. 

When did you learn about compounding? Why did you start compounding?
Over the years, I've learned sterile and nonsterile compounding working in long-term care, a home infusion pharmacy and a local hospital. I took my love for compounding to a new level when I joined The Compounding Lab in 2017.

I was so excited to learn how to make things like capsules, suppositories, lollipops (my favorite), troches and more. Robyn Crow, our compounding pharmacist, and the other techs taught me so much, and I am truly grateful for the knowledge they have given me. One of the things I think we do best at The Compounding Lab is hormone replacement therapy. Robyn is so great at working with doctors to develop the best regimen for each individual patient. Hormone issues affect such a large percentage of our population; I know this personally, as I suffer with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). When hormones are out of whack, they can really take a toll on your physical and mental well-being, so I find it very rewarding that we are able to help our patients get that part of their lives back. Pediatric medications are another one of my favorites.

What do you find most fulfilling about compounding?
I love that we can make a medication for our patients who are children that may not be commercially available in a pediatric dosage, but could be very beneficial to their treatment. Not only does it help the child with their condition, but it also gives the parent(s) peace of mind.

What are some of your favorite PCCA formulas? What do you like about them?
My favorite PCCA formula to compound is for tetracaine lollipops (PCCA Formula #5380). We have received very good feedback from patients and their doctors. They are fun to compound, and it makes me happy that we can help these patients.

PCCA members with Clinical Services access can see Rachelle’s favorite formula for tetracaine lollipops in our formula database.

What is one of your favorite compounding success stories?
We have a young patient with rheumatoid arthritis who was practically bedridden before her doctor ordered allergy testing and found that the medications she was taking to help her arthritis were actually making her sick. Since coming to us to make her medications allergen free, she has been able to enjoy a higher quality of life.

What advice would you give to a new compounder?
I would tell them to take it slow. It takes time and patience to develop good technique. Also, take notes and do your research. There is so much to learn that it can seem overwhelming at times. I have been doing this for years and feel like I learn something new almost every day. If you stick with it, and it is something you really enjoy, it can be the best career path you will ever take!