On-Demand: Introduction to Nonsterile Pharmaceutical Compounding

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Course features
  • Content: 9 Sections, 35 lessons
  • Quizzes: 6
  • Time: 15-credit hour (1.5 CEU) 





This course a 15-credit hour (1.5 CEU) experience that is great for training new staff members or expanding the knowledge and experience of current staff.The class is a mix of classroom discussion and hands-on lab time. In the classroom we dive into details about different dosage forms and how and when they might be used as well as considerations for formulation development.

We will review the current regulatory environment around non-sterile compounding for human and veterinary use for both hazardous and non-hazardous preparations and walk attendees through essentials such as certificate of analysis interpretation and basic pharmaceutical math.The hands-on portion of the course gives students experience making solutions, suspensions, foams, PLO gels, creams, ointments, troches, gummies, suppositories, as well as veterinary treats and suspensions. We also use a wide range of equipment including hot plates, scales, EMP (electronic mortar and pestle) devices including two types of Unguator, planetary mixers, ointment mills, laboratory blenders, homogenizers, Invomatic powder mixers, laboratory blenders, and various types of molds.

Why should I take this course?

  • Review CoA and SDS documents and demonstrate proficiency in interpreting them and performing necessary calculations based off of CoAs
  • Discuss changes to USP <795> and <800> guidelines and related topics including preservatives and water activity
  • Discuss considerations for compounding solutions, suspensions, foams, gels, creams, capsules, troches, suppositories, and animal treats and apply this knowledge during hands-on laboratory time
  • Demonstrate proficiency in pharmaceutical calculations related to applicable dosage form formulation
  • Identify basic considerations for veterinary compounding for common companion animals

How to Navigate Our Introduction
to Nonsterile Compounding Course

This course is broken down into several sections that we recommend you take in the order presented:

Laboratory Basics |  0.5hr

-Basics of hood care and maintenance
-How to calibrate, clean, and use a scale
-Introduction to common laboratory equipment
-What to do in case of spills

Understanding and Interpreting
CoAs and SDSs |  1hr

-Understanding the importance of CoAs and how to perform appropriate calculations
-How to use and interpret SDS documents 

Dosage Forms – Solutions, Suspensions, and Foams |  2hr

Discuss considerations for the formulation of solutions, suspensions, and foams and compound the below:

-Riboflavin Oral Suspension
-Pyridoxine HCl Sublingual Solution
-Minoxidil and Caffeine Foam
-
Aspirin Anhydrous Suspension

Introduction to USP <795> and USP <800> |  1.5hr

-Discuss recent changes to USP <795>

-Review key aspects of the chapter including BUD dating, BUD studies, cleaning, and training requirements
-Review the scope and intent of USP <800> and the impact on compounding

Gels and Creams + Understanding the Role of Solvents + Ointment Mills |
 2.5hr 

Discuss considerations for the formulation of creams and gels and compound the below:

-Cozenzyme Q10 in Cleoderm

-Hydrocortisone/Vitamin E Cream

-Niacinamide/Metronidazole Cream

-Tetracaine HCl Nasal Gel



Ointments |  1.5hr

Discuss considerations for the formulation of ointments and compound the below:
-BLT in Versatile
-BLT in Jelene
-PM 140 and Mill
-Make your own PEG Ointment

Capsules and Calculating Pack Stats and Variance |
 2hr 

Perform a pack stat and use that to calculate a capsule formulation. Calculate variance after compounding: Biotin SR Capsules



Water activity and understanding preservatives  |  0.5hr 

Discuss considerations for the formulation of ointments and compound the below:
-BLT in Versatile
-BLT in Jelene
-PM 140 and Mill
-Make your own PEG Ointment

Troches and Suppositories |
 2hr 

 Discuss considerations for the formulation of troches and suppositories and compound the below:


-Pyridoxine HCl Troche
-Acetaminophen Gummy
-Ascorbic Acid Vaginal Suppository


Veterinary Compounding and GFI 256 + Packing Dosage Forms |  1.5hr 

Discuss considerations for the formulation of veterinary dosage forms with a focus on cats and dogs and compound the below:

-PLO Gel – Diphenhydramine
-Diphenhydramine HCl vet treat
-Metronidazole in Unispend

Each section will have downloadable slides and formulas so you can follow along.
At the end of the course, you will receive a Certificate of Completion as well as a Competency Checklist, detailing what you should be familiar with by the end of the course.

Upon completing the course, you will be able to view a link to claim your CE credit!

Course Lesson

Meet your instructor

Sarah Taylor, PharmaD

Sarah attended undergrad at St. Olaf College in Northfield where she majored in chemistry and worked in a lab synthesizing dendrimers for possible use as pharmaceutical delivery molecules. It was there that she first developed an interest in pharmacy. She graduated from St. Olaf and pursued her interest in pharmacy at the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy. During school, she began working at a compounding pharmacy utilizing her chemistry and pharmacy background to develop formulas for a myriad of pharmaceutical dosage forms and applications. After graduation, she continued to work at the compounding pharmacy for a total of 5 years. She uses this experience to help with her current position as the manager of Fagron Academy. Her favorite types of compounds to make include tablet triturates and gummies.

Meet your instructor

Clark Zander

Clark received his BS Degrees in Biology and Secondary Education from Concordia College, at Moorhead, Minnesota in 1988. He entered the world of pharmaceutical compounding quickly and has remained a vital participant in the development of innovative compounding components ever since. Clark's long-term experience working intimately with pharmacists to recognize and repair the concerns of their patients has driven his development of vehicles that benefit those preparing and using compounded medications through development of specialized creams, in particular. He has also worked with multiple manufacturers to inform the development of compounding equipment so that the needs of the compounding pharmacist are met. Clark's, expertise has recently been leveraged to support a growing global interest in compounding practices. Through research and intimate knowledge of actual practice challenges, Clark has been instrumental in raising the bar for compounding vehicles to ensure that they are free from objectionable ingredients while maintaining their reliability, ease-of-use, and stability. He brings exceptional problem-solving experience to individuals participating in the practical knowledge provided by Fagron Academy training programs.


Meet your instructor

Meghan Stevenson

Meghan studied Biology and Chemistry at Athens State University. During this time Meghan worked retail pharmacy as a certified pharmacy technician then proceeded to become lab director for a compounding pharmacy in her hometown of Huntsville, Alabama. Her responsibilities included daily operations, quality control, formulation development, and training 4th year pharmacy students during rotations. After 9 years of retail pharmacy, Meghan made the move to Letco Medical where she has been a part of the compounding support staff for over 10 years. Outside of work, Meghan enjoys traveling with her husband and two children.


Meet your instructor

Andrea Engstrom, CphT

Andrea attended the University of Minnesota in pursuit of an Animal Science Degree. During that time, she started working at a retail pharmacy where she advanced to become a Senior Certified Pharmacy Technician. After several years in a retail pharmacy, Andrea found her passion for non-sterile compounding and began working for a pharmacy that doubled as a retail and compounding pharmacy. This pharmacy specialized in a variety of compounds for human and veterinary use. Andrea has a love for animals and her favorite compounds to create are anything for veterinary use including chews, suspensions, topicals, and capsules. Outside of work, she spends a lot of time with family at her family's cabin exercising her creativity through painting and other crafts.

Meet your instructor

Daisy Huerta, CphT

Daisy attended undergraduate studies at the University of Houston majoring in Business Administration and French. Her goal was to work in international business, but everything changed when she started working at a compounding pharmacy that specialized in bio-identical hormones. Daisy has worked as a compounding technician, a lead technician, a supervisor of a non-sterile laboratory, as well as part of a research and development team. She joined Fagron's Compounding Support Specialists team in 2023. Daisy enjoys baking, Jazzercise, reading, and traveling.