Editorial: Quality Assurance of Suppositories, Troches, Lollipops, and Sticks

Editor's Note: This is the fifth in a series of brief quality-assurance notes and reminders on different compounded dosage forms. Many of the testing methods can be done in-house and some may need to be outsourced; this is up to the individual pharmacist. However, a program of quality assurance is the responsibility of compounding pharmacists in all aspects of their practice.

Currently, suppositories, troches, lollipops, sticks, minilollipops, and minitroches are relatively widely used to provide medications for those patients that have difficulty swallowing regular tablets, capsules, etc. There are many relatively simple tests that can be done in-house to ensure and even enhance the quality control of these compounded preparations. The pharmacist can select the appropriate tests, conduct or outsource them, and document the results on the compounding record for the individual compounded preparation.

The most commonly used quality-control assessments for suppositories, troches, lollipops, sticks, minilollipops, and minitroches include the following:

1. Weight
2. Specific gravity
3. Active drug assay
4. Color
5. Clarity
6. Texture of surface
7. Appearance
8. Feel
9. Melting test
10. Dissolution test
11. Physical observation
12. Physical stability

Virtually all the above assessments, with the exception of the active drug assay, can be developed and conducted in-house (within the pharmacy) with a minimum investment in equipment and training.


Loyd V. Allen, Jr., PhD, RPh
Editor-in-Chief

Two-thirds of Physicians Surveyed have Positive Attitude Toward Electronic Promotional Activities
A growing trend that may influence the way pharmaceutical companies market to physicians is underway with 67% of physicians surveyed having a positive overall attitude toward ePromotion. The physicians surveyed said they consider electronic promotion by pharmaceutical companies to be equal or superior to face-to-face promotion. This compares to 62% a year ago that viewed ePromotion positively.

A host of different technologies is involved in electronic promotion that helps pharmaceutical companies communicate with and educate physicians about their product offerings. Examples of ePromotion include e-details, online seminars, opinion leader events, Web conferences, and group discussions.

With the hectic schedule of most doctors and the expense and challenges involved, the results of this survey underscore a growing opportunity for the two groups to interact more regularly.
http://pharmalive.com/news/index.cfm?articleID=621464&categoryid=9&newsletter=1

Editor's Note: The above is an avenue that compounding pharmacists may wish to consider but must be extremely careful about the content involved.

Institute of Medicine Recommends Limits on Industry Influence on Patient Care
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) has recommended that doctors, medical schools, professional group, and drug makers make extensive changes to prevent industry gifts and payments from influencing patient care and research.

The IOM has proposed the elimination of many now-common practices, including accepting meals, trips, or other gifts from companies. Also, they should not participate in clinical trials if they have a financial interest in the outcome, or sign on to ghost-written articles.

The professional societies also shouldn't accept direct industry funding for the development of guidelines on treating patients, and companies should disclose payments publicly and in a central place.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124092695394263617.html.html

�it looks like our "take-home" pay is larger now. Can't wait until next April 15th when we have to give it back! The increase is due to a change in the withholding tax tables only, NOT a decrease in the taxes we must pay!

Withholding Information
To accommodate the change in the withholding tax tables, explain to your workers that they may have to plan for paying back the taxes next year so it won't come as a surprise.