Clinical Services

Natural hormones include:

• Estrogen – mainly produced by the ovaries, but also the adrenal glands, and fat tissue; created in three forms:
  • Estradiol – primary type of estrogen in women of childbearing age; responsible for regulating menstruation and fertility; low levels can have a significant impact on bone growth.
  • Estriol – weak form of estrogen produced during pregnancy; in high doses can be effective at treating hot flashes and menopause symptoms.
  • Estrone – only estrogen that is produced by women after menopause; derived from the conversion of androgens.
• Progesterone – release by the ovaries; sometimes referred to as progestin and can be used alone or in combination with estrogen to help control menstrual problems and menopause symptoms.
• Testosterone – produced in the ovaries and adrenal glands; important for reproductive tissue and bone mass; women only produce between 1%-25% as much as men.
• Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) – produced in the adrenal glands, ovaries, and brain; is the most abundant steroid in the human body and regulates the sex steroids; predominantly responsible for the creation of estrogens and testosterone.

Additionally, synthetic hormones are natural hormones that have been altered in a small way in order for a manufacturer to patent them as a drug. Our compounding pharmacists will work with both the physician and the patient to develop the best combination of hormones to treat their specific condition. Even those that have experienced success with certain hormones in the past may benefit from a more customized approach. Small adjustments to the type, form, and dosage of each hormone prescribed can greatly benefit a patient’s overall response to the treatment.

Hormones can be dosed in the following forms by one of our compounding pharmacists:

• Capsules
• Creams
• Injections
• Suppositories
• Sublingual drops
• Troches/lozenges

Symptoms of andropause may include:

• Low libido
• Depression
• Lack of energy
• Diminished bone density
• Insomnia
• Abdominal fat
• Breast enlargement
• Trouble remembering things
• Reduced muscle mass
• Reduced body hair

The benefits of testosterone replacement therapy may include improvements in mood, erectile dysfunction, libido, muscle mass, strength, and bone mass. The compounding pharmacists at East Coast Compounding Pharmacy can work with prescribing physicians to find the best option for individual patients’ hormone replacement needs.

In addition to creating various combinations of pain relievers, we can also adjust the administration route for our patients. Although many pain medications are taken orally, it may perhaps benefit the patient to apply a topical or transdermal cream or gel instead. Creams and gels allow the patient to target the specific area they are experiencing pain, and apply a higher concentration of the drug to that area. When drugs are administered in this way, the absorption process by the body differs, and oftentimes, patients experience fewer side effects while still enjoying the full relief provided by the medication.

Pain medications available for compounding include:

• Corticosteroids like hydrocortisone, dexamethasone, and triamcinolone
• Muscle relaxants like cyclobenzaprine and baclofen
• Nerve pain modifiers like gabapentin, ketamine, amitriptyline, and clonidine
• NSAIDs like ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and diclofenac
• Opiates like morphine, hydromorphone, and oxycodone
• Topical anesthetics like lidocaine, benzocaine, and tetracaine

Careful adjustment and compounding by pharmacists at East Coast Compounding Pharmacy will ensure the best possible administration and dosage for individual pain management needs.

Acne is frequently treated with over-the-counter creams, gels, and scrubs but patients struggling with especially resistant cases might benefit from treatments such as 5% topical spironolactone gel or topical nicotinamide gel. School-age children tend to be a high-risk age group for head lice, as it often spreads in the close confines of classrooms, and many parents worry about the long-term effects of traditional treatments with permethrins. Herbal formulations compounded by our pharmacists are a more natural, but equally effective treatment option; additionally, we can compound ivermectin for use as a topical ointment or as an oral medication created in just the right dose.

Many people worry about the myriad of troubles caused by sun damage. From early signs of aging to skin cancer, the sun can wreak havoc on patients’ skin. While sunscreen can certainly reduce the unwanted effects of summertime sunbathing, it is not without its issues. Some states have begun banning the use of sunscreen that isn’t reef-safe, and all the chemicals involved in making sunscreen as effective as it is can leach into your bloodstream. Sunscreen is certainly not a one-size-fits-all product. Melatonin has been shown to have protective qualities against UV radiation, which is the main cause of skin cancer. A topical cream of 0.1% melatonin solution applied 15 minutes before sun exposure works as an antioxidant in addition to regulating gene expression and stabilizing DNA, thus effectively protecting skin at a cellular level.

Additional examples of ingredients East Coast Compounding Pharmacy can include in medications for dermatological use are:

• Alpha lipoic acid
• Azelaic acid
• Coal tar
• Collagenase
• Fluconazole
• Hydroquinone
• Ibuprofen
• Ivermectin
• Minoxidil
• Niacinamide
• Tamoxifen
• Tea tree oil
• Tretinoin
• Triamcinolone
• Zinc

Solutions for pain relief, dry mouth, TMJ, antiemetics, suppressing the gag reflex, infections, dry sockets, and halitosis are just a few of the problems one might be seeing a dentist for and a compounding pharmacist is able to personalize the treatment to best suit each patient’s needs.

Some of the many solutions we offer are:

• Antiviral lip balms
• Numbing gels
• Pressure indicating pastes (PIP)
• Mouthwashes
• Analgesics
• Antibiotics

By personalizing the medication, we can effectively eliminate unwanted side effects, allergic reactions, pain, and anxiety.

We offer preparations such as:

• Chewable troches
• Creams/ointments/lotions
• Discontinued medications
• Gels
• Medicated treats
• Oral suspensions/pastes
• Otic and non-aqueous solutions
• Rectal enemas and suppositories
• Topical powders
• Transdermals

We know it can be hard to get animals to take medication because caregivers cannot explain why it’s so important or necessary. We offer a wide range of flavors to help ease the frustration of administering a medication that otherwise wouldn’t be very enticing to the animal.

Flavors we offer include:

• Apple
• Bacon
• Beef
• Blueberry
• Cheese
• Chicken
• Fish
• Liver
• Molasses
• Orange
• Peanut butter
• Raspberry
• Shrimp
• Strawberry
• Tuna
• Vanilla

Whether it’s a sick fish or a healing horse, East Coast Compounding Pharmacy can work with the prescribing veterinarian to create the best possible and most effective treatment for them.