A question we should be asking ourselves before the year ends
A friend and colleague in the industry has been hosting an annual get-together among industry friends in her home for the past years and it’s one those parties I enjoy going because 1) she’s a great host, 2) many of my PR and media friends attend this gathering, 3) I get to meet new people who become friends, 4) it really is a fun party with lots of laughter going around.
At our table, while enjoying our drinks and food, someone proposed that each one of us shares the gist of his or her 2022. In essence, we were asked how was the year 2022 for us. How would you describe it?
Suffice it to say, it has been different per person. There were 12 of us with different stories to tell. For some, it has been a year of blessings, to others, it has not been such a good year, while there are a few who consider this as a year of learning and transition. We all agreed that it has been a year to be grateful for. No matter the events and circumstances that transpired this year, just being alive and healthy is something we should always be grateful for. I remember a colleague telling me in jest that he is “tired of living in unprecedented times.” We all are. But to be able to maintain a happy disposition despite all the challenges is a gift that can positively impact the people around us.
When it was my turn to answer the question. I paused to quickly recall the events that transpired this year. Essentially, it has been a year full of blessings mostly in the form of people who never left my side. 2022 has been a year of transition for me. It’s also a year of starting all over again and then doing it again. It has been a year of faith and hopes that no matter what, all will eventually fall into place.
I’m grateful for the opportunities to travel, rest, and be with people I haven’t seen in years. I’m thankful for the time to take a break and focus more on my health and well-being. Most of all, I am grateful to be surrounded by people who love and support me. There are so many things to be thankful for. How about you? How was the year 2022 for you?
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New compounding solutions for patient care in the Philippines
Apotheca Integrative Pharmacy, (AIP), an FDA-licensed specialty compounding pharmacy in the Philippines introduces a new line of compounded solutions to continuously improve patient care for all Filipinos. These new solutions form part of the company’s existing categories of compounded medications, namely Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT), Weight Loss Management, Intravenous (IV) Nutrition, Thyroid Medication, Erectile Dysfunction, Pain Management, Hair Loss, Dermatological Preparations, Pediatrics, and Nutraceuticals.
Its new solutions for weight loss management include Bupropion and Naltrexone Capsules, a prescribed medication not readily available in the local market. Studies have shown that this combination helps to improve weight loss by helping curb appetite and food cravings. Bupropion, known as an antidepressant that helps suppress appetite, works hand in hand with Naltrexone, which is used for patients with alcohol addiction problems, to give the desired results for the patients. These medicines require direct medical supervision and are not advised for pregnant women and those who have uncontrolled high blood pressure, seizures as well as eating disorders.
The pharmacy’s new compounded skin medications now include a Coenzyme Q10 Cream developed for the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles from photo-aged skin. Another skin solution is the Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+), an effective topical antipsoriatic agent for psoriasis rashes. It also offers Phosphatidylcholine parental solutions, which healthcare practitioners inject under the skin to help treat excess fat around the eyelids and yellowish cholesterol deposits under the skin’s surface. All compounded medication solutions of AIP require a doctor’s prescription. The company is committed to providing superior pharmaceutical care through high-quality compounded medications based on prescription, mixing individual ingredients in the exact strength and dosage form.
To date, AIP has grown its portfolio to more than 950 active formulas being compounded per prescription from its database of 2,500 formulas. It has served over 1,600 medical doctors and more than 15,000 patients and has supplied over 115,000 quality prescriptions. It is recommended by more than 100 hospitals across the country, specifically in the pediatric category.
The specialty compounding pharmacy continuously works with the Philippine Pharmacists Association Inc. (PPhA), the integrated national organization of licensed Filipino pharmacists, and other organizations in the field to help advance pharmacy practice in the country. To learn more about Apotheca Integrative Pharmacy’s services and products, visit its website at apotheca.com.ph and social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn. For feedback, I’m at joba.botana@gmail.com.
