Compounding with Sarah

 Developing Standard Operating Procedures by Denise M. Frank, RPh, FACA, FAPC   Policies and Procedures are the written pharmacy documents that include the policy statement (a course or plan of action, a high-level principle of the pharmacy), and the procedures for complying or carrying out a task. These procedures are also referred to as Standard Operating Procedures, or SOPs. Why do we need Policies and Procedures, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the pharmacy? Policies and procedures will provide for the consistent performance of activities. Personnel have a reference on how to handle situations and perform tasks – working as a team. The manual will very useful when training new employees with clear explanations, instructions, and expectations for specific tasks and for their position. Well-written SOPs also help protect a pharmacy from liability. The policies and procedures, when followed, ensure staff are compliant with regulations and standards and this protects

  Managing Hyperpigmentation by Tatiana Selleri, Pharmacist   INTRODUCTION Skin hyperpigmentation is a common dermatological condition in which the color of the skin becomes darker. These changes in skin coloration can be a result of various internal and external factors including hormonal changes, inflammation, injury, acne, eczema, certain medication, and UV exposure among others (Pérez-Bernal et al., 2000). Skin pigmentation and coloration are governed by the biological processes involving the production of the skin pigment melanin which is produced by melanocytes in various layers of skin. Thus, alterations in melanocyte production or distribution of melanin result in skin hyperpigmentation disorders (Rossi & Perez, 2011). Hyperpigmentation is not considered a harmful or lethal disorder; however, it can impact the quality of life of patients by affecting their emotional and psychological health. Various treatment options are available for hyperpigmentation. These agen