Quality Control
We are compounding specialists with a compounding only pharmacy.
Our specialized compounding laboratory is a clean environment equipped with an array of speciality equipment. We have a GERMFREE ISO Class 5 sterile laminar flow Barrier Isolator for the production of sterile injections which provides a more sterile environment than most sterile clean rooms. We also have an Airclean isolation cabinet for the production of dust and particulate free capsules, creams and lozenges.
In addition we use a pharmaceutical grade computerised cream homogeniser for the production of uniform pharmaceutical grade creams. We also use a commercial quality laboratory powder blender in order to homogenise all powders prior to encapsulation to ensure a uniform distribution of medication throughout our capsules. These powders are then encapsulated using one of our pharmaceutical grade capsule machines which are able to accurately produce capsules within the defined limits set by the US and BP Pharmacopoiea. Our laboratory also contains several FCC approved computerized electronic balances that are capable of measuring down to the nearest miligram, an electronic pH meter, electric stirrer/hotplates, a Wellness water filtration apparatus as well as an array of other modern compounding utensils. The use of sophisticated compounding equipment in a clean, environment controlled, laboratory ensures the highest standards are maintained resulting with high quality products.
All products produced by our specialized laboratory are compounded under the recognized principles and regulations stipulated in Section 1161, “Pharmacy Compounding Practices” of the US Pharmacopoeia DI. By adhering to these strict quality controlled requirements it is ensured a pharmaceutically elegant product is always provided.
Our laboratory will only use the purist pharmaceutical grade raw materials available. Most ingredients used in our laboratory are obtained from the same suppliers that supply the pharmaceutical industry and each ingredient obtained is accompanied with a certificate of analysis to prove that it was analysed prior to purchase and that its quality was found to comply with pharmaceutical grade standards set by either the US or Brittish Pharmacopoieas.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) have been developed for every aspect of preparing your medication. From how to effectively clean the glassware used to make your product, to checking our packaging to ensure they all meet our high standards. This ensures every step in the production process is tightly controlled so there is little room for error.
Our laboratory also uses compounding software which allows us to deligate lot numbers to every item produced by our laboratory. These lot numbers are then matched to a unique production record so we can check (at any time) to see exactly what ingredients went into your medication and exactly how much of it (to the nearest miligram). This allows us to double check every product in order to ensure they all meet our high standards and to minimise any mistakes being made.
Finally the training and experience of the compounding pharmacist is also paramount to be able to competently supply pharmaceutical quality products. Our chief compounding pharmacist, Dr Michael Serafin, is a highly qualified compounding chemist with a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Chemistry from Sydney University. He has over five years experience in research and development in the pharmaceutical field. He has also worked for Sydney University teaching compounding theory and practice to pharmacy students. He has been involved in retail compounding since 2000. His extensive experience and expertise ensures the highest quality of our formulas and products supplied by our laboratory.
By adhering to set protocols and many regulations you can be assured of the quality of medication produced by Complementary Compounding Services. If you are currently obtaining your compounded medication elsewhere you should check to see if they too fulfil this quality checklist.
Sensitivities and Allergies
In addition to quality control we are also very concerned about what inactive excipients or fillers are used in our products. These are usually the "hidden ingredients" several of which their safety is questionable.
(1) Capsules - We do not use any coloured capsules opting for clear colour free capsules without any artificial colouring agents. We can also use cellulose based "Vege Capsules" on request for those who wish not to take gelatin based capsules. We are also able to produce lactose free capsules for anyone with a lactose intollerance. If colours are required for identifcation purposes in our formulations then we only use coloured vitamins such as riboflavin which is yellow/orange in colour.
(2) Creams - Our laboratory has formulated our own unique moisturising cream base as we were not satified with any cream bases on the market. Most creams on the market contain ingredients that are well known to cause allergic reactions, disrupt hormone function (hormone disruptors) or even worse suspected to potentially cause cancer. Our cream base avoids the use of all petrolium based ingredients (paraffins), parabens, sodium lauryl sulphate, propylene glycol, fragrances, artificial colours, waxes and heavy oils. For more information refer to our article Are your Cosmetics Causing you Harm.
(3) Mixtures - Our laboratory only uses the natural plant derived sweetener called stevia. We refuse to use any artificial sweeteners such as aspartame which has been identified as a potential neurotoxin. For flavoring agents we use natural oil extracts such as peppermint,spearmint, orange,aniseed and lemon oils, avoiding the use of other artificial flavours.
By carefully selecting the excipients used in our formulations we intent to minimise your exposure to potentially harmful ingredients found in many other products on the market. It also caters to many of our patients whom experience chemical sensitivities, allergies or intollerances.
When chosing which compounding pharmacy you should trust to prepare your medication you should consider all the factors mentioned above.