Monday, August 29, 2016

Pharmacist of the Month: Sharon G. Hagan, RPh

The Lime in the Coconut Compounding Pharmacy is proud to announce that Sharon Hagan was chosen as the Pharmacist of the month in Professional Compounding Centers of America's (PCCA) August publication. We are honored that she was chosen for such a wonderful publication, and would like to share the article with you. 

You can learn a bit more about Sharon, as well as how The Lime in the Coconut was started, and why we love being the best compounding pharmacy at the Lake of the Ozarks!




A Path to Compounding
Sharon Hagan has been compounding for about 12 years, but she's been in pharmacy for longer. "When I was 18, I was employed as a pharmacy technician," she says. "I really loved my job - especially the interaction with the customers." And she still does. But while working as a technician, her pharmacist, Larry Kimble, encouraged her to apply to the University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Pharmacy. "I was a tech for 16 years when I finally applied and was accepted," she says.

Then, Sharon discovered PCCA. "I had only combined some simple creams and magic mouthwash when I discovered PCCA," she says. It was an important point for her. "W-O-W!" She exclaims. "What an eye-opening experience!"

Moving forward, Sharon opened The Lime in the Coconut in 2007 "in order to offer an alternative to traditional medications," she says. And from her current position, she can both reflect back on her years in pharmacy and look forward to possibilities to come.

"The profession of pharmacy has always intrigued me, more so now than ever before," she says. "I love compounding; it allows a pharmacist to truly make a change in the lives of patients."


Favorite Formulas
One of Sharon's favorite formulas is a new addition to her repertoire. "We have added dermatology to our compounding strengths." she says, "and one formula seems to stand out - PCCA Formula #11639 (Potassium Azelaoyl Diglycinate 15%/Niacinamide 5% Topical Cream (Clarifying TM)), for our patients with rosacea." She adds that "it is an excellent formula for inflammation, erythema, skin discoloration, as well as being an antioxidant and stimulator of microcirculation." And she likes the base, specifically: "The unique avocado extract in Clarifying Base nourishes skin and decreases oil formation. My patients love this formula!"

Share also like PCCA Formula #10357 - Enrofloxacin 2% /Ketoconazole 2%/Triamcinolene 0.5% Poloxamer Otic Gel. "Thank you, Chris Simmons!" she exclaims, referring to our Vice President of Creative Development and true veterinary compounding innovator. "This one is a home run!" she adds. "Veterinarians, as well as pet owners, benefit from a one-time application instead of holding a large dog down for ear drops twice a day."

The Success Is In the Stories
Sharon and her crew at The Lime in the Coconut have had success with PCCA Formula #3408 - Tetracaine HCI 0.025% Popsicle. "A local doctor called us for help with a young girl who had dehydrated to the point of needing to be hospitalized for IV therapy," Sharon recalls. "She had stopped eating and drinking because of her sore throat." Fortunately, though, the tetracaine popsicles helped, and the doctor was pleasantly surprised when the girl started eating and drinking again. "We have created a great relationship with this doctor because of this one formula that turned her on to us," Sharon Says. "She now writes for other formulas as well."

Sharon's also had good experiences with PCCA Formula #0710 - Dibucaine HCI 0.5%/Hydroxyquinoline Sulfate 0.1% Topical Stick. "We call this our 'Chigger Stick,'," she says. "A mother came in and had her son with her," Sharon says, recalling a specific case. "He had numerous bug bites that he had been scratching the heck out of." So they called the doctor and got a prescription for - believe it or not - "Chigger Stick." "The little boy immediately applied it to the bites and said, 'Mommy, it's a magic stick. No more itchy!"




Sharon remembers another case well. "A lady came in a pulled a Chigger Stick out of her purse from a compounding pharmacy in the state that she had recently  moved from, " she says. There was one little problem, though, but Sharon saw an opportunity. "It was outdated by approximately seven years," she says. "She said she carried it in her purse always, and disregarded the expiration date because it still worked for her," says Sharon. "Humored by this, I offered to replace it for her at no cost." Opportunity seized: "She became one of my patients requiring compounds for BHRT and pain management," Sharon says. "You never know where a little Chigger Stick will take you..."

Words For a New Compounder
As you may expect from her success stories, Sharon's combined experience in pharmacy and business has taught her the importance of developing and maintaining relationships. "On a regular basis (weekly, monthly, etc.), commit to taking a doctor out to dinner," Sharon offers as advice. "You will have their complete, undivided attention for approximately two hours; will build a lasting relationship with them; and will not have had the expense, hustle, and bustle of feeding the whole office during lunch hour."

Feel As Good On the Inside As You Look on the Outside!
If you're looking for a pharmacy at the Lake of the Ozarks, we would love for you to consider working with us. It's also one of our primary goals to maintain a strong relationship between Pharmacist, Patient, and Physician. We can create a prescription that is fitted to your exact needs, and customized for you - visit our website to learn more!

Feel As Good On The Inside As You Do On The Outside!


111 Crossings West, Suite 6
PO Box 2145
Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 964-6786 


Hours:
Monday-Thursday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

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