Targeted Drug Delivery: Is Why > How?
Following the opening ceremonies for NANS, we attended a cocktail gathering focused on targeted drug delivery (TDD). There, I met Dr. Joshua Wellington, who has implanted nearly three thousand intrathecal pumps over his 20+ years of practice. I have enjoyed [...]
Ketamine – Intrathecal Applications
My Journey to Ketamine I became aware of several physicians administering intrathecal (IT) ketamine infusions in late 1990. They were dosing 50 to 200 micrograms per day for non-malignant chronic pain. Intrigued, I sought any existing clinical justifications. Lisa Stearns, [...]
Pharmacology Review: Ketamine
A topic that arises frequently in our discussions with pain physicians is the use of ketamine to treat chronic pain. Many doctors have incorporated ketamine into their treatment regimens for chronic pain, while others are exploring its benefits, either intrathecally [...]
Setting Up an Intrathecal Practice: A Summary
This year, Hartley Medical sponsored the Intrathecal Therapy: Case-Based Learning and Hands-On Skills Training course. As a result, we were able to sit in on the day's lectures. Meetings such as NANS do a superb job of curating a [...]
Your Compounding Pharmacy: Perform Due Diligence
Know Your Compounding Pharmacy Not all pharmacies are the same. The difference, in fact, can affect more than just your patient's health, it can affect your practice's health. In July of 2013, a U.S. bankruptcy judge ruled that, due to [...]
Environmental Monitoring: Surface Testing
Testing for Microbials Intrathecal medications are a sophisticated way to treat chronic pain, and quality medications are paramount. Have you asked yourself these questions: How clean is my pharmacy's clean room? Am I familiar with its environmental monitoring program? Remember: [...]
Implantable Pump Concerns
I have become aware of a potential problem regarding programming of implantable infusion pumps that I wish to share. As you are aware, Hartley provides medications for a large number of implantable practices throughout the United States. Recently, I became [...]
FDA News
Increased Regulations And Inspections Of Sterile Compounding Pharmacies In light of recent events from the New England Compounding Center Pharmacy tragedy, both state and federal agencies have increased regulations and inspections of sterile compounding pharmacies. Specifically, the FDA has initiated [...]
Survey For Study On The Safety Of Intraspinal Treatments (For Non-Physician Clinicians)
I would like to introduce Gail McGlothlen RN, certified in pain management, as she is conducting a very insightful study on the safety of intraspinal treatments. The focus of the study is to query non-physician clinicians who are involved in [...]
New Client Site Visitation And Survey = Peace Of Mind
Hartley Medical has written many times in the past on the importance of physicians visiting your compounding pharmacy, but today I would like to share another relevant event that occurred over the past two months at Hartley Medical. In early [...]