|
|
|
|
|
|
Information for the Pharmacist
|
|
|
| Organogel PLus is pluronic lecithin organogel (PLO), a vehicle for pharmaceutical compounding. It is regarded by many as the base of choice for topical preparations. Unlike many bases, it is a liposomal system. It has excellent stability across a range of pH and salt concentrations and is compatible with both lipophilic and hydrophilic medications.
|
|
|
|
Organogel PLus does not contain active ingredients; medications are added by a pharmacist as prescribed by a physician. The medications most commonly used in Organogel PLus are the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), but many different medications and combinations of medications are now being prescribed. See our Compounding Instructions for drugs commonly used in Organogel PLus.
|
|
| Two Formats: Pre-Mixed Cream and Kits |
|
Organogel PLus Kits contain lipophilic and hydrophilic components in separate bottles. When the two Compounds are mixed together, PLO cream is formed and liposomes are generated. Organogel PLus Pre-Mixed Cream is a convenient ready-to-use PLO base. The choice of which one to use is a matter of preference. Most pharmacists are switching to pre-mixed cream because of convenience and time-savings.
|
|
| Preparing a Prescription in Organogel PLus |
|
When preparing a prescription using Organogel PLus, drug powders are first mixed with wetting agent to create a paste or solution, which is then incorporated into Organogel PLus. This is necessary to allow the drug to properly dissolve and to be incorporated into the liposomes.
|
|
| Organogel PLus Storage |
|
| Storage of Organogel PLus Kits |
|
| Both Compound A and Compound B are stable at room temperature. The kit can be kept intact at room temperature until use, but Compound B is solid at room temperature and needs to be refrigerated prior to use to allow it to liquefy. It may be convenient to store the Compounds separately: Compound A at room temperature and Compound B in the refrigerator. Once the cream has been made by combining Compound A with Compound B, it should be stored at room temperature.
|
|
| Storage of Organogel PLus Pre-Mixed Cream |
|
| Pre-mixed cream should be stored at room temperature. If the cream is inadvertently cooled, it may liquefy. Consistency and liposomal composition can be restored by re-mixing and the product can be used in the normal fashion.
|
|
| Storage of Compounded Prescriptions |
|
After compounding with medication, the Organogel PLus prescription should be stored at room temperature.
With certain medications or combinations of medications, particularly at high total drug concentrations, the compounded cream can liquefy or separate after a period of time. The same thing can happen if the formulation is cooled. The prescription can be restored to its original consistency by re-mixing.
|
|
| Shelf-Life of Organogel PLus |
|
The shelf life for all unopened Organogel PLus products is 5 years from the date of manufacture.
The Beyond Use Date (BUD) for a compounded prescription is the lesser of the expiry date of the incorporated drug or the BUD for the compounded medication (See BUD List), as long as this is within the 5-year shelf life of the Organogel PLus Pre-Mixed Cream or the Organogel PLus Kit.
|
|
|
|
| Patient Instructions |
|
| Patients should be given the following directions:
|
- Wash your hands before applying.
- Rub a thin layer of Organogel PLus cream into the appropriate area of skin.
- Allow Organogel PLus to dry for a few minutes before applying clothing over the area (if applicable). The product will leave a slightly waxy feeling.
- Wash your hands with cold water after application. Cold water is better than warm water at dissolving the cream.
Avoid contact with the eyes. If Organogel PLus does come into contact with your eyes, rinse with cold water. |
|
Organogel PLus must only be used topically and must not be ingested.
Skin irritation with Organogel PLus is very uncommon, but can occur. It is also possible to have a skin reaction to the medications that are mixed in Organogel PLus.
Store Organogel PLus in its original container at room temperature and keep the lid on while not in use.
With certain prescriptions, the cream can liquefy or separate after a period of time. The same thing can happen if the formulation is accidentally cooled. The prescription can be restored to its original consistency by re-mixing with a clean utensil. If the utensil is disposable, it can be discarded; if not, it should be washed thoroughly with dish soap and water.
|
|
|
