Meet Corrie Newman of Debbie’s Family Pharmacy! Corrie is a passionate advocate, working tirelessly to enhance the quality of life for individuals affected by Alpha-gal Syndrome (AGS). With a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by those living with AGS, Corrie has become a trusted leader in the pharmacy field, actively collaborating with healthcare providers, patients, and advocacy groups to improve patient outcomes. Corrie's commitment to raising awareness and working to ensure access to animal-free medication has made a significant impact on the AGS community.
1. If you were an animal-free drug, what would you be?
I would be Unisom Sleep Melts (Diphenhydramine 25 mg)—effective, fast-acting, and reliable. These are all characteristics I hope that I show and what I want in a medication for a patient.
One of my favorite things about this medication is that it’s a rapid-dissolving tablet, which means it gets into the system quickly. It’s also convenient to carry, making it easy to keep on hand in multiple places. Most importantly, it’s free of mammal-derived ingredients, which is crucial for those with Alpha-gal Syndrome. For someone experiencing an allergic reaction to mammal products, this medication provides relief without perpetuating exposure.
2. Can you tell us about a formative moment in your life that makes you the person that you are today?
I’ve been fortunate to have a strong support system throughout my life, from my parents and brother to my coaches, pharmacists, staff, husband, and closest friends. Whether it was pursuing organized sports in school, completing college, or advancing my career in pharmacy, these individuals have always encouraged me to grow. Their unwavering support has shaped who I am, pushing me to challenge myself and embrace new opportunities—whether in my professional journey or personal passions like running.
3. Can you share a bit about what you do?
I am the Compounding Director and a Pharmacy Technician at Debbie's Family Pharmacy in Rogers, Arkansas, an independent pharmacy owned and operated by Andrew and Page Mize. In my role, I oversee our compounding lab, where we specialize in non-sterile compounding. I also manage our Alpha-Gal services, ensuring patients with AGS receive medications free of animal-derived ingredients. My day-to-day involves working closely with patients to understand their needs, performing thorough medication checks, and partnering with healthcare providers to ensure the safest and most effective treatment options for those with unique challenges like AGS.
4. Can you tell us a personal experience that pulled you into the animal–derived ingredients and alpha-gal landscape?
I've been a pharmacy technician for about 23 years and began specializing in compounding in 2010. It was during that time I first encountered AGS. Initially, my understanding was limited to knowing that AGS patients had to avoid ingredients like lactose, gelatin, and magnesium stearate. However, over the past year, my knowledge has grown significantly through dedicated research, education, and meaningful engagement with the AGS community. This deeper understanding has empowered me to better serve and advocate for AGS patients. I feel incredibly blessed to have been welcomed into this community by some of the nation's leading educators, and I am deeply grateful for their support.
5. Is there something about the pharmaceutical industry that surprised you when you started working with alpha-gal patients?
Until about a year ago, when I gained a deeper understanding of AGS, I didn’t fully grasp how widespread mammal-derived ingredients are in our daily lives. I was surprised to discover how common these ingredients are, not only in prescription medications but also in over-the-counter products and supplements. It was eye-opening to realize the challenges this presents for Alpha-Gal patients, as many medications contain hidden mammalian components that aren’t immediately obvious.
6. What do you think is the most challenging aspect of navigating an alpha-gal diagnosis with a patient?
By the time a patient reaches out to our pharmacy, they are often physically and emotionally exhausted and overwhelmed. One of the biggest challenges is the lack of a readily available database to quickly identify which medications are safe for Alpha-Gal patients. Additionally, finding pharmacies that can source these medications is another obstacle. Verifying ingredients is a complex process for pharmacy professionals, and it’s nearly impossible for patients to manage on their own. Many are newly diagnosed and are trying to adjust multiple aspects of their lives. Our goal is to alleviate the burden of managing their medications, providing support and guidance to make this part of their journey easier.
7. What are some changes that Debbie’s Family Pharmacy implemented in order to accommodate AGS patients?
At Debbie’s Family Pharmacy, we’ve made several adjustments to better serve AGS patients. We offer an Alpha-Gal Med Check consultation, during which we research a patient's current medication list to find safe, mammal-free alternatives. We then discuss our findings with the patient and work with their physician to ensure appropriate medication options are provided.
In our front end, we’ve designated a specific Alpha-Gal section that includes supplements and over-the-counter products. As demand has grown, we’ve expanded this section into other areas of the front end, labeling products with pink Alpha-Gal stickers to help patients easily identify safe options without having to research each item.
On the prescription side, we’ve implemented manual alerts in our computer system to flag Alpha-Gal patients, ensuring their prescriptions undergo a special screening process. This process is continuously evolving, becoming more thorough and efficient as we work to improve our service for AGS patients. Debbie’s Family Pharmacy has also entered a collaboration with VeganMed to ensure that we are able to quickly and accurately identify animal-free medications for alpha-gal patients.
8. Any comments about the collaboration with VeganMed?
Our partnership with VeganMed has become an essential part of our daily process in researching safe medication options for patients. VeganMed’s resources greatly enhance our efficiency in identifying appropriate medications. Their ability to provide feedback on whether medications are animal-free and carrageenan-free for AGS patients is an invaluable service.
When a safe commercial option isn’t available, I explore compounding alternatives to minimize the time a patient is without their medication. VeganMed has even helped identify Alpha-gal-safe options for compounding purposes. I cannot speak highly enough of the VeganMed team—their consistent support, expertise, and kindness make them an integral part of our healthcare team, enabling us to provide the best care for patients with medication allergens. Just as AGS patients need a team to manage their healthcare, pharmacies also need a team to ensure the highest level of care, and VeganMed is a vital part of ours.
Thank you, VeganMed, for all you do for both patients and healthcare providers—it is deeply appreciated!
9. What are the greatest disconnects you’ve noticed within the pharmaceutical industry when it comes to looking for animal-free alternatives?
One of the greatest disconnects in the pharmaceutical industry is the lack of transparency when it comes to identifying animal-derived ingredients in medications. There are no clear indicators on labels to show whether a medication is safe for Alpha-Gal patients, and the origin of inactive ingredients is often unspecified. To find this information, I have to contact the manufacturer, which is often based in another country. This can present challenges, such as language barriers and long wait times, and it's difficult to get the necessary information in writing for my records.
Moreover, there is no centralized, up-to-date database for pharmacies to access this information, making it harder to verify the safety of medications. Even when we do find a brand that is safe, there’s no guarantee it will be available through our wholesaler, further complicating the process for both pharmacies and patients.
10. Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
One crucial aspect that needs attention is the education of pharmacy staff—including pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and cashiers—on AGS. The impact of AGS extends across all areas of healthcare, so it's vital that everyone involved in patient care understands the condition and its implications.
Additionally, legislative changes are necessary to improve ingredient transparency in medications. This would enable pharmacy staff and patients to make informed and safe decisions regarding healthcare. Ensuring that ingredient information is readily available and accurate is essential for providing the best care to those with AGS and other similar conditions.
Some examples of legislative changes that would further this goal include the FDA Citizen Petition that VeganMed filed last year, the ADINA Act, and Alpha-gal Allergen Inclusion Act. If these pieces of legislature can get the support they need, then we are one step closer to ensuring full transparency of medications and the acknowledgement of AGS in the medication space.
11. What motivates you on a daily basis?
I absolutely love my job and am deeply motivated by the support of our owners, coworkers, and patients. Many of the patients I’ve met through our AGS services have become like family to me. I often think about them and their well-being, and I cherish the bond we’ve formed through this process.
Our work at the pharmacy is an opportunity to serve our community in a way that has a big impact. Managing AGS and ensuring patient safety is crucial, and being part of their healthcare team gives me great fulfillment. I’m driven by the challenge of creating new systems and solutions to better serve our patients. The continual process of learning, brainstorming, and problem-solving truly motivates me.
Disclaimer: The product and/or information provided on VeganMed is of a general nature and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not lab test the products to confirm that they are free from animal ingredients, and it is possible that the formulation and ingredients could have changed. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or product. The information provided in this post is accurate and up to date as of the date it was written. However, please note that circumstances and facts may change over time, and new information may become available that could alter the accuracy or relevance of the content. We encourage readers to verify and cross-reference any information provided here with trusted sources or consult relevant professionals for the most current and accurate updates.
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