.png)
Today's guest is someone near and dear to my heart: my brother, Dr. Norman Ruiz-Castaneda, whom I lovingly call Tito. After earning his doctorate of pharmacy from the University of Florida, he spent the last decade specializing in compounding pharmacy and personalized care, and in 2020 he and his wife Christy opened Uptown Chemist, North Naples' first USP 800-compliant compounding pharmacy.
​
We get into the heart of his work: compounding pharmacy and why it matters. We talk about why the same dose doesn't fit everyone, how compounding solves real problems, why a made-to-order medication takes time, and why that's a good thing. If you've ever wondered why compounded care feels so different from the retail pharmacy experience, this explains it.
​
We also explore several medications being used and studied in the functional and longevity space, including methylene blue and low-dose naltrexone, and the broader concept of repurposed drugs, medications with an established use being explored, under a provider's guidance, for new ones. We touch on ivermectin as well, and the complicated, contested history of how it was discussed during the pandemic.
​
A quick and important note: this is one of our more clinical conversations. Everything here is educational, not medical advice, and it reflects our guest's perspective and clinical experience. Some of what's discussed remains genuinely debated in the medical community, and we'd encourage you to weigh it with your own clinician.
​
FAQs​
​
Why does compounded medication take longer than a regular prescription?
Because it is made specifically for you. Rather than pulling a standard product off a shelf, the pharmacist prepares your medication to the exact specifications your provider ordered, taking care to get the dose accurate. That extra time reflects precision, not inefficiency. Some commonly prescribed items may be batched and available sooner.
​
Why would someone need a compounded medication instead of a standard one?
There are many reasons: needing a dose that isn't commercially available, being unable to swallow pills and needing a cream or dissolvable form, having a sensitivity to a filler or dye, or requiring a precise, individualized strength. Compounding solves practical barriers that can otherwise prevent a treatment from working.
​
Why doesn't the same dose work for everyone?
Because people differ. Two patients with the same condition can need meaningfully different amounts of the same medication, and the standard manufactured dose isn't always right for a given person. Personalized dosing, often starting low and adjusting to find the smallest effective amount, is central to how compounding and functional medicine work.
​
What is a repurposed drug?
A repurposed drug is a medication with an established, FDA-approved use that is being used or studied for a different purpose. Using an approved medication for a non-approved purpose is called "off-label," and providers are permitted to prescribe off-label based on their professional judgment. Whether any such use is appropriate is a decision for you and your provider.
​
Should I buy health products over the counter or online to save money?
Be cautious. Products obtained outside a reputable pharmacy aren't always thoroughly tested, and some have been found to contain unwanted contaminants. Cheaper doesn't always mean safer or better. Working with a trusted, credentialed pharmacy helps ensure both quality and safety.
​
Is a specific medication right for me?
That's a question only you and your qualified provider can answer, based on your health history, your labs, and your individual situation. Educational information about how medications or compounding work is not a substitute for personalized medical advice.
​
Get the Handout​
​
Full Transcript
​
Follow us
​​
TikTok
Youtube
Medical Providers Join my Clinician Education Platform
Subscribe to our Newsletter​​​​​
​
Learn at Pinnacle to earn FREE CE/CME credit for listening to this episode​
​
Dr. Norman Ruiz-Castaneda
​
​
​​
Chapters​
​
00:00 Intro
00:06 Introduction to Dr. Norman Ruiz-Castaneda
01:16 Journey into Pharmacy and Personal Health
10:27 Transitioning to Functional Medicine
12:13 Exploring Methylene Blue
24:26 Understanding Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN)
25:51 Understanding Inflammation and Its Management
30:51 Exploring Ivermectin: Uses and Controversies
43:10 The Concept of Repurposed Drugs in Medicine
47:52 Outro