Rx Note

Introduction On 12 July 2025, I made the difficult decision to purchase a custom domain - https://www.myrxnote.com - for my long-running blog, https://mypharmacistnote.blogspot.com . In hindsight, it might have been a regrettable move. The domain transfer did not go as smoothly as I had hoped, and even after three months, the new URL has yet to establish proper search index visibility. As a result, the blog’s traffic statistics have dropped drastically - both in terms of impressions and actual page views - reaching an all-time low. Despite this setback, I remain optimistic. I continue to create new content inspired by the books I’ve recently read. Deep down, I still believe it was the right step forward. After reading Rich Dad’s Cashflow Quadrant by Robert Kiyosaki , I began to seriously reflect on how to build a passive income stream - one that does not rely on my active labor. When I paused to consider what I truly enjoy doing, the answer was clear: reading, thinking, and writing. T...

Introduction In 2018, the Ministry of Health Malaysia published the Good Compounding Practice as a guidance for compounding practices. Other relevant standards include PIC/S Guide to Good Practices for the Preparation of Medicinal Products in Healthcare Establishments, 2014 PIC/S Good Manufacturing Practice for Medicinal Products, 2023 USP General Chapter <795> Pharmaceutical Compounding - Nonsterile Preparations USP General Chapter <797> Pharmaceutical Compounding - Sterile Preparations The Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme (PIC/S) was established in 1995. It aims at harmonizing inspection procedures worldwide by developing common standards in the field of GMP and by providing training opportunities to inspectors. It also aims at facilitating co-operation and networking between competent authorities, regional and international organizations, thus increasing mutual confidence. Malaysia became the 26th member of PIC/S in January 2022. Compounding Compounding i...

Introduction Every now and then, I get this strong urge to dive into coding so I can finally turn my app ideas into reality. And here I am again, feeling inspired to learn after watching some introductory YouTube videos on backend and frontend development. One thing I have picked up is that before even thinking about the "easiest" language, it is really important to figure out where you want to start – a website, data analysis, or maybe an Android or iOS app. This key decision will perfectly guide you to the right language. For example, building websites usually involves HTML, CSS and JavaScript, whereas Python is a go-to for data analytics and artificial intelligence . Looking Into Instant App Creation After spending a few hours learning the basics and experimenting in Visual Studio Code , I have successfully created several prompts. However, building a mobile app with an interactive and modern design remains a distant prospect. Even a single coding error can lead to signifi...

Introduction Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is transmitted primarily by inhalation . After primary infection, 90% of individuals with intact immunity control further replication control of the bacilli, which may then be cleared or enter a "latent" phase . The person remains asymptomatic, but latent disease has the potential to become active at any time. The remaining 10% of individuals develop progressive to primary tuberculosis . It most commonly affects the lungs, although it can affect other parts of the body. NOTE: In general, individuals with pulmonary and laryngeal TB are infectious (higher risk if sputum smear is positive) , whereas those with extrapulmonary TB are regarded as non-infectious. Clinical Presentation Pulmonary TB is characterized by its slow onset and initial mild symptoms. The cough is chronic in nature and sputum production can vary from mild to severe with associated haemoptysis . Other sympto...

Introduction Ikigai is a book co-authored by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles that explores a Japanese concept potentially explaining the extraordinary longevity of the Japanese, especially on the island of Okinawa, where there are 24.55 people over the age of 100 for every 100,000 inhabitants. Ikigai is a Japanese concept that translates roughly as "the happiness of always being busy". Rather than harbouring animosity towards outsiders, Okinawans live by the principle of ichariba chode , a local expression that means "treat everyone like a brother, even if you have never met them before". From an early age, they practice yuimaaru , or teamwork, and so are used to helping one another, making every resident feel like part of a community. Nurturing friendships, eating light, getting enough rest, and doing regular, moderate exercise are all part of the equation for good health, but at the heart of the joie de vivre that inspires these centenarians to keep celebra...