Frequently Asked Questions

Diffusimax is pluronic lecithin organogel, often abbreviated as PLO gel. It is a liposomal base that is used as a vehicle for preparing a wide range of topical formulations. Diffusimax and Diffusimax10 Pre-Mixed Creams and Diffusimax and Diffusimax10 Kits do not contain active ingredients; medications are added by a pharmacist as prescribed by a physician. The medications most commonly used in Diffusimax are the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, but many different medications and combinations of medications are now being prescribed. Refer to the compounding instructions for a listing of drugs and drug combinations used in Diffusimax.

The final product is the same regardless of whether you choose the Diffusimax Kit or Diffusimax Pre-Mixed Cream. Diffusimax Kits contain lipophilic and hydrophilic components in separate bottles. When the two Compounds are mixed together, PLO cream is formed and liposomes are generated. Diffusimax 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.

Diffusimax is used for compounding drugs with relatively low concentration levels (e.g. 10% ketoprofen). Diffusimax10 is specially designed for compounding higher active concentrations (e.g. 20% ketoprofen) and drug combinations. We recommend using Diffusimax10 for prescriptions with total drug content higher than 10%.

Yes, drug powders need to be mixed with a wetting agent to create a paste or solution prior to incorporating them into Diffusimax. This is necessary to allow the drug to properly dissolve and to be incorporated into the liposomes.

Yes, a wide range of drug combinations have been used in Diffusimax. For a listing of combinations tested by Maxima, see compounding instructions.

Ketoprofen is the NSAID of choice for topical compounding because of solubility characteristics and compatibility with other medications. Alternate NSAIDS can be used, such as diclofenac, ibuprofen, and naproxen, but maximum drug concentrations will be lower and formulations may be less stable.

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.

For most applications, a small amount of cream is applied to the affected areas four times per day. A physician may give alternate instructions.

At the Pharmacy: Diffusimax Pre-Mixed Cream should be stored at room temperature. For Diffusimax Kits, the lipophilic (Compound A) component is stored at room temperature. The hydrophilic (Compound B) component can be stored at room temperature, but must be put into the refrigerator prior to mixing to allow it to liquefy. Many pharmacists refrigerate the B component until it is required for preparing cream.

Diffusimax that has been compounded with medication should be stored at room temperature.

Patients: should store their prescriptions at room temperature.

The shelf life for all unopened Diffusimax 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 Diffusimax Pre-Mixed cream or the Diffusimax Kit.

Diffusimax does not have a Drug Identification Number. Some provincial government insurance plans list Diffusimax as a covered product. In other provinces, government insurance plans will cover the cost of Diffusimax if the drug compounded into it is listed on the provincial formulary. For reimbursement by private insurers, contact the insurer to determine eligibility.

Diffusimax can be ordered from your wholesaler. See ordering information.