Diffusimax and Diffusimax10 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 (NSAIDs), but many different medications and combinations of medications are now being prescribed. See our Compounding Instructions for drugs commonly used in Diffusimax and Diffusimax10.
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 concentrations (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%.
When preparing a prescription using Diffusimax, drug powders are first mixed with a wetting agent to create a paste or solution, which is then incorporated into Diffusimax. This is necessary to allow the drug to properly dissolve and to be incorporated into the liposomes.
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.
Pre-Mixed Creams 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.
After compounding with medication, the Diffusimax 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.
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 Kit or Pre-Mixed Cream.
Patients should be given the following directions:
- Wash your hands before applying your prescription cream.
- Rub a thin layer of Diffusimax cream into the appropriate area of skin. The product will leave a slightly waxy feeling.
- Allow Diffusimax to dry for a few minutes before applying clothing over the application area (if applicable).
- 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 Diffusimax does come into contact with your eyes, rinse with cold water. Diffusimax must only be used topically and must not be ingested.
Skin irritation with Diffusimax is very uncommon, but can occur. It is also possible to have a skin reaction to the medications that are mixed in Diffusimax.
Store Diffusimax 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.
Available Formats
Diffusimax and Diffusimax10 are available in two formats depending on your compounding preference
Pre-Mixed Cream
A convenient pre-made solution for any pharmacist. Available in 100 and 500 g sizes.
Compounding Kit
A traditional approach to prepare compounds. Available in 100, 500, and 1000 mL sizes.