IT'S MY JOB
Gerald DuFresne pharmacist at Creative Compounding Center Inc. of Lapeer

The County Press - Progress Edition, 27 February 2000 (Page 9a)

Photo by MIKER MERCIER
 Pharmacist Gerald DuFresne takes a lot of pride in being able to provide medicines that aren't normally available at chain drug stores.  At Creative Compounding Center Inc., 1779 W. Genesse St., Lapeer, DuFresne makes special medicinal compounds for patients who bring in a prescription from a doctor.  He also works with veterinarians to make up special medicines for dogs, cats, horses and other pets.

"We make special dosage forms that are not available commercially," DuFresne said.  "For instance, we can reduce the amount and make a lighter dose."

Patients should note that Creative Compounding doesn't take insurance.

DuFresne has been working in the pharmacy business for 30 years, and has been doing special compounds for 10 years.  He worked at Henderson's Pharmacy in Almont for three years.  Prior to that he worked in Detroit, Eastpointe and down river.

He first became interested in being a pharmacist when he was 13 or 14, and working at a chain drug store managed by his dad.

DuFresne takes special pride in providing natural hormones to women on hormone replacement therapy.  "It's custom work, just like going into a shirt store or high-class women's store, this is custom-made for you," he said.

He also enjoys helping animals, and will work with pet owners to make sure he provides a medicine their animal will take.  "If the animal won't take it, let us know and we'll redo it.  You need to have that relationship with people," DuFresne said.

His wife Cheryl, a technician at the center, has put together an album of animals they've helped.

Creative Compounding Center Inc. is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.