1. What is the typical absorption rate of PU?

There is no straightforward answer. It depends on whether you are interested in tissue levels subepidermal or blood levels and, of course, the characteristics and concentration of agent in the PU applied. Experimental determination would be required for any specific situation. Empirically, the analgesic effects of an anti-inflammatory drug incorporated in PU are felt within minutes of application.

2. What is the average shelf-life of PU?

3-5 years at room temperature.

3. Why is there liquid separated in my PU?

This occurs when it is frozen and thawed. It can be re-incorporated by vigorously shaking the sealed jar for 30-60 sec. it still works the same even if it has a slightly different appearance. It does not however affect the PUs effectiveness.

4. What makes PU work?

Its composition and gel structure.

5. Why is PU better than DMSO and what is the difference?

DMSO is strickly a solvent that dissolves skin components allowing non-selective penetration of materials applied to the skin. PU is more selective and compatible with skin components and, therefore, less toxic.

6.         Is there any way to increase the absorption rate of PU?

There are both physiological and chemical means to increase absorption rate. These include: a) apply to freshly-washed skin; b) occlude the affected application area, e.g. a bandage; c) add penetration enhancers such as menthol, d-limonene; DMSO up to 15%; add other solvents such as alcohol, propylene glycol, glycerol, transcutol but only in small amounts; if blood levels are required apply the product to an area of the body where the skin thickness is thin, e.g. the wrists, the forearm, behind the ear.

7.    Does it help to mix my drug with alcohol before mixing it with PU?

       It helps if the amount of drug dissolves. No more than 5% alcohol should be used to incorporate a drug in PU. Generally, the drug can be levigated with PU itself.                 

8.    What is the maximum of drug that I can mix in 100 g of PU and what would the     percentage of absorption be with that maximum mix?

It depends on the drug(s) to be incorporated. If there is no chemical reaction between the drug and PU, 20 percent powder could be incorporated. If more is added, the product becomes a paste, which is hard to apply. The absorption rate will increase as a function of concentration over a limited range, generally 1-10% then increase at a slower rate although more material is being absorbed. A point will be reached at which the skin becomes saturated, then absorption rate becomes constant.

9.      What is the highest concentration that I can compound and keep good absorption?

We have not compounded Trenbelone acetate with PU. As mentioned above, optimum concentrations of non-reactive drugs are 1-10%.

   10.  If I am using a drug (formulation) with binders and glues in it, what should I do?

Generally, a drug in another formulation should not be added to PU because of potential incompatibilities. Only the pure drug should be used. If however pure base drug can not be obtained, you may incorpate the binders and glue into the PU.  However, crush the medication into a fine powder.  You still may find the mixture to be gritty.

   11.  I live outside the United States.  Can I still order PU?

Yes.  However, the shipping that is quoted on the website is for domestic US shipping only.  You can email us your address and amount wanting to order and we can send you an exact shipping figure.

12.        I have a prescription for Androgel (transdermal testosterone) but the absorption rate is poor. Would it help to put PU over the area I put on the Androgel?

I personally increased my Testosterone level from 375 to 1300 by using the Androgel and then applying PU directly over the Androgel application site.  Mixing Androgel and PU and then applying might be helpful.

13.    Who developed PHLOJEL Ultra and why?

PHLOJEL Ultra was developed by J.A.R. Pharmaceuticals Ltd. in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. It was formulated to present a non-greasy application of a lecithin organogel base renowned for its skin penetrating abilities. This allows transport of drugs through the skin in a reliable manner for local as well as systemic actions.

   14.  What is the legal stand from the U.S. Customs on importing PU into the U.S.?

PHLOJEL Ultra is classed as a cosmetic with moisturizing properties.  It has a Harmonized Tariff Schedule number acceptable to U.S. Customs for importing into the U.S.

15.         I have some “gritty” residue after I mix up my medication with PU. What is that and does it matter?

The grittiness is caused by the dispersion of large particles. If the drug(s) to be incorporated are properly levigated prior to incorporation, there will be no grittiness. Besides being gritty, the drug(s) absorption rate may also be reduced.

   16.  Would it help with absorption if I mixed DMSO with the PU and, if so, how much?

PU will tolerate only about 15 percent DMSO. There may be an improvement of absorption but it depends on the drug. However, as mentioned earlier DMSO is a non-selective solvent which may also interfere with the actions of PU.