Insights Newsletter August 2024: Emerging Trends for Clinical Leadership

This month’s Insights Newsletter covers the latest practice-changing pharmacy updates, emerging trends, and popular natural medicine topics and resources. 

Know What’s New with RSV Vaccines for Older Adults

New CDC guidance is more clear-cut than last year’s. Clinicians need to know what’s changed. Our Letter articles provide guidance about which patients should receive the RSV vaccine, and clarify when it is not recommended and why. We also give advice about product selection, dosing, and when administration is preferred. Readers can find product comparisons in our chart, Preventing RSV, along with more guidance, including recommendations for pregnant patients. Read More

Community Topic: Be Prepared for Conversations About “Doxy PEP”

New CDC guidance recommends prescribing doxycycline for certain high-risk patients to take after sex to prevent bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Clinicians need to know about this new practice. Our Letter articles clarify which patients are likely to benefit from doxy PEP and how effective it is in preventing bacterial STIs. We provide guidance on how to dose doxy PEP and which product to use. Our articles also give guidance on points for patient education about doxy PEP and overall sexual health. Our resources, HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and HIV Postexposure Prophylaxis (PEP) Checklist, can support these conversations. Read More

Hospital Topic: Use a Practical Approach to Manage Opioid-Allergy Alert

Less than 2% of reactions to opioids are a true allergy, but most reactions are documented incorrectly or incompletely. Our article provides a practical approach to handling opioid-allergy alerts. We discuss common adverse effects that should be labeled as “intolerances” and clarify symptoms of “pseudoallergy.” We also discuss true opioid allergies and how to manage opioids in these patients. Our resource, Opioid Allergy, provides guidance on cross-reactivity when patients have a true, severe allergy, along with an algorithm to guide treatment options. Read More

Understanding the Buzz about Xylitol

A new study linking low-calorie sweetener xylitol to heart attack and stroke is getting a lot of attention and generating concerns about safety. Our NatMed article explains that this new research only suggests a potential link. Even so, it’s putting a spotlight on sugar substitutes in general. For now, we advise caution and recommend only using xylitol in small amounts and avoiding processed foods loaded with sugar alternatives. Read More

Upcoming Events

Tradeshows

We have a packed tradeshow schedule this year and would love to meet with you in person. Send us a meeting request if you’ll be attending any of these shows!

Check out where we’ll be in the coming months:

• Illinois Council of Health-System Pharmacists – ICHP Annual Meeting: September 12-14 
• American Academy of Family Physicians – FMX24: September 24-28 
• Health Connect Partners – HCP Hospital Pharmacy Fall: September 30-October 2 
• ANCC Magnet/Pathway Conference: October 30-November 1

See the Full List of Events for 2024

New Blog! Compounding Chronicles

Hazardous Drug Awareness from a Certifier’s Perspective 

Have you ever wondered who faces a greater risk of hazardous drug (HD) exposure—pharmacy personnel or certifiers? The answer depends on various factors, but one thing is clear, both groups can face significant risks. In the latest blog post, Adam West explores the hidden dangers that certifiers may encounter, and often without the proper training or awareness of HD exposure. It raises critical questions about our responsibilities in ensuring the safety of everyone working in and around HD environments. Explore CriticalPoint

Other Covered Topics

Learn how your organization can stay compliant with the latest opioid guidelines with our Controlled Substances & Diversion Training, developed specifically for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, watch a webinar on Emergency Preparedness & Pharmacy Compliance, check out the latest Medication Talk episode, and more. Read More