Insights Newsletter December 2025: 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. 

Sort Out Claims About Supplements for Cold and Cough 

Clinicians should be prepared to address patient questions about the effectiveness of natural remedies for cold and cough symptoms. Our articles analyze claims about whether zinc or vitamin C prevents colds or shortens symptoms. We also sort out whether honey should be recommended for cough. Readers can also listen to or watch our latest Rumor vs Truth podcast, where our editors stir the pot about natural cold and flu remedies. Read More

Community Pharmacies: Watch for Creative GLP-1 Agonist Dosing 

Despite limited evidence, the use of alternative dosing strategies with GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) is increasing, as patients seek ways to manage side effects and reduce costs. Our articles review microdosing and extending dosing intervals, highlighting the limitations and safety considerations of these approaches. Readers can use our GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Interactive Comparison Chart to review approved indications and verify how they’re supplied. Read More

Hospitals: Coordinate Timely Sedative Agents Around Rapid Sequence Intubation (RSI) 

Recent studies are highlighting the need for more timely sedative administration after RSI. Our articles discuss best practices for post-intubation sedation. We also review kinetics and side effects of commonly used neuromuscular blockers, along with patient-specific considerations for drug choice. Readers can refer to our Meds for ICU Analgesia and Sedation chart to see how options stack up. Read More

Natural Medicines: Cold Season Essentials: What to Know about Supplements for Kids 

People will have questions about alternative approaches to managing pain in pregnancy, especially as debate continues about acetaminophen use and risk of autism. Our NatMed article reviews key therapeutic interventions, such as acupuncture, osteopathic manipulation, and reflexology. For instance, some data suggest weekly reflexology sessions may reduce pregnancy-related low back pain. We also review the role of topicals for pain, such as capsicum. Additionally, we provide cautions on therapies to avoid in pregnancy due to potential harm, such as turmeric. Read More

Pharmacy & Prescriber Podcasts

Medication Talk

Listen to this month’s podcast episode, Considerations with Oral Oncology Meds, as our expert panel discusses critical aspects of managing patients on oral cancer therapies. They review tips for optimizing patient care and share best practices for handling these specialized medications. 

All Medication Talk episodes offer CE credit to Pharmacist’s Letter and Prescriber Insights subscribers for 2 years after the episode release date. Go to the CE/CME & Training Organizer and search “podcast” to find available courses.  

Rumor vs Truth

Listen to or watch the latest episode, Natural Cold and Flu Remedies, as hosts Don and Steve team up with special guest Jeff Langford, PharmD, from TRC’s NatMed team, to bust the biggest myths about natural remedies for cold and flu. Together, they dig into the roots of popular remedies—from pharmacy shelves to grandma’s kitchen—to uncover what’s backed by evidence. 

We’re excited to share that Rumor vs Truth podcast episodes now offer CE credit to subscribers for 2 years after their release date. Go to the CE/CME & Training Organizer and search “podcast” to find available courses. 

Clinical Capsules

Listen to our latest episode, Lenacapavir for HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), as Rachel Cole, PharmD, explores the evolving landscape of medications for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), spotlighting lenacapavir (Yeztugo)—a newly approved long-acting injectable option given just twice yearly.

We’re excited to share that Clinical Capsules podcast episodes now offer CE credit to subscribers for 2 years after their release date. Go to the CE/CME & Training Organizer and search “podcast” to find available courses. 

New Blog! Compounding Chronicles

Holiday Cheer, Not HD Smear – Why HD Wipe Sampling Matters

By Adam West, Course and Curriculum Manager at CriticalPoint.

Stop working in the dark! Hazardous drug residue is a dangerous, invisible threat to your staff and facility. This month, The Compounding Chronicles discusses why “turning on the lights” with HD wipe sampling is not just recommended—it’s essential.

Read the Blog

Other Covered Topics

Learn about our new Pharmacy Technician Learning & Practice Suite, a structured, scalable approach to technician development powered by Pharmacy Technicians University and Pharmacy Technician’s Letter. Plus, watch our most recent webinar, Pharmacy Workforce Planning: Risk, Readiness & Retention, and check out Bula’s 2025 Legislative Session Summary for what you need to know and how to stay ahead going into 2026.