Insights Newsletter February 2023: Emerging Trends for Clinical Leadership

This month’s Insights Newsletter covers the latest practice-changing pharmacy updates, emerging trends, and natural medicines trending topics and resources. Read information on how to keep up with the latest changes in pharmacy law, the latest schedule for the CriticalPoint trainings, and more!

Know When to Use a GLP-1 Agonist or SGLT2 Inhibitor First-Line

You’ll hear debate about whether metformin should still be first-line for all patients with type 2 diabetes. That’s because guidelines from the American Diabetes Association now recommend a GLP-1 agonist (Ozempic, etc.) or SGLT2 inhibitor (Farxiga, etc.) for certain patients with type 2 diabetes regardless of A1c goal or metformin use, due to the heart and kidney benefits of these medication classes. Our articles provide advice to help clinicians tailor first-line meds for type 2 diabetes based on cost, comorbidities, etc. We discuss the pros and cons of metformin, GLP-1 agonists, and SGLT2 inhibitors, so clinicians can work with patients to individualize therapy. Read Newsletter

Emphasize Techniques for Accurate Blood Pressure Readings

Almost half of adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure, but many aren’t aware they have it. Plus, errors with blood pressure measurement are common. American Heart Month will put more emphasis on measuring blood pressure properly and home BP monitoring for hypertension. Our articles highlight techniques to ensure blood pressure (BP) is being checked appropriately, and give guidance on the type of monitor to suggest to patients for home BP monitoring. Our recommendations also include pearls on when and how often patients should check their BP, and how to interpret home BP results. Read Newsletter

Tart Cherry for Sleep: The New Melatonin?

There have been concerns about melatonin overdoses, especially in pediatric populations. This has led to an interest in alternative sleep aids. On social media, there is a growing interest in using tart cherry juice for children. In our Natural Medicines article, we mention how some small studies suggest that drinking tart cherry juice twice daily may improve sleep and reduce insomnia. However, evidence is very limited, and it hasn’t been studied in children. In addition, we provide suggestions for counseling parents that are interested in this as an option for children. Read Newsletter

Other Topics Covered

Learn how to stay current with the latest pharmacy law and regulatory changes, and read recent updates in our Diabetes Resource Hub. Don’t miss our new on-demand webinar, and be sure to check out February’s most popular charts for our Letter products.