Insights Newsletter February 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. 

Be Ready to Test and Treat for Common Respiratory Illnesses 

The PREP Act extension allows pharmacists to order and administer COVID-19 tests through 2029 and more states are permitting pharmacists to screen and prescribe meds for influenza, strep throat, etc. Our Letter articles review when to consider treatment for these conditions, along with medication options and guidance to keep patients safe. We also sum up treatment recommendations, usual dosing, and approximate cost in a concise table. Readers can get more guidance in our resources, Antivirals for Influenza and Outpatient COVID-19 Treatment Options. Read More

Community Topic: Stay Current on H. Pylori Treatment Guidance 

Recent guidelines are leading to a shift in the treatment of H. pylori. Plus, regimens are complex. Our Letter articles sort out preferred regimens for empiric and salvage treatment of H. pylori in an easy-to-interpret chart. We also bring up pros and cons of the various regimens to help guide shared-decision making. Readers can post our new H. Pylori Treatment Summary chart as a quick reference to preferred regimens and dig into our updated FAQ, Helicobacter pylori:  From Diagnosis to Eradication, for a deeper dive into testing and treatment options. Read More

Hospital Topic: Simplify IV N-Acetylcysteine for Acetaminophen Overdoses 

N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) for acetaminophen poisoning has traditionally been given as a 3-bag regimen over 21 hours. Now the FDA recently approved an alternative 2-bag approach that many hospitals have been using off-label. Our Letter articles discuss how these regimens compare with regard to dosing, administration, patient outcomes, and safety. We also clarify when the 3-bag regimen is still preferred and provide practical advice on how to implement the newer NAC regimen and limit errors. Read More

NatMed Update: Changes to Prevagen Marketing Claims 

A federal judge ruled that apoaequorin (Prevagen) can no longer be marketed for improving memory or cognition. This will be a major shift in what consumers have been seeing in commercials, pharmacy signage, and online for almost 20 years. Our NatMed article explains that while this ruling may seem like a big change, the actual data haven’t shifted. There was never strong clinical evidence showing that apoaequorin improves memory or cognition. This is just one example of how dietary supplements are regulated differently than drugs. The FDA and FTC can only take action against manufacturers for safety concerns or misleading marketing claims AFTER they are on the market. Read More

Pharmacy & Prescriber Podcasts

Medication Talk

Listen to this month’s podcast episode, Notable New Meds of 2024, as two of our TRC Healthcare editors, Sara Klockars, PharmD, BCPS, and Stephen Small, PharmD, BCPS, BCPPS, BCCCP, CNSC, discuss several novel drugs approved in 2024 and highlight some medications now available in a new dosage form. They’ll review efficacy, safety, and considerations for use with these new treatment options.   

Pharmacist’s Letter and Prescriber Insights subscribers can get CE credit for listening to our Medication Talk podcast.

New! Rumor vs Truth

Listen to and watch this month’s episode, Hangover Remedies, as two of our TRC Healthcare editors, Steven Small, PharmD, BCPS, BCPPS, BCCCP, CNSC, and Don Weinberger, PharmD, PMSP, separate fact from fiction.  They’ll look at popular hangover remedies including natural products, hydration clinics, and more to see if there’s any proof behind the claims.  

New! Clinical Capsules

Listen to our latest episode, Managing Resistant Hypertension, as TRC Healthcare editor, Rachel Cole, PharmD, discusses the latest guidance.   

New Blog! Compounding Chronicles

Outsourced Suppliers and Shortages and Tariffs, Oh My!

By Adam West, Course and Curriculum Manager at CriticalPoint.

In this month’s blog, Outsourced Suppliers and Shortages and Tariffs, Oh My!, Adam explores the latest updates on import tariffs and shares strategies to protect your pharmacy from potential supply chain disruptions. Learn how vendor evaluation and risk assessment for primary suppliers can help safeguard your operations. Read the Blog

Other Covered Topics

Check out our new Featured Charts & Graphics resource hub, that has a collection of graphics, charts, and algorithms to stay on top of new drugs, the latest clinical recommendations, and help keep patients safe. Don’t miss our upcoming live CE webinars available for APRNs, pharmacists, pharmacy techs, physicians, PAs, and RNs.

Be sure to register for a free live webinar on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, from 2:00 – 2:30 PM EST for an in-depth walk through of the Bula platform. Discover how to stay informed on changes that could impact your pharmacy in the upcoming legislative sessions. Read More