Insights Newsletter January 2025: Emerging Trends for Clinical Leadership

close up of hospital pharmacist with vaccine and injection

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

Insights Newsletter | January 2025

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Give Advice About Biosimilars

There are now over 60 biosimilars available, with many approved in 2024 in both the U.S. and Canada. But biosimilars aren’t generic drugs which leads to confusion. Our Letter articles discuss how biosimilars compare to original reference biologics with regard to safety, purity, potency, and indications. We also describe how to know if a biosimilar is interchangeable with the reference biologic and discuss nuances about automatic substitution. Readers can get our recently updated resource, Facts About Biosimilars, for answers to many more FAQs. Read More

 

Community Topic: Clarify the Latest Meningococcal Vaccine Recommendations

Dosing schedules for meningococcal vaccination have recently changed. Plus, there are now five meningococcal vaccines available in the U.S. Our Letter articles sort out dosing for patients of all ages and give advice to avoid errors. We also provide guidance on which vaccines to use based on a patient’s age and risk factors. Our updated chart, Comparison of Meningococcal Vaccines, stacks up the options with regard to serotype coverage, dosing schedule, cost, and more. And our updated Meningococcal Vaccination algorithm helps readers make decisions for various clinical scenarios. Read More

 

Hospital Topic: Prevent TBI Complications

New guidelines are available for patients who’ve suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Our Letter articles provide practical advice on how to implement the latest guidance. We offer guidance about which patients need seizure prophylaxis along with recommendations about med options and dosing.  We also give advice about managing venous thromboembolism prevention in these complex patients. Read More

 

NatMed Update: Calming Kava: Anxiety Reliever or Safety Concern?

“Dry January” will lead to questions about alcohol alternatives, including kava. It’s a popular social drink, but there’s confusion about safety. Our NatMed article explains that due to previous case reports of liver damage, kava was banned in some countries. It was never banned in the U.S., and the validity of many of those case reports is now in question. But if patients want to try kava, they should keep an eye out for signs of liver damage, including yellowed skin, fatigue, and dark urine. Read More

 

Pharmacy & Prescriber Podcasts: Medication Talk

Listen to the latest Medication Talk podcast episode, Natural Medicines Highlights, as two of our TRC Healthcare editors, Sara Klockars, PharmD, BCPS, and Stephen Small, PharmD, BCPS define what natural medicines are. They will discuss the safety and efficacy of several natural medicines, including ashwagandha, berberine, and turmeric. They’ll also explain how to navigate discussions with patients about supplements, including tips for choosing a quality supplement.  Pharmacist’s Letter and Prescriber Insights subscribers can get CE credit for tuning in.

 

New Blog! Compounding Chronicles

Are Smoke Studies Still a Thing?
By Adam West, Course and Curriculum Manager at CriticalPoint.

In this month’s blog, Are Smoke Studies Still a Thing?, Adam West highlights a worrying trend regarding the diminishing significance of smoke studies in ISO Class 5 devices. Discover the guidance provided by CETA in comparison to USP requirements concerning smoke studies and how integrating both can help achieve operational compliance. Read the Blog

 

Other Covered Topics

Get the free CriticalPoint SOP that was recently updated, Actions in the Event of Unexpected or Planned Power Loss in a Sterile Compounding Facility. Don’t miss our upcoming live CE webinars available for APRNs, pharmacists, pharmacy techs, physicians, PAs, and RNs.

Be sure to check out the new NatMed platform upgrade FAQ that we put together to help address some of the common questions about what to expect with NatMed’s new platform. Listen to our latest on-demand webinar that explains how Bula, our legal database, helps ensure pharmacy compliance. Read More

Insights Newsletter | January 2025

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TRC Healthcare News & Resources

Medication Talk Podcast: Full Episode History

Medication Talk: Full Episode History

clinician on keyboard

Insights Newsletter December 2024: Emerging Trends for Clinical Leadership

smoke study first air

The Compounding Chronicles: Are Smoke Studies Still a Thing?

close up of a gavel and pills

Webinar: How Bula Helps Ensure Pharmacy Compliance