Insights Newsletter January 2026: 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. 

Address New GLP-1 Agonist Side Effect Concerns 

Your team will need to be prepared to answer questions about whether recent side effect claims about GLP-1 agonists are true. Our articles analyze claims about whether GLP-1s are linked with hair loss, erectile dysfunction, or suicide. We also sort out whether GLP-1 agonists should be stopped prior to surgery due to aspiration risk. Readers can also listen to or watch our latest Rumor vs Truth podcast, where our editors dive deeper into the evidence about GLP-1 side effect claims. Read More

Community Pharmacies: Point Out Caveats With Direct-to-Consumer Meds 

Your staff will need to understand and explain the nuances of direct-to-consumer (DTC) Rx programs. Our articles point out pros and cons, including that DTC programs may not always lead to big savings.  We also discuss other considerations with DTC programs such as the need for increased vigilance when updating patient med lists. Readers can use our Guide for Helping Patients Afford Their Meds to help patients use cost-effective meds right off the bat instead of jumping to a DTC Rx option. Read More

Hospitals: Have a Plan When It Comes to Hazardous Med Spills 

Your team can help prevent dangerous exposures from hazardous drug spills. Our articles discuss a practical approach to remember the steps to address a spill and gives best practices for spill kit contents.  We also review what to do if a team member comes in direct contact with a hazardous med, as well as ways to prevent spills. Readers can refer to our Handling Hazardous Meds resource for more on cleaning requirements, assessment of risk, and personal protective equipment. Read More

Natural Medicines: Beyond Weight Loss: GLP-1 RA Nutritional Considerations 

Patients using GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA), such as semaglutide or tirzepatide, for weight loss may experience undesired effects including loss of muscle mass and nutrient deficiencies. Our NatMed article provides practical strategies to help patients maintain muscle mass while using a GLP-1 RA. For instance, we suggest boosting protein intake, such as up to 1.5 g/kg/day for physically active adults on a GLP-1 RA, and including regular strength training as part of the physical activity regimen. We also provide guidance about dietary strategies and the role of supplements to avoid nutrient deficiencies while on a GLP-1 RA. Read More

Pharmacy & Prescriber Podcasts

Medication Talk

Listen to this month’s podcast episode, Smoking and Vaping Cessation, as our expert panel discusses evidence-based approaches to help patients quit smoking, vaping, and using other nicotine products. You’ll gain practical insights on medication selection, combination strategies, and tailored approaches for helping patients break free from nicotine addiction. 

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, GLP-1 Side Effects, as hosts Don and Steve dig into the evidence behind the most talked-about risks of GLP-1 agonists, separating clinical truth from rumors and headlines. 

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, Preventing Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): Immunization Updates, as Associate Editor, Vickie Danaher, PharmD, reviews who should receive RSV vaccines, recent changes to age and risk-based recommendations, and how monoclonal antibodies protect infants and high-risk children.

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

USP <800> Isn’t Just for Pharmacies—Here’s Who’s Still at Risk

By Adam West, Course and Curriculum Manager at CriticalPoint.

Veterinary oncology clinics face unique hazardous drug safety challenges. This month, The Compounding Chronicles reveal how gaps in awareness, training, and containment can impact staff and pet safety and why USP <800> matters beyond traditional pharmacy settings.

Read the Blog

Other Covered Topics

Check out our most popular clinical resources, learn how you can shore up your compounding practices in 2026 with our new Compounding Compliance Suite, and register for our upcoming webinar, From Education Vendor to Workforce Partner: Introducing TRC Healthcare’s Pharmacy Workforce Solutions.