Insights Newsletter July 2024: 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. 

Put Resmetirom in Perspective for NASH Treatment

Resmetirom (Rezdiffra) will be the first med approved for treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with fibrosis in adults. Our Letter articles provide guidance about this new treatment for certain patients with NASH. Our article clarifies the effectiveness and safety of resmetirom. We also give advice about the place in therapy for this new medication and point out pertinent drug interactions. Our chart, Drug Interactions: Cytochrome P450 (CYP), P-glycoprotein, and More, helps readers sort through other interactions with resmetirom. Read More

Community Topic: Provide Answers About GLP-1 Agonists for Weight Loss

High demand and persistent shortages are leading to questions about the weight loss meds semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Zepbound). Our Letter articles answer frequently asked questions about GLP-1 agonist medications used for weight loss. We provide recommendations on how to switch between GLP-agonists. Our article also gives guidance about compounded products and clarifies whether patients will need to use a GLP-1 agonist long-term. Our chart, Weight Loss Products, compares GLP-1 agonists and other FDA approved products for weight loss. Read More

Hospital Topic: Be Alert for Rising Rates of Bacterial Meningitis  

A recent CDC health advisory warns about the highest number of bacterial meningitis cases in nearly 10 years. Our article provides guidance on antibiotic selection, with considerations based on patient age and risk factors. We also discuss alternative antibiotic options to consider in times of drug shortages and the controversy over whether patients with meningitis should be treated with steroids and provides guidance on how to individualize the decision. Our resource, Managing Beta-Lactam Allergies, provides guidance on cross-reactivity when patients have a true, severe allergy. Read More

Inositol for PCOS: Understanding the Evidence 

Supplements for fertility is a growing segment in the dietary supplement market. PCOS is a leading cause for infertility. Inositol is often recommended for PCOS. Our NatMed article discusses the available evidence on using inositol for PCOS. We explain that inositol might offer some benefits for patients with PCOS. But we encourage providers to manage expectations about its effects on fertility – there’s no strong evidence that it improves the chance of getting pregnant. Read More

Upcoming Tradeshows

We have a packed tradeshow schedule this year and would love to meet with you in person. Send us a meeting request if you’ll be attending any of these shows!

Check out where we’ll be in the coming months:

• Florida Society of Health-System Pharmacists – FSHP 58th Annual Meeting: July 26-28 
• National Association of Chain Drug Stores – NACDS TSE 2024: August 17-19 
• Illinois Council of Health-System Pharmacists – ICHP Annual Meeting: September 12-14 
• American Academy of Family Physicians – FMX24: September 24-28 

See the Full List of Events for 2024

New Blog! Compounding Chronicles

Balancing Ink and Compliance—Managing Tattoos in Sterile Compounding Environments  

Tasha Jackson, B.S., PharmD, BCSCP, and editor at CriticalPoint, recently posted a blog emphasizing the importance of enforcing staff hygiene, proper garbing, and addressing recent tattoos in hospital pharmacies to maintain a sterile environment. She explains that USP Chapter 797 mandates personnel with recent tattoos to report them to the designated person (DP), who then determines their role in compounding activities during the healing process. It’s noted that effective standard operating procedures (SOPs) are crucial for managing staff restrictions and alternate duties to minimize contamination risk. Additionally, thorough documentation and staff education on hygiene and contamination risks are essential for compliance and maintaining a safe compounding environment. Explore CriticalPoint

Other Covered Topics

Learn how RxAdvanced: Guide to Natural Medicines and NatMed Pro equip pharmacists with essential knowledge and tools for safe, effective recommendations of natural medicines and supplements, watch a demo webinar on our CE/CME & Training Organizer + Learning Management Portal, check out the latest Medication Talk episode, and more. Read More