Insights Newsletter July 2026: Emerging Trends for Clinical Leadership

July 10, 2026

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

Insights Newsletter | July 2026

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Navigate Questions About the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program

The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge launched July 1, 2026. This program allows eligible Medicare Part D patients to access certain GLP-1 medications for weight management for a $50 copay. Our articles explain which medications are included, which patients may qualify, and why prescriptions for indications such as type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, or MASH should still be billed to Part D. We also outline how pharmacies should submit Bridge claims through CMS’s central processor, handle prior authorization, and counsel patients about copays, savings cards, and Part D cost-sharing limits. Your team can use our GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Interactive Comparison Chart to compare products and get guidance on switches. Read More

Community Pharmacies: Your Guide to Controlled Substance Rx Validation

Controlled Rx fraud is becoming harder to spot as fraudsters get even more creative. Our articles explain how to evaluate controlled prescription legitimacy using green flags and caution flags. We also outline how PDMP checks can help identify concerning patterns and what to do when federal, state, or pharmacy policies differ. Readers dive deeper into federal controlled Rx laws with our CE course Controlled Substance Prescription Validation. Read More

Hospitals: Know the Latest Guidance to Help Improve Stroke Outcomes

Hospital pharmacists should be ready to guide time-sensitive medication decisions for acute ischemic stroke. Our articles review when to use IV alteplase or tenecteplase, how to manage key risks such as recent DOAC use, and why add-on IV antithrombotics are not recommended to improve thrombolysis. We also outline practical monitoring steps, including BP and glucose targets, plus timing of antiplatelet therapy for secondary stroke prevention. For more guidance to optimize care, readers can access our Antiplatelets for Recurrent Ischemic Stroke chart and our Acute Ischemic Stroke Pharmacotherapy Checklist. Read More

NatMed:

Caffeine Pouches: The New Nicotine?

Caffeine pouches deliver rapid, high doses of caffeine and are gaining popularity among teens and young adults, raising serious safety concerns. Our NatMed article breaks down how these products work and what to advise patients. Adults should stick to no more than 400 mg of caffeine daily, counting all sources. Kids and teens shouldn’t exceed 2.5 mg/kg daily – about 100 mg for the average 12-year-old – and should avoid these products altogether, especially given reports of pouches being distributed in schools. Read More

Pharmacy & Prescriber Podcasts

Medication Talk

Listen to this month’s podcast episode, Hypertension Treatment Updates, as our expert panel breaks down what every clinician needs to know about the 2025 hypertension guidelines. You’ll hear them discuss what’s changed, some controversies, and other practical takeaways to optimize blood pressure management for your patients. Read More

Rumor vs Truth

Listen to the latest episode, Ivermectin, as our editors dig into what’s driving the buzz and what the evidence actually shows across a surprisingly wide range of uses. From viral misinformation to emerging global health research, they explore where ivermectin fits… and where it doesn’t. Read More

Clinical Capsules

Listen to our latest bonus episode, Navigating the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge: What Pharmacy Teams Need to Know, as our Associate Editor and Clinical Pharmacist Vickie Danaher breaks down the new Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program—what it is, how it works, and what pharmacy teams need to know right now. Read More