Insights Newsletter June 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. 

Help Patients Navigate AI Medical Info Safely

More patients are using AI tools for medical or health advice and teams should be ready to help patients use these tools safely. Our article reviews strategies to start conversations about AI, and how to explain risks like misinformation, lack of clinical context, and privacy concerns. We also outline when patients should avoid relying on AI and how to verify AI-generated information with credible sources and healthcare professionals. Your team can listen to our Rumor vs Truth podcast episode on AI and explore our Artificial Intelligence in Pharmacy Practice resource for a deeper dive into this topic. Read More

Community Pharmacies: Be Ready With Recommendations for Swimmer’s Ear

Pharmacists will need to be ready with advice to manage this condition also known as acute otitis externa. We suggest a practical approach and point out several considerations. Readers can also compare options with our concise chart, included in the article. And we wrap it all up with guidance about ways patients can prevent this condition. Read More

Hospitals: Guide Management of Medetomidine Overdose and Withdrawal  

Hospital pharmacists should be prepared to recognize overdoses involving medetomidine. Our articles review when to suspect medetomidine exposure, the role of toxicology consultation and supportive care, and key signs of withdrawal that may overlap with opioid withdrawal. We also outline symptom management strategies, including preferred antiemetics, use of alpha-2 agonists, and the need to individualize treatment based on limited evidence. Readers can refer to our algorithm, Medetomidine Withdrawal Management, for stepwise guidance. Read More

NatMed: Not Just for Athletes: Creatine’s Emerging Role in Mental Health

Patients are asking about creatine not just for athletic performance, but for cognitive function, age-related cognitive decline, and depression. Our NatMed article reviews the emerging evidence. A meta-analysis shows creatine monohydrate improves memory but not overall cognitive function, executive function, or attention. For depression, a meta-analysis of 11 low-quality studies shows only small, likely clinically irrelevant benefits. Creatine appears safe for most adults at doses under 5 grams daily with adequate hydration, so safety concerns are low if patients want to give it a try – but providers should set expectations appropriately. Read More

Pharmacy & Prescriber Podcasts

Medication Talk

Listen to this month’s podcast episode, Urinary Tract Infection Pharmacotherapy, as our expert panel unpacks updated definitions of complicated vs. uncomplicated urinary tract infections, navigates antibiotic selection and duration, and shares the latest evidence-based strategies to stop recurrent UTIs in their tracks. Read More

Rumor vs Truth

Listen to the latest episode, Gabapentin, as our editors take a closer look at how gabapentin performs in real-world use—and where expectations may not match the data. Read More

Clinical Capsules

Listen to our latest episode, Updated COPD Guidelines: Strategies for Treatment and Management, as TRC Healthcare Associate Editor and Clinical Pharmacist Don Weinberger, PharmD, PMSP, reviews practical, guideline-based strategies for treating and managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Don highlights common factors that increase exacerbation risk and explains how current recommendations aim to better match therapy to patient needs. Read More

Other Covered Topics

Be sure to listen to our new Natural Medicines: Evidence in Practice podcast, When Supplements Trend Faster Than the Evidence: Lessons from Sea Moss, register for our upcoming live webinar, How High-Performing Specialty Pharmacies Improve Access and Adherence, don’t miss out on our upcoming live CE webinars, and more. Read More