HelixTalk - Rosalind Franklin University's College of Pharmacy Podcast
194 episodes - English - Latest episode: 28 days ago - ★★★★★ - 549 ratingsThis podcast is produced by pharmacy faculty to supplement study material and provide relevant drug and professional topics. We're hoping that our real-life clinical pearls and discussions will help you stay up-to-date and improve your pharmacy knowledge.
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Episodes
180 - The Ultimate Guide to Statins: An In-Depth Drug Class Review
March 26, 2024 10:00 - 42 minutes - 39.8 MBIn this episode, we review the pharmacology, indications, adverse effects, monitoring, and unique drug characteristics of HMG CoA reductase inhibitors (“statins”). Key Concepts Statins reduce LDL cholesterol by 20-60% (depending on the dose and statin potency). They have modest favorable effects on HDL and triglycerides. Clinically, statins reduce the risk of major adverse cardiac events by about 30% depending on the statin potency. There are four main groups of patients who are indicat...
179 - Annual Dose of Sweetness: 2024 Updates from the American Diabetes Association Guidelines
March 05, 2024 11:00 - 40 minutes - 38.2 MBIn this recurring episode, we discuss the important updates from the 2024 American Diabetes Association Guidelines! Key Concepts Tirzepatide is now recommended as one of the weight loss pharmacotherapy options along with semaglutide in patients with diabetes. The language for its use in comparison to insulin therapy has been updated similar to GLP-1RAs. The new hypoglycemia section in chapter 6 now houses all recommendations regarding screening, education, prevention, and treatment of h...
178 - Law & Order: Pharmacy Edition. A Concise Review of High-Yield Pharmacy Law Topics for the MPJE
February 13, 2024 15:52 - 56 minutes - 50.2 MBIn this episode, we speak with Janeen Winnike, the Associate Dean for Student Affairs at Rosalind Franklin and a co-course director for the Pharmacy Law course at the university. We review some of the key points regarding federal and Illinois pharmacy law – a must-listen especially for graduates preparing for their MPJE exam after graduation! Key Concepts The FDA (via the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act) primarily regulates manufacturers. Most regulation for pharmacies and pharmacists is via...
177 - The Antidote Arsenal: Exploring the Emergency Toolbox for Anticoagulant Reversals
January 23, 2024 11:00 - 38 minutes - 35.9 MBIn this episode, we review evidence-based guidelines for the emergency reversal of warfarin, dabigatran, and the oral Xa inhibitors (apixaban, edoxaban, and rivaroxaban). Key Concepts Reversal of anticoagulation is indicated in patients with major hemorrhage or when emergency surgery is necessary. Reversal of warfarin (Coumadin®) involves a fast-acting, short-term solution (usually prothrombin complex concentrates [PCC]) and a slower-acting, long-term solution (intravenous vitamin K). ...
176 - Hormonal Harmony: A Pharmacist’s Guide to Hormonal Contraceptives (Part 2)
January 02, 2024 11:00 - 43 minutes - 37.6 MBIn this two part episode, we review some of the most important clinical pearls in the pharmacotherapy and practice aspects of hormonal contraceptives with a brief focus on the very first FDA approved OTC hormonal contraceptive product (Opill). Key Concepts (Part 2) Missed dose instructions are particularly important with progestin only pills (POPs). Patients should take POPs at the same time (within 3 hours) each day - missing a dose beyond this 3 hour window is considered a missed dose a...
175 - Hormonal Harmony: A Pharmacist’s Guide to Hormonal Contraceptives (Part 1)
December 13, 2023 16:47 - 45 minutes - 39.7 MBIn this two part episode, we review some of the most important clinical pearls in the pharmacotherapy and practice aspects of hormonal contraceptives with a brief focus on the very first FDA approved OTC hormonal contraceptive product (Opill). Key Concepts (Part 1) The effectiveness of contraceptives varies based on “ideal use” (e.g. in a clinical trial with optimal compliance) versus “typical use” (e.g. real-world effectiveness in patients who may sometimes be less adherent than in clini...
174 - Finding Your Mount Rushmore: The Journey of an Industry Pharmacist
December 04, 2023 18:22 - 39 minutes - 42 MBIn this episode, we interview Scott Glosner, PharmD, MPH, BCPS about his extensive experience working at Pfizer in medical outcomes and as a field medical director. Dr. Glosner will share his career journey from a clinical pharmacist transitioning into the pharmaceutical industry in the late 1990s and what current pharmacists and students should know about a job in a pharmaceutical company. Key Concepts Pharmacists are playing an increasingly important role within the pharmaceutical indus...
173 - Balancing Access and Safety: The FDA's Prescription Drug Risk Mitigation Strategy (REMS)
October 31, 2023 10:00 - 42 minutes - 43.2 MBIn this episode, we will discuss the definition of REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies), why they exist, the role of FDA in administering REMS, types and examples of REMS, and how they impact pharmacy practice. Key Concepts The REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies) program was developed in 2007 as part of the FDA’s drug risk management strategies designed to balance risk and benefits of certain drugs. Elements of REMS vary depending on the drug, but commonly inclu...
172 - Battle of the Clot Busters: Alteplase vs. Tenecteplase for Acute Ischemic Stroke
October 10, 2023 10:00 - 35 minutes - 35.5 MBIn this episode, we review the role and indications of thrombolytics in acute ischemic stroke. The efficacy, safety, administration considerations, and cost between alteplase and tenecteplase are compared and contrasted. Key Concepts Alteplase (Activase) is a recombinant DNA version of human TPA (tissue plasminogen activator). Tenecteplase (TNKase) is similar to human TPA except it has three amino acid changes that result in a longer half-life and higher fibrin specificity. In patients ...
171 - Two Vax’s and a MAB: What’s New in RSV Prevention
September 19, 2023 10:00 - 42 minutes - 40.8 MBIn this episode, we briefly review RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) infections and focus on new data supporting the use of two different RSV vaccines (Abrysvo and Arvexy) in preventing RSV infections in older adults and in pregnant women. Key Concepts RSV is a contagious respiratory virus that is usually mild and self-limiting in most patients but can cause severe disease especially in young children or older adults with certain risk factors. The FDA recently approved two vaccines for ...
170 - Hope and Healing: Overcoming Opioid Use Disorder Through Evidence-Based Therapies
August 29, 2023 10:00 - 44 minutes - 43.1 MBIn this episode, together with our faculty colleague, Dr. Roberta Dume, PharmD, BCPP, we discuss the pharmacologic options and evidence for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) and how pharmacists play a vital role in assisting patients suffering from opioid use disorder. Key Concepts The treatment for OUD should be provided by either the treating clinician or a certified Opioid Treatment Provider (OTP) using one of three FDA-approved therapies which include buprenorphine, methadone...
169 - Introducing HelixTalk’s 2023 Drug Superlative Awards!
August 08, 2023 10:00 - 42 minutes - 41.3 MBIn this episode, we announce the second iteration of the HelixTalk Drug Superlative Awards -- awards given to medications on the market that are outstanding or notorious. In announcing these completely fictitious awards, we review key clinical pearls and pitfalls that every clinician should be aware of with these notable medications. Key Concepts The award for the most unique phase III patient population for a widely used medication goes to … Pneumovax-23 (PPSV-23) for its predecessor ver...
168 - Beyond the Controversy: Exploring Efficacy and Safety of Medication Abortion
July 18, 2023 10:00 - 45 minutes - 43.3 MBThere has been a lot of news about abortion (abortifacient) medications recently. Since the overturn of Roe v. Wade in 2022, individual states passed their own laws restricting access to abortion, this includes access to abortion medications. This clearly impacts the way pharmacists practice. In this episode, we summarize the science behind the two main abortive drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol, and provide a picture of how the access to these medications stand in the United States. Key...
167 - Beyond One-Size-Fits-All: Unraveling the Genetic Tapestry of CYP2D6 Drug Metabolism
June 27, 2023 10:00 - 35 minutes - 32.9 MBIn this episode, we review the science behind genetic differences in humans in the CYP2D6 hepatic enzyme responsible for drug metabolism and how these genetic variants can lead to certain drugs being metabolized far too much or far too little, which can cause drug toxicities or a lack of effectiveness. Key Concepts About 20-25% of drugs on the market are metabolized by CYP2D6. Humans have a huge degree of variability in CYP2D6 metabolism ranging from “ultra” metabolizers to “poor” metabol...
166 - Thiazide Throwdown: Hydrochlorothiazide vs. Chlorthalidone - The Ultimate Showdown for Hypertension Management
June 06, 2023 10:00 - 37 minutes - 35.3 MBIn this episode, we compare hydrochlorothiazide and chlorthalidone, but specifically from a cardiovascular outcomes perspective when used in patients with hypertension. Key Concepts Chlorthalidone, hydrochlorothiazide, and indapamide are available thiazide diuretics for treatment of hypertension; however, hydrochlorothiazide is the most commonly used agent. Chlorthalidone is more potent in reducing blood pressure but also is associated with a higher risk of electrolyte abnormalities com...
165 - QT and the Beast: Managing Medications That Prolong the QT Interval
May 16, 2023 10:00 - 36 minutes - 34.4 MBIn this episode, we discuss the concerns of QTc prolongation, which can cause a fatal arrhythmia called torsades de pointes (TdP). We cover the difference between QT and QTc, how to interpret a QTc (and when it is inaccurate), common medications that prolong QTc, and how pharmacists can evaluate the risk of QTc/TdP in patients who are receiving QTc-prolonging therapies. Key Concepts The QTc interval is the QT interval that has been “corrected” for heart rate. In nearly all cases, when des...
164 - Breaking Down the Updates: Key Changes and Implications of the 2023 American Diabetes Association Guidelines
April 25, 2023 10:00 - 41 minutes - 40.4 MBIn this episode, we will discuss the most important updates from the American Diabetes Association’s 2023 Standards of Care in Diabetes. Key Concepts The first-line therapy for type II diabetes is based on whether the primary goal of therapy is cardiorenal benefit (reduced risk of ASCVD, heart failure, or CKD) or glycemic and weight goals. For cardiorenal benefit, GLP1 receptor agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors are heavily emphasized. For glycemic control and weight gain, GLP1 receptor agon...
163 - The Two-Drug Tango: A Concise Guide to Tacrolimus and Mycophenolate in Organ Transplantation
April 04, 2023 10:00 - 53 minutes - 50 MBIn this episode, we review clinical pearls and common pitfalls of immunosuppression regimens for organ transplantation with a particular focus on tacrolimus and mycophenolate. Key Concepts Most recipients of an organ transplantation will be on a two or three drug regimen. The most common regimen is tacrolimus and mycophenolate with/without a corticosteroid. Tacrolimus is hepatically eliminated and susceptible to CYP3A4 and PGP drug interactions. Particularly at higher drug concentration...
162 - A1C You Later: A Concise Review of Continuous Glucose Monitors for the Practicing Pharmacist
March 14, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 59.7 MBIn this first ever CE episode, we discuss the A-Zs of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). In specific, our learning objective for the CE are: Describe commonly available types of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) in the US market and the features and capabilities of these devices. Summarize the evidence and guideline recommendations for use of CGMs in the management of diabetes. Identify the role of the pharmacist in the selection of CGMs and provision of education to patients and provid...
161 - My Loss Is Your Gain! How Drug Repository Programs Are Helping Patients Afford High-cost Medications
February 21, 2023 11:00 - 44 minutes - 40.9 MBIn this episode, we interview Dr. Shannon Rotolo and Dr. Alex Berce regarding Illinois and Wisconsin drug repository programs – these are programs that allow certain medications to be donated to participating sites and then redistributed to patients at a very low dispensing cost. Key Concepts Drug repository programs allow participating sites to accept certain donated medications and redistribute these medications to needy patients at a very low dispensing cost. Drug repository programs...
160 - Dextromethorphan for Depression? Analyzing Data for Auvelity® in Major Depressive Disorder
January 31, 2023 11:00 - 45 minutes - 41 MBIn this episode, we discuss the evidence, safety, and place in therapy of Auvelity® (dextromethorphan-bupropion), a newly approved antidepressant with a unique mechanism of action and interesting pharmacokinetic considerations. Key Concepts Auvelity® (bupropion-dextromethorphan) was FDA approved in 2022 for major depressive disorder (MDD). The bupropion component inhibits CYP2D6 metabolism and increases serum concentrations of dextromethorphan. The proposed mechanism of benefit in MDD is ...
159 - A Breath of Fresh Air: Big Changes to the 2023 GOLD Guidelines for COPD
January 10, 2023 11:00 - 38 minutes - 37.5 MBIn this episode, we highlight important changes to the 2023 GOLD Guidelines for COPD. In particular, we discuss a revision to the GOLD group classification system and the preferred initial therapies in patients with COPD. Key Concepts The newest GOLD COPD guidelines now recognize three GOLD groups – “A”, “B”, and “E”. Group “E” (formerly groups C and D) are patients with frequent exacerbations (defined as 2 or more in the past 12 months or 1 exacerbation requiring hospitalization). For ...
158 - PADing Your Understanding of Peripheral Arterial Disease: A Brief Treatment Overview
December 21, 2022 12:00 - 49 minutes - 46.5 MBIn this episode, we will discuss all things peripheral arterial disease – definitions, staging, clinical presentation, risk factors, goals of therapy, and guideline-directed medication therapy recommendations including the newest evidence for the use of DOACs. Key Concepts Addressing modifiable risk factors (weight loss, smoking cessation, blood pressure and blood glucose control, dyslipidemia, structured exercise program, etc.) are recommended for the treatment of PAD. Single antiplate...
157 - Everything Will Be ao-K+: Potassium Formulations and Dosing for Hypokalemia
November 29, 2022 11:00 - 37 minutes - 35 MBIn this episode, we review the management of a patient with hypokalemia, including both inpatient and outpatient supplementation with potassium chloride supplements and what dosage forms are available for potassium repletion. Key Concepts Most diets will provide sufficient potassium to avoid hypokalemia. Hypokalemia usually occurs due to drug therapy (such as diuretics) or GI losses from severe vomiting or diarrhea. In patients with chronically low potassium, supplements are dosed to in...
156 - There Is an App for That: Digital Health Advancements and More!
November 08, 2022 10:00 - 40 minutes - 38 MBIn this episode, we will define Digital Health, its categories and examples, describe how pharmacists are involved in DH practice, opportunities and limitations and future of DH. We will also discuss what implications DH has for educators, educational institutions, student pharmacists, pharmacists, and practice of pharmacy in general. Key Concepts Digital Health is currently a broad umbrella category that uses mobile health, telehealth, web-based platforms, personalized medicine, and IT t...
155 - Oncology 911: Tumor Lysis Syndrome as an Oncologic Emergency
October 18, 2022 10:00 - 44 minutes - 42.2 MBIn this episode, we invite Dr. Amir Ali, PharmD, BCOP to discuss with us the pathophysiology, risk factors, prevention, and treatment clinical pearls of tumor lysis syndrome TLS). Key Concepts TLS is caused by rapid cell death of cancerous cells that results in intracellular contents “spilling” into the blood – this leads to high serum uric acid, high serum potassium, high serum phosphate, and LOW calcium. These laboratory abnormalities cause acute kidney injury (via crystal formation i...
154 - What’s New With Paxlovid: Drug Interactions, Pharmacist Prescribing, “Paxlovid Mouth”, and a Brief Drug Review
September 27, 2022 10:00 - 44 minutes - 41.7 MBIn this episode, we review Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir) from the perspective of its pharmacology, efficacy, safety, pharmacists’ authority to prescribe, drug interactions, and rebound symptoms after Paxlovid therapy. Key Concepts Paxlovid is the preferred outpatient therapy for COVID-19 in patients at high risk for progressing to severe COVID-19. It likely has similar efficacy to IV monoclonal antibodies and IV outpatient remdesivir but differences in vaccination rates and patient po...
153 - Buy One Get One Free: Learning All about the Dual Acting GIP and GLP-1 Receptor Agonist
September 06, 2022 10:00 - 49 minutes - 46.8 MBIn this episode, we will discuss mechanism, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, safety, and possible place in therapy for tirzepatide (Mounjaro), a new treatment for type 2 diabetes. Key Concepts Tirzepatide is a novel GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist resulting in glucose-dependent secretion of insulin and a decrease in glucagon secretion. This medication was FDA approved in May 2022 for the treatment of type 2 diabetes as an adjunct to diet and exercise. It is available as a long-acting once wee...
152 - Strain-ger Things: Pneumococcal Vaccine Updates
August 16, 2022 10:00 - 45 minutes - 43.5 MBIn this episode, we will discuss the rationale behind the FDA approval of two new pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV20 and PCV15), the characteristics of these vaccines, their place in therapy as recommended by the ACIP, and subsequent CDC immunization schedule changes. Key Concepts Pneumococcal disease is mainly caused by various serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae and presentation can vary from mild forms (sinusitis, otitis media) to more severe (pneumonia, bacteremia, or meningitis...
151 - Deep Dive into Diltiazem: Pharmaceutics, Medicinal Chemistry, the FDA Orange Book, and More!
July 26, 2022 10:00 - 34 minutes - 32.4 MBIn this episode, we “deep dive” into diltiazem, describing its most important drug facts, pharmacology and medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutics, AB compatibility, and important medication safety issues. Key Concepts Diltiazem is a non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker (CCB). This type of CCB reduces both heart rate and blood pressure whereas dihydropyridine CCBs only reduce blood pressure. Diltiazem has numerous dosage forms (IV, immediate release tablets, and extended-release produ...
150 - Keep on Going Strong: A Reflection of 150 HelixTalk Episodes Through the Years
July 05, 2022 10:00 - 46 minutes - 44.2 MBIn this episode, the hosts of the HelixTalk reflect back on the history and making of HelixTalk to commemorate the 150th episode. We review each of our three favorite episodes and with a brief reflection on the episode content. We have come a long way from where we began and it is all thanks to the wonderful listeners and contributors who have a common thing in mind: a quest and thirst for knowledge! Links to Previous Episodes: #50 - Three shocking recommendations from CHEST 2016 that wil...
149 - Replenishing the Missing Element: A Complete Review of Iron Deficiency Anemia
June 14, 2022 10:00 - 58 minutes - 55.5 MBIn this episode, we will cover a complete overview of definition, diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Key Concepts Iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most common type of nutritional anemia. The most common risk factors are insufficient dietary intake, malabsorption, and increased requirement states like pregnancy or blood loss. Serum ferritin serves as the most confirmatory lab test for diagnosis of IDA. A low serum ferritin level usually indicates the ...
148 - Grit, Determination, and Entrepreneurship: A Pharmacist’s Career Path to Starting an Independent Pharmacy
May 24, 2022 10:00 - 52 minutes - 41 MBIn this episode, we interview Hetal Patel, PharmD and RFUMS COP Alumni, regarding her career path that eventually led her to open Lebanon Family Pharmacy in TN in 2021. We discuss the challenges and opportunities of starting a new independent pharmacy and what the future of independent pharmacy looks like. Key Concepts Starting a new, independent pharmacy requires substantial planning 8 to 12 months before the pharmacy’s doors even open. New pharmacy owners need to consider a variety of f...
147 - Key Recommendations from the 2022 AHA/ACC/HFSA Heart Failure Guidelines
May 03, 2022 10:00 - 48 minutes - 45.5 MBIn this episode, we review new updates and key concepts from the 2022 AHA/ACC/HFSA Guideline for the Management of Heart Failure. This guideline is newly published (April 2022) and is a full update of the 2013 guidelines and the 2017 focused update for heart failure. Key Concepts Heart failure is classified as HFrEF (heart failure with reduced ejection fraction <= 40%), HFimpEF (with improved ejection fraction – was <=40% but is now > 40%), HFmrEF (ejection fraction 41% to 49% with increa...
146 - New Drugs for Bad Bugs: Six Newer Antibiotics for Multidrug Resistant Pathogens
April 12, 2022 10:00 - 39 minutes - 37.3 MBIn this episode, we discuss six newer antibiotics that target multidrug resistant gram negative bacteria with Dr. Christie Bertram, PharmD, BCIDP. We review common resistance mechanisms, particularly to carbapenems, and highlight the current role in therapy for the following antibiotics: ceftolozane/tazobactam (Zerbaxa®), ceftazidime/avibactam (Avycaz®), meropenem/vaborbactam (Vabomere®), imipenem/cilastatin/relebactam (Recarbrio®), cefiderocol (Fetroja®), and eravacycline (Xerava®). Key Con...
145 - Advancing the Profession: Contraceptive Prescribing by Pharmacists in Illinois
March 22, 2022 11:00 - 47 minutes - 46.7 MBIn this episode, we bring in two guests to discuss the impact of professional advocacy and resulting professional advancements in the state of Illinois. These guests were the front-line agents of advocacy which resulted in pharmacists' ability to prescribe hormonal contraceptives for patients in Illinois (HB 135). We take a deep dive into their efforts to make this change possible, how it will impact patient care, and its implications on possibilities for further advancement of the pharmacy ...
144 - mRNA Technologies and their Implications in Therapeutics: Q&A with Dr. Martin
March 01, 2022 11:00 - 28 minutes - 28.8 MBIn this episode, we interview Dr. Danyelle Martin, a Medical Science Liaison (MSL) at Moderna, in order to learn more about the what, how, and future of mRNA-based therapeutics, and what impact it can have on healthcare and healthcare professionals in general. Key Concepts Moderna has a “Research Engine” proprietary service that takes an mRNA idea from a web-based digital designer, to a digital ordering system, and finally to a production facility where mRNA constructs are synthesized and q...
143 - The Low Down on Hypothyroidism: The Essentials of What Healthcare Providers Need to Know
February 08, 2022 11:00 - 39 minutes - 38.8 MBIn this episode, we review the diagnostic criteria and treatment strategy of hypothyroidism including the controversy surrounding brand versus generic levothyroxine and non-levothyroxine thyroid drugs. Key Concepts The most common cause of hypothyroidism is autoimmune thyroiditis - the body attacks the thyroid gland cells. Typically in hypothyroidism, TSH levels will be high and thyroid hormone levels (T3 and T4) will be normal or low. Levothyroxine is the drug of choice to treat hypoth...
142 - New Gains in Weight Loss Pharmacotherapy
January 18, 2022 11:00 - 46 minutes - 43.9 MBIn this episode, we will build up on our previous Weight loss Pharmacotherapy Episode, episode #13 to discuss updates in guidelines, prevention of obesity from comorbidity standpoint, and new treatment agents for weight-loss with a particular focus on Contrave (naltrexone/bupropion), Saxenda (liraglutide), and Wegovy (semaglutide).
141 - What You Need to Know about Hepatorenal Syndrome: New Definitions, Treatments, and Clinical Pearls
December 28, 2021 11:00 - 34 minutes - 36.9 MBIn this episode, we provide a concise overview of the diagnosis and treatment of hepatorenal syndrome-acute kidney injury (HRS-AKI) with a focus on the new HRS-1 definition (now called HRS-AKI), new data with terlipressin, and the AASLD 2021 guidelines. Key Concepts At a basic level, HRS-AKI is caused by portal hypertension leading to systemic vasodilation and a prerenal state. Our treatment focuses on increasing vascular volume (usually with albumin) and vasoconstriction to increase ren...
140 - The Ultimate Guide to SSRIs: An In-Depth Drug Class Review
December 07, 2021 11:00 - 52 minutes - 52.8 MBIn this episode, we review the pharmacology, indications, adverse effects, and unique drug characteristics of the most common SSRIs on the market. Key Concepts SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are the drug of choice for depression, anxiety, and a variety of other psychiatric indications. Fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil) inhibit CYP2D6, a metabolic pathway for several opioid analgesics, tamoxifen, and many other antidepressants. Adverse effects of SSRIs start i...
139 - They Did What?! FDA Approval of Aducanumab for Alzheimer’s Disease
November 16, 2021 11:00 - 33 minutes - 27.7 MBIn this episode, we discuss the recent accelerated approval of the new monoclonal antibody-based treatment agent, aducanumab (Aduhelm), by the FDA. We dive into the drug approval process, the efficacy and safety data, and the behind-the-scenes story of the FDA approval. Furthermore, we will present the controversy behind the approval and what it means for stakeholders. Key Concepts Aducanumab (Aduhelm) is a monoclonal antibody proven to reduce beta amyloid plaques in patients with Alzheim...
138 - Hidden Pharmaceutics: The Fascinating Science Behind Dosage Formulations
October 26, 2021 10:00 - 39 minutes - 35.4 MBIn this episode, we discuss the fascinating science of pharmaceutics with Dr. Kristen Ahlschwede and Dr. Rahul Deshmukh. We explore how dosage forms and excipients play an important role in how a drug product behaves in the human body with a particular focus on fentanyl patches, osmotic tablets (with laser-drilled holes), Depakote Sprinkles, and IV amiodarone. Key Concepts Fentanyl patches were reformulated from a drug-in-a-reservoir system to an adhesive matrix system to prevent abuse an...
137 - It’s Time for PBM Reform: How PBMs Have Hurt Pharmacies and Increased Drug Costs
October 05, 2021 10:00 - 40 minutes - 41.9 MBIn this episode, we reveal what goes on behind the scenes for drug pricing and pharmacy reimbursement with Dr. Benjamin Jolley. Our discussion covers important concepts like PBMs, DIR fees, MAC pricing, and even possible upcoming changes at the federal government. Key Concepts Prescription drug reimbursement is a major factor in the decline of independent pharmacies nationwide. Complex reimbursement models, fees, and drug pricing structures are frequently not well understood by both patie...
136 - Major Recommendations from the 2021 CHEST Anticoagulation for VTE Disease Guideline Updates
September 14, 2021 10:00 - 38 minutes - 36.3 MBIn this episode, we discuss the recently published major updates in the 9th edition of the anticoagulation guidelines from CHEST. These new recommendations range from initiation of therapy, secondary prevention, and management of post-thrombotic syndrome. Key Concepts Among patients with cancer-associated VTE, DOACs are preferred over low molecular weight heparins (LMWH) EXCEPT in patients with GI cancers. The preferred anticoagulant in those with GI cancers is either LMWH or apixaban. ...
135 - Top Four Medications Myths: BUSTED!
August 24, 2021 10:00 - 40 minutes - 33.2 MBIn this episode, we debunk four medication myths that have persisted for decades: metronidazole and alcohol; statins and hepatotoxicity; cidal vs. static antibiotics; and "sulfa" allergies. Key concepts Metronidazole does not interact with alcohol (ethanol) and does not cause a disulfiram-like reaction. Statins can cause transient increases in liver function tests; however, these increases are not associated with hepatotoxicity. Routine LFT monitoring is not recommended unless clinicall...
134 - Hypertensive Emergencies Demystified: A Brief Clinical Review
August 03, 2021 10:00 - 43 minutes - 36.1 MBIn this episode, we provide a concise review of the diagnostic criteria and general treatment approach to patients with hypertensive emergencies. Key Concepts Hypertensive “urgency” is a misnomer - patients do not require immediate therapy and definitely should not receive IV therapy. In most cases, the goal blood pressure in hypertensive emergencies is to decrease by no more than 25% in the first hour, achieve a BP of 160/100 in hours 2-6, then over the next 24-48 hours lower to a more...
133 - Tell Me More: Exploring Covid 19 Vaccine Hesitancy and Solutions!
July 13, 2021 10:00 - 33 minutes - 30.7 MBIn this episode, we will explore depths of COVID 19 vaccine hesitancy - what it is, how to identify and address it, and some helpful resources. Key Concepts When a patient seems hesitant to consider the COVID-19 vaccine, explore their hesitations further with a simple “why” or “tell more more” question. Understand the root of hesitancy and provide personalized responses using motivational interviewing. Key concepts of motivational interviewing include asking open-ending questions, askin...
132 - The Warp Speed of Covid-19 Vaccine Authorizations: Timeline and Discussion with Dr. Archana Chatterjee
June 22, 2021 10:00 - 49 minutes - 38.8 MBIn this episode, we will explore the history of COVID vaccine development and have a heart-to-heart conversation with Dr. Archana Chatterjee regarding her role as a dean of the RFUMS Chicago Medical School, her career path, and her position and functions on the FDA’s Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC).
131 - Come One, Come All: Know Everything about Beta-blockers!
June 01, 2021 10:00 - 41 minutes - 33.9 MBIn this episode, we will review the beta-blocker drug class. We discuss their pharmacology, pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic parameters, evidence-based use, efficacy, and safety considerations. Key Concepts Various beta-blockers are divided into four main subtypes: non-selective, B1-selective, beta-blockers with alpha 1 antagonistic activity, and beta-blockers with intrinsic sympathomimetic activity (ISA). These subtypes govern their place in therapy, efficacy, and adverse effects. With ...