Podcasts about pharmd

This week on TWIRx, we're looking at the expanding role of pharmacists in public health, value-based care, artificial intelligence, medication intelligence, and the technology infrastructure supporting independent community pharmacy.   We begin with a special conversation featuring Alex J. Adams, PharmD, MPH, Assistant Secretary for the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), and Pennsylvania pharmacy leader Robert “Rob” Maher, PharmD, President and Chief Operating Officer of the Pennsylvania Pharmacists Care Network (PPCN).   Dr. Adams brings a pharmacist's perspective to federal health and human services leadership, while Maher leads a statewide clinically integrated pharmacy network focused on measurable patient outcomes. Together, we discuss how pharmacists are becoming increasingly involved in public health initiatives and how organizations such as PPCN are helping demonstrate the value of pharmacist-provided care through value-based models in Pennsylvania.   Next, we continue our countdown to NASP inSPire 2026 with one of PPN's Podcast Press Sponsors, Hendren AI.   John Boos, PharmD, MBA, Founder and CEO of Hendren AI, joins us to examine the growing role of artificial intelligence in specialty pharmacy and rare disease management. We discuss how AI-enabled tools can support pharmacists by processing complex information, improving workflow efficiency, automating administrative processes, and helping pharmacy teams devote more time to clinical care and patient engagement.   Our 3rd segement on today's TWIRx, we catch up with Vince Costanzo of RxBLU for an important discussion about the rapidly changing pharmacy technology landscape.   Pharmacy software today is about far more than features and functionality. For an independent pharmacy, its technology platform can sit at the center of dispensing, claims, inventory, patient communication, workflow, and business continuity.   We discuss why pharmacies should evaluate not only the technology they purchase, but also the stability, accessibility, support structure, and long-term strategy of the company behind it. As consolidation continues throughout healthcare technology, independent pharmacy owners need to understand what a potential acquisition, ownership change, or shift in corporate priorities could mean for the software platforms their operations depend upon.   Our featured Podcast Press Sponsor is First Databank — FDB.   David Delaney, MD, President of FDB, joins TWIRx to discuss the company's newly announced FDB Script Agent™, an AI-powered prescribing agent designed to move ambient listening beyond clinical documentation.   FDB Script Agent converts patient-clinician dialogue into structured prescriptions ready for clinician review, using FDB medication intelligence to provide clinical grounding and codification rather than relying on simple natural-language processing alone. We explore what this next generation of ambient AI could mean for prescribing workflows, medication safety, clinicians, and ultimately the pharmacies receiving those prescriptions.   It's another packed edition of This Week in Pharmacy — connecting pharmacy leadership, public health, specialty pharmacy, artificial intelligence and the technology shaping the future of the profession.   This is TWIRx — This Week in Pharmacy, from the Pharmacy Podcast Network.

With EMS World Expo less than two weeks away, William Heuser,  PharmD, MS, BCEMP, BCCCP, BCNSP, EMT-P, FP-C, a clinical critical care pharmacist, course director/clinical professor of pharmacology, clinical toxicologist and certified flight paramedic/firefighter, joins Mike and Josh to preview his presentations at the upcoming show. Heuser highlights some of the latest research on ketamine and ventricular tachycardia storms and why this research matters for BLS and ALS providers

In this episode of Psychiatric Pharmacy Pulse, host Megan Maroney, PharmD, BCPP, FAAPP, speaks with Danielle Stutzman, PharmD, BCPP, clinical assistant professor at the University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and assistant adjunct professor at the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, and member of the American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists Board of Directors, about where centanafadine (Simtriyo; Otsuka Pharmaceutical) fits into attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) pharmacotherapy. Centanafadine received FDA approval in July 2026 as a norepinephrine-dopamine-serotonin reuptake inhibitor (NDSRI) for ADHD in both pediatric and adult patients, with DEA scheduling still pending. Maroney and Stutzman note its mechanism is not entirely novel, drawing comparisons to tricyclic antidepressants, atomoxetine (Eli Lilly), and viloxazine (Qelbree; Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc). A pooled meta-analysis of 4 phase 3 trials plus a phase 2b crossover study found a Hedges' g effect size of about 0.37 for overall symptom severity versus placebo, a modest result that falls short of typical stimulant effect sizes of 0.8 to 1.0, though executive functioning outcomes on caregiver-rated scales appeared more promising.Safety data showed a nonsignificant increase in adverse effects (AEs) overall (pooled risk ratio, 1.29), with appetite suppression, nausea, and rash among the most common issues. Rash was the leading cause of study discontinuation in the youngest age group. Indirect comparisons suggested centanafadine may carry a lower risk of insomnia than methylphenidate and fewer AEs than atomoxetine and viloxazine, though lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse; Takeda Pharmaceuticals) remained more effective. A boxed warning for suicidal ideation applies, which is consistent with other ADHD medications.Practical advantages discussed include a lack of reliance on cytochrome P450 metabolism, lower drug interaction risk than atomoxetine or viloxazine, and capsules that can be opened and sprinkled on applesauce, yogurt, or orange juice. Centanafadine did increase caffeine exposure roughly 2-fold, warranting patient counseling. Both Maroney and Stutzman positioned the drug as a potential second-line option for patients who are not candidates for stimulants or who have not tolerated or responded to first-line therapies.To provide feedback or suggest topics of discussion for Psychiatric Pharmacy Pulse, please reach out to Gillian McGovern, Editor (gmcgovern@pharmacytimes.com).REFERENCES1. Mattingly GW, Turkoglu O, Chang D, Ward C, Skubiak T, Zhang Z, Cutler AJ. 52-week open-label safety and tolerability study of centanafadine sustained release in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2025;45(5):454-462. doi:10.1097/JCP.00000000000020202. Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc; Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co, Ltd. Otsuka receives FDA approval for first-in-class SIMTRIYO (centanafadine) for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Otsuka US. July 24, 2026. Accessed September 16, 2026. https://www.otsuka-us.com/otsuka-shares-fda-review-update-for-centanafadine3. Adler LA, Adams J, Madera-McDonough J, et al. Efficacy, safety, and tolerability of centanafadine sustained-release tablets in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: results of 2 phase 3, randomized, double-blind, multicenter, placebo-controlled trials. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2022;42(5):429-439. doi:10.1097/JCP.00000000000015754. Muneer MA, Naveed M, Amjad M, et al. Efficacy and safety of centanafadine in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Psychopharmacol Bull. 2026;56(3):47-65. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42267239/5. Schein J, Cloutier M, Gauthier-Loiselle M, et al. Assessment of centanafadine in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a matching-adjusted indirect comparison vs lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, atomoxetine hydrochloride, and viloxazine extended-release. J Manag Care Spec Pharm. 2024;30(6):528-540. doi:10.18553/jmcp.2024.30.6.5286. Stein MA. Editorial: centanafadine for adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: is a broader mechanism of action better? J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2026;65(6):764-765. doi:10.1016/j.jaac.2025.10.0207. Ward CL, Childress AC, Jin N, et al. Centanafadine for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in adolescents: a randomized clinical trial. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2026;65(6):805-817. doi:10.1016/j.jaac.2025.06.023

What if some of the things affecting your energy, hunger, hormones, sleep and weight have a whole lot less to do with willpower than you think?Today I'm going down the health rabbit hole with my friend Sharon Yeh, PharmD, and this conversation went exactly where you'd expect one of my conversations to go.

GLP-1 receptor agonists remain an important and rapidly changing area of pharmacy practice, with new therapies, expanding indications, and evolving safety considerations shaping patient care. This course reviews recent developments in GLP-1 therapy, including newly approved medications, emerging evidence related to nutrition and oral health, and practical considerations for patient counseling and long-term management. You will be better prepared to evaluate new evidence, counsel patients on the safe and effective use of GLP-1 therapies, and incorporate recent updates into clinical practice. HOSTRachel Maynard, PharmDGameChangers Podcast Host and Lead, Clinical & Partnership Education, CEimpactGUESTJennifer D. Goldman, PharmD, CDCES, BC-ADM, FCCPProfessor of Pharmacy Practice/Director of Cardiometabolic ServicesMassachusetts College of Pharmacy-Boston, Well Life Medical  Pharmacists, REDEEM YOUR CPE HERE!CPE is available to Health Mart franchise members onlyTo learn more about Health Mart, click here: https://join.healthmart.com/PRACTICE RESOURCEReceive the exclusive Practice Resource to use as a reference guide for this episode by enrolling in the course. Click here to enroll!CPE INFORMATION Learning ObjectivesUpon successful completion of this knowledge-based activity, participants should be able to:1. Describe recent developments in GLP-1 therapies, including newly approved medications.2. Explain pharmacist-relevant considerations for counseling, safety monitoring, and long-term management of patients receiving GLP-1 therapies.Jennifer Goldman is a member of the speakers bureau for Novo Nordisk, Amgen, Lilly, Xeris, CeQur, and Abbott Diabetes. All relevant financial relationships have been mitigated.  0.075 CEU/0.75 HrUAN: 0107-0000-26-323-H01-PInitial release date: 9/14/2026Expiration date: 9/14/2029Additional CPE details can be found here.

GLP-1 receptor agonists remain an important and rapidly changing area of pharmacy practice, with new therapies, expanding indications, and evolving safety considerations shaping patient care. This course reviews recent developments in GLP-1 therapy, including newly approved medications, emerging evidence related to nutrition and oral health, and practical considerations for patient counseling and long-term management. You will be better prepared to evaluate new evidence, counsel patients on the safe and effective use of GLP-1 therapies, and incorporate recent updates into clinical practice.HOSTRachel Maynard, PharmDGameChangers Podcast Host and Lead, Clinical & Partnership Education, CEimpactGUESTJennifer D. Goldman, PharmD, CDCES, BC-ADM, FCCPProfessor of Pharmacy Practice/Director of Cardiometabolic ServicesMassachusetts College of Pharmacy-Boston, Well Life Medical GET CE FOR LISTENING!Stay Compliant. Grow Clinically. Practice with Confidence. Pharmacist CE Subscription: All your CE in one convenient subscription.All episodes, CE, and Practice Resources for the GameChangers Clinical Update is included with your Pharmacist CE Subscription. But wait…there's even more!The Pharmacist CE Subscription includes: -  Compliance and licensure CE -  GameChangers Clinical Updates-  Practical continuing education across patient care topics *The subscription does not include microcredentials or certificates, which are available separately for pharmacists seeking specialized service training. Purchase Now!PRACTICE RESOURCEReceive the exclusive Practice Resource to use as a reference guide for this episode by purchasing the Pharmacist CE Subscription. CPE REDEMPTIONThis course is accredited for continuing pharmacy education! Click the link below that applies to you to take the exam and evaluation to claim credit:If you are already enrolled in this course, click here to redeem your credit. To purchase the Pharmacist CE Subscription and claim your CPE credit, click here or to purchase this course individually, click here.  CPE INFORMATIONLearning ObjectivesUpon successful completion of this knowledge-based activity, participants should be able to:1. Describe recent developments in GLP-1 therapies, including newly approved medications.2. Explain pharmacist-relevant considerations for counseling, safety monitoring, and long-term management of patients receiving GLP-1 therapies.Jennifer Goldman is a member of the speakers bureau for Novo Nordisk, Amgen, Lilly, Xeris, CeQur, and Abbott Diabetes. All relevant financial relationships have been mitigated.0.075 CEU/0.75 HrUAN: 0107-0000-26-323-H01-PInitial release date: 9/14/2026Expiration date: 9/14/2029Additional CPE details can be found here.Follow CEimpact on Social Media:LinkedInInstagram

Specialty Pharmacy Access, Innovation & Independent Pharmacy Growth   This Week in Pharmacy, we explore specialty pharmacy, pharmacy innovation, emerging career opportunities, and new business models for independent community pharmacy.   Today's episode is sponsored by Clearway Health, Value Drug Company, and FDB (First Databank, Inc.)   First, Allison Arant of Clearway Health joins us to discuss the next phase of specialty pharmacy within hospitals and health systems.   As rare disease and specialty therapies become more complex, health systems are looking for better ways to improve medication access, strengthen continuity of care, and keep patients connected to trusted clinical teams.   Todd and Allison discuss how health-system specialty pharmacy can expand community access and improve management of complex and rare disease treatments.   Learn more: https://www.clearwayhealth.com/   National Association of Specialty Pharmacy (NASP) #inSPire2026   Next, we preview inSPire 2026, taking place September 22–25, 2026, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland.   The specialty pharmacy community will come together to discuss medication access, emerging therapies, technology, patient services, clinical care, and the continued evolution of specialty pharmacy.   The Next Dose Summit   Then we welcome Jordan Smith, PharmD, AAHIVP, CPGx, and Melinda Fowler, RPh, ABAAHP, FAAFM to preview The Next Dose Summit, happening October 14–15, 2026.   RxPR and the Pharmacy Podcast Network are proud press and media partners.   The event focuses on innovation, entrepreneurship, leadership, emerging career pathways, and new opportunities for pharmacists looking beyond traditional roles.   It is designed for pharmacists, students, entrepreneurs, and healthcare leaders asking one important question:   What's next for pharmacy — and what's next for me?   Register here: https://www.jscommunitycare.org/store/p/2026-the-next-dose-summit-registration   Expanding Independent Pharmacy   Finally, Rick Seipp, PharmD, President and CEO of Value Drug Company, returns to discuss creative strategies for expanding independent community pharmacy.   Todd and Rick explore cash-based pharmacy, transparent pricing, clinical services, new revenue streams, and other non-PBM-dependent models that can help independent pharmacies diversify and grow.   The conversation focuses on how community pharmacies can strengthen their businesses while continuing to serve as trusted healthcare destinations.   Learn more: https://www.valuedrugco.com/   Sponsored By   Clearway Health https://www.clearwayhealth.com/   Value Drug Company https://www.valuedrugco.com/   First Databank — FDB https://www.fdbhealth.com/   TWIRx — This Week in Pharmacy is hosted by Todd S. Eury and produced by the Pharmacy Podcast Network — Amplifying the Voice of Pharmacists & Our Profession.

Season 5, episode 7 of Just Us: Before, Birth, and Beyond emphasizes the necessity of perinatal substance use disorder education in training the next generation of healthcare providers. Mel Ramage, director of the NC PSUD Network, leads this discussion with Erin Lorencz, MD, Maria Onuzko, PharmD, and Sophie Buchheit, MS1, all former learners in a PSUD space. Tune in to hear about each of their respective introductions to PSUD care, as well as a roundtable on what PSUD education should look like in the future of medical training. Key Resources:The Curbsiders Addiction Medicine Podcast: Addiction Medicine Podcast - The Curbsiders.Stash Free Documentaries. Original Body of Pain | Health Documentary | Full Movie | Drug Addiction. YouTube. Published 30 June 2024. https://youtu.be/eoqiWFFNN0E?si=wWknJ4f6mQuennU7.Project ECHO: Home - Project ECHONM Bridge – Hospital-Based OUD Treatment: NM Bridge | Need an Addiction Medicine Expert? Call 800.222.1222We would love your feedback on our podcast!  Please take our listener survey to provide your comments.Music credit: "Carefree" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Please provide feedback here:https://redcap.mahec.net/redcap/surveys/?s=XTM8T3RPNK 

In this episode of the NCS Podcast Hot Topics series, host Rich Choi, DO, welcomes back Andrew Webb, PharmD, to unpack "Effect of Desmopressin on Attaining Therapeutic Hypernatremia with Hypertonic Saline Continuous Infusion in Intracranial Hemorrhage," recently published in Neurocritical Care. Desmopressin has become a familiar tool for blunting antiplatelet-associated bleeding in intracranial hemorrhage, but its vasopressin-receptor activity raises a concern. Does it work against efforts to raise sodium with hypertonic saline? Dr. Webb traces desmopressin's path from a 1970s antidiuretic drug for diabetes insipidus to a hemostatic agent borrowed from the hemophilia literature, then walks through its pharmacokinetics, typical hemostatic dosing and the relatively modest side-effect profile clinicians should watch for. The conversation turns to a single-center retrospective study that paired a protocolized, TEG-guided desmopressin dose with a nurse-driven hypertonic saline sliding-scale infusion targeting a sodium goal of 150–155 mEq/L. Drs. Choi and Webb walk through how the study was designed and what it found, touching on sodium goal attainment, TEG changes, 3% saline volumes and thromboembolic risk. They also dig into the study's limitations, including its more conservative desmopressin dosing relative to practice at other centers, and agree a randomized trial is still needed to settle desmopressin's role in ICH management more broadly. For clinicians giving desmopressin alongside hypertonic saline, Dr. Webb offers a practical piece of advice worth tuning in for. The views expressed on the NCS Podcast are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or official positions of the Neurocritical Care Society.

In anticipation of the 2026 ASHP Conference for Pharmacy Leaders, ASHP is hosting a series of podcast episodes. Join our host, Cynthia Von Heeringen, senior education director at ASHP, as she interviews Jennifer Sternbach, assistant vice president of clinical pharmacy services at RWJBarnabas Health, to discuss her upcoming session: Data with a Dose of Insight: Predictive Analytics in Health-System Pharmacy.  The information presented during the podcast reflects solely the opinions of the presenter. The information and materials are not, and are not intended as, a comprehensive source of drug information on this topic. The contents of the podcast have not been reviewed by ASHP, and should neither be interpreted as the official policies of ASHP, nor an endorsement of any product(s), nor should they be considered as a substitute for the professional judgment of the pharmacist or physician.

Buprenorphine saves lives, yet it remains surrounded by myths, stigma, and misunderstanding. Is it simply replacing one opioid with another? What happens when a patient taking buprenorphine needs surgery or treatment for acute pain? And should a positive test for another substance mean treatment has failed?In this episode of Drug Diversion Insights, Jef Bratberg, PharmD, FAPhA, Clinical Professor of Pharmacy Practice at the University of Rhode Island, joins us for an evidence-based conversation about buprenorphine, opioid use disorder (OUD), harm reduction, pain management, and recovery.Jef shares his journey from infectious disease and critical care pharmacy into advocacy and policy work, and how that path led him to become a nationally recognized voice in harm reduction, naloxone access, and the treatment of opioid use disorder.From there, we tackle some of the most persistent questions surrounding buprenorphine.In this episode, we discuss:What buprenorphine is and its role in treating opioid use disorderWhy the idea that buprenorphine simply “replaces one addiction with another” misses important clinical distinctionsDependence versus addictionWhy stigma continues to limit access to medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD)Buprenorphine's role in recovery and harm reductionWhy buprenorphine remains underused for pain managementManaging acute pain in patients stabilized on buprenorphineWhat clinicians should consider when a patient taking buprenorphine needs surgeryThe use of additional opioid analgesics when clinically necessaryWhether exposure to opioids for legitimate acute pain can affect recoveryWhat a positive test for another substance should mean during treatmentWhy continued substance use doesn't automatically mean treatment has failedNaloxone access and overdose preventionThe role pharmacists can play in improving access to evidence-based treatmentOne particularly important part of the conversation focuses on hospitalization and pain management.Patients receiving buprenorphine still experience surgery, injuries, and acute painful conditions. Clinicians therefore need a plan that addresses both adequate pain control and continuity of opioid use disorder treatment.We also examine what happens when someone receiving treatment tests positive for another substance. Rather than treating a test result as the entire clinical picture, the conversation explores what that result can tell the care team and why continued engagement in treatment matters.Ultimately, this episode is about moving beyond stigma and misconceptions toward a better understanding of a treatment that can play a critical role in reducing the harms associated with opioid use disorder.Whether you're a pharmacist, physician, nurse, addiction medicine professional, pain management clinician, healthcare leader, person in recovery, or family member, this conversation offers a practical and compassionate look at what buprenorphine actually does—and the barriers that still prevent people from receiving effective care.More from Rxpert Solutions

This episode explores how to navigate grief and how it can impact relationships including the one with yourself. Link to Hope Edelman's book "Motherless Daughters" https://www.hopeedelman.com/books Link to Emma Hemming Willis' book "The Unexpected Journey" https://emmahemingwillis.com/the-unexpected-journey/ Link to Rx Meter Product Sleep Spray: https://myplusone.com/products/restful-sleep-magnesium-spray   TzrIckmic7Yeigg0uagt

Children are at increased risk for medication-related harm because of developmental differences, frequent off-label medication use, and unique adverse effect profiles. The Pediatric Pharmacy Association's updated KIDs List identifies medications and excipients that should be avoided or used with caution in pediatric patients, providing pharmacists with an evidence-based tool to support safer prescribing and medication use. This course reviews key updates from the 2025 KIDs List and discusses practical strategies pharmacists can use to identify risks, recommend safer alternatives, and improve medication safety for pediatric patients. HOSTRachel Maynard, PharmDGameChangers Podcast Host and Lead, Clinical & Partnership Education, CEimpactGUESTRachel Meyers, PharmD, BCPS, BCPPSClinical Professor / Pediatric Clinical PharmacistErnest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University /Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center Pharmacists, REDEEM YOUR CPE HERE!CPE is available to Health Mart franchise members onlyTo learn more about Health Mart, click here: https://join.healthmart.com/PRACTICE RESOURCEReceive the exclusive Practice Resource to use as a reference guide for this episode by enrolling in the course. Click here to enroll!CPE INFORMATION Learning ObjectivesUpon successful completion of this knowledge-based activity, participants should be able to:1. Describe key medications and excipients included in the 2025 KIDs List and the pediatric safety concerns associated with their use.2. Identify opportunities for pharmacists to apply KIDs List recommendations when evaluating medication therapy and counseling caregivers of pediatric patients.Rachel Meyers is a Consultant for Wolters Kluwer. All relevant financial relationships have been mitigated.  0.075 CEU/0.75 HrUAN: 0107-0000-26-316-H01-PInitial release date: 9/7/2026Expiration date: 9/7/2029Additional CPE details can be found here.

Children are at increased risk for medication-related harm because of developmental differences, frequent off-label medication use, and unique adverse effect profiles. The Pediatric Pharmacy Association's updated KIDs List identifies medications and excipients that should be avoided or used with caution in pediatric patients, providing pharmacists with an evidence-based tool to support safer prescribing and medication use. This course reviews key updates from the 2025 KIDs List and discusses practical strategies pharmacists can use to identify risks, recommend safer alternatives, and improve medication safety for pediatric patients.HOSTRachel Maynard, PharmDGameChangers Podcast Host and Lead, Clinical & Partnership Education, CEimpactGUESTRachel Meyers, PharmD, BCPS, BCPPSClinical Professor / Pediatric Clinical PharmacistErnest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University /Cooperman Barnabas Medical CenterGET CE FOR LISTENING!Stay Compliant. Grow Clinically. Practice with Confidence. Pharmacist CE Subscription: All your CE in one convenient subscription.All episodes, CE, and Practice Resources for the GameChangers Clinical Update is included with your Pharmacist CE Subscription. But wait…there's even more!The Pharmacist CE Subscription includes: -  Compliance and licensure CE -  GameChangers Clinical Updates-  Practical continuing education across patient care topics *The subscription does not include microcredentials or certificates, which are available separately for pharmacists seeking specialized service training. Purchase Now!PRACTICE RESOURCEReceive the exclusive Practice Resource to use as a reference guide for this episode by purchasing the Pharmacist CE Subscription. CPE REDEMPTIONThis course is accredited for continuing pharmacy education! Click the link below that applies to you to take the exam and evaluation to claim credit:If you are already enrolled in this course, click here to redeem your credit. To purchase the Pharmacist CE Subscription and claim your CPE credit, click here or to purchase this course individually, click here.  CPE INFORMATIONLearning ObjectivesUpon successful completion of this knowledge-based activity, participants should be able to:1. Describe key medications and excipients included in the 2025 KIDs List and the pediatric safety concerns associated with their use.2. Identify opportunities for pharmacists to apply KIDs List recommendations when evaluating medication therapy and counseling caregivers of pediatric patients.Rachel Meyers is a Consultant for Wolters Kluwer. All relevant financial relationships have been mitigated. 0.075 CEU/0.75 HrUAN: 0107-0000-26-316-H01-PInitial release date: 9/7/2026Expiration date: 9/7/2029Additional CPE details can be found here.Follow CEimpact on Social Media:LinkedInInstagram

TWIRx NEWS 1. Medicare Part D Paid Nearly $588 Million for Ineligible OTC Drugs   A federal audit found that Medicare Part D sponsors made approximately $587.7 million in ineligible payments from 2021 through 2023 for medications that had effectively transitioned from prescription to over-the-counter status.   The HHS Office of Inspector General cited outdated FDA information and the lack of a clear CMS rejection timeline as major contributors.   Why it matters: This exposes a serious coordination problem across FDA data, manufacturers, CMS, health plans and pharmacy claims systems.   Pharmacists may see the rejection or payment issue at the counter, but the failure often begins far upstream.   Read the Fierce Healthcare report Read the HHS-OIG audit 2. FDA Responds to Estradiol Patch Supply Pressure   The FDA is working with six manufacturers to improve access to estradiol transdermal patches amid increased demand.   While FDA has not declared a national shortage, availability varies by product, strength and geographic area. Manufacturers are increasing production through larger batches, added shifts and expanded capacity.   Why it matters: Pharmacists are again serving as the front line of a supply-chain challenge—helping patients locate medication, coordinating with prescribers and identifying alternatives.   Read the Reuters report Read the FDA update 3. New RSV and COVID-19 Guidance Released   The American Academy of Pediatrics and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have issued updated recommendations for RSV and COVID-19 protection during the 2026–2027 respiratory season.   Why it matters: Pharmacists may face conflicting recommendations, patient confusion and questions about eligibility.   Clear counseling and coordination with pediatric and obstetric providers will be critical.   Read the Pharmacy Times report SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT FROM OUTCOMES   A special update from Megan Urban and Outcomes.   Outcomes is highlighting new enhancements to its Rx30 pharmacy management platform, including a refreshed user experience, automated data-entry capabilities and support from a dedicated Client Success Team.   The program will explore how these updates can streamline pharmacy workflows, save time and support greater focus on patient care.   Presented by: Dalia Rios and Kaley Lester September 9, 2026 — 1:30 p.m. ET   Register here FEATURED CONVERSATION Building a Bridge to GLP-1 Access   Our featured guest is HaVy Ngo-Hamilton, PharmD, RPh, Senior Pharmacy Director at Buzz Health.   HaVy works at the intersection of pharmacy, healthcare technology, medication affordability and prescription access.   Buzz Health operates platforms including BuzzRx, RxCompare and RxAffect, with a focus on helping connect patients, pharmacies, prescribers and prescription pricing information.   That makes today's discussion particularly timely. THE MEDICARE GLP-1 BRIDGE   CMS launched the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge on July 1, 2026, to provide eligible Medicare Part D beneficiaries access to selected GLP-1 medications for weight management.   The demonstration runs through December 31, 2027.   Eligible beneficiaries pay $50 for a monthly supply, while the program operates outside the traditional Part D payment flow through centralized prior authorization, claims adjudication and pharmacy payment.   Eligible therapies currently include:   Foundayo® Wegovy® Zepbound®   The bigger issue is not simply GLP-1 coverage.   It is how healthcare connects eligibility, affordability, prior authorization, pharmacy workflow and patient access.   The central question for today's discussion:   Can we create a medication-access system where patients know whether they can obtain and afford their therapy before they reach the pharmacy counter? CLOSING THOUGHT   The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge is more than another federal drug program.   It is a real-world test of how healthcare can better connect coverage, affordability, prior authorization and pharmacy fulfillment around high-demand therapies.   Pharmacists remain at the center of that process.   The opportunity is to use technology to move more complexity upstream—allowing pharmacists to spend less time troubleshooting prescriptions and more time caring for patients.   Our thanks to HaVy Ngo-Hamilton, PharmD, RPh, Senior Pharmacy Director at Buzz Health, for joining us on This Week in Pharmacy.   Learn more about the CMS Medicare GLP-1 Bridge   Learn more about Buzz Health   TWIRx — This Week in Pharmacy Pharmacy Podcast Network   Amplifying the Voice of Pharmacy.

Send us Fan MailSchedule an Rx AssessmentYour infusion pharmacy is scaling fast, but is your legal foundation keeping up? On this episode of the Bottom Line Pharmacy Podcast, we sit down with Chris Pucillo and Patrick Carpenter of Boesen & Snow Law to break down:Why home infusion pharmacies are consolidating in 2026, and what's driving itThe state-by-state licensing patchwork that trips up new infusion clinicsWhat regulatory and financial due diligence actually looks like when buying or selling an infusion pharmacyWhere anti-kickback risk hides in doctor detailing and cash-pay pricingAnd more!Stay connected with Patrick Carpenter, Chris Pucillo and Boesen & Snow Law:Patrick Carpenter LinkedInChris Pucillo LinkedInBoesen & Snow WebsiteBoesen & Snow LinkedInBoesen & Snow FacebookStay connected with us:FacebookTwitterLinkedInScotty Sykes – CPA, CFP LinkedInScotty Sykes – CPA, CFP TwitterBonnie Bond – CPA LinkedInBonnie Bond – CPA TwitterMore resources on this topic:Podcast - Peptides, Policy, and PBMs: 2026 Quarter 3 Pharmacy UpdatePodcast – Driving Independent Pharmacy Profitability in 2026 with Nicolette Mathey, PharmD, CEO of Atrium24Podcast – The Bottom Line Catch Up | Ep. 3 | R&D Tax Credit, Trump Accounts, Taylor Swift's Wedding

This episode of Mind the Meds features guest Patti Yager-Stone, PharmD, BCPS, a clinical pharmacist in neurology at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Portland, Oregon, who oversees infusion management and vaccine coordination for about 120 neurology patients. Yager-Stone explains that immunomodulating and immunosuppressant therapies both increase infection risk and can blunt vaccine response, making pretreatment vaccination and timing central to her practice. When vaccination history is incomplete, she recommends avoiding live vaccines in patients on many of these therapies and stresses using serologies and thorough documentation review, instead of patient recall alone. For pneumococcal vaccination, she highlights the CDC's PneumoRecs VaxAdvisor tool for navigating vaccine selection based on patient age and risk conditions. For Yager-Stone's institution, the 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is favored over the 21-valent option for those who are immunocompromised because the latter excludes serotype 4, which is responsible for more than 30% of invasive pneumococcal disease cases in Oregon and several other western states.Marini and Yager-Stone discuss a recent cohort study that eased longstanding concerns about live vaccines, particularly the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine, triggering relapses in those with multiple sclerosis, a finding both say has reinforced their practice of offering the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine to patients without documented immunity amid current measles activity. They also note that immunosuppressed patients with measles may present atypically, without the characteristic rash. The conversation also touches on the newly approved mRNA influenza vaccine for patients aged 50 years and older, which showed superior relative efficacy against influenza-like illness compared with standard-dose vaccine in trials; however, higher rates of reactogenic side effects such as fatigue were observed with the vaccine.The episode closes on emerging observational evidence linking several vaccines, most notably the recombinant zoster vaccine, along with respiratory syncytial virus, influenza, and tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis vaccines, to reduced dementia risk, including a large study of skilled nursing facility residents showing a 24% relative risk reduction among those who received the zoster vaccine. Yager-Stone also flags an underrecognized risk with complement inhibitors, which increase meningitis risk substantially, and points to updated guidance suggesting concurrent antimicrobial prophylaxis alongside vaccination for these patients.

Told your labs are "normal" but you still don't feel like yourself? You're not imagining it… women with chronic pain and perimenopause symptoms are dismissed every day.

GLP-1 medications are everywhere, and dental teams are already seeing the effects at the chair. Pharmacist Anne Misher joins host Matt Crespin for a conversation rooted in the oral-systemic link, and why these drugs are far more than a weight-loss story. She explains how GLP-1s work across diabetes, weight management, heart disease, fatty liver, and sleep apnea, and how their anti-inflammatory effects may even support gum health. Misher breaks down the side effects worth watching, from dry mouth and enamel erosion to the facial changes that follow rapid weight loss. She also shares a practical way to capture an accurate health history when patients hesitate to disclose. The evidence is still emerging, and this episode gives hygienists a real head start. When patients will not say it, the mouth often will.Guest: Anne Misher, PharmD, MBA, CPPHost: Matt Crespin, MPH, RDH, FADHA

Independent pharmacy owners Richard Stryker, RPh., (Bayshore Pharmacy) and Theresa Tolle, BPharm, FAPhA,  (Bay Street Pharmacy) join PQS host Rosalyn Otting, PharmD, to break down how performance-based care is reshaping pharmacy revenue. They cover the three keys to getting paid for clinical programs: prioritizing opportunities, fitting them into daily workflow, and scaling them for growth. Topics include MedSync as the anchor for clinical billing, quarterly check-ins and on-time-fill bonuses, point-of-care testing (blood pressure, A1c), pay-for-performance networks tied to Medicare Star measures, and staff buy-in strategies for rolling out new programs. The episode closes with a look ahead to 2027 Star Rating changes, including a new depression screening measure, and where pharmacists see the biggest opportunities over the next 3-5 years, from cardiovascular screenings to maternal health and community-based care.

Balancing patient care responsibilities with teaching can be challenging, particularly in busy practice environments where time and resources are limited. This course reviews practical strategies for integrating learners into daily workflow, including delegation, layered learning, and approaches for managing multiple learners. You will be better prepared to create meaningful learning experiences while maintaining efficiency, supporting learner engagement, and reducing the risk of preceptor burnout. HostKate Newman PharmD,Director of Experiential EducationClinical Associate Professor, Pharmacy PracticeSouthern Illinois University - EdwardsvilleGuestDawn Dankenbring, PharmD, BCPSAssistant Director of Experiential Education, Clinical AssistantProfessor of Pharmacy PracticeSIUE School of PharmacyGet CE: CLICK HERE TO CPE CREDIT FOR THE COURSE!CPE Information Learning ObjectivesAt the end of this course, preceptors will be able to:1. Describe strategies for integrating learners into workflow in busy pharmacy practice settings.2. Explain approaches to balancing patient care responsibilities with effective precepting and learner engagement.0.075 CEU/0.75 HrUAN: 0107-0000-26-310-H99-PInitial release date: 8/24/2026Expiration date: 8/24/2029Additional CPE details can be found here.The speakers have no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.The examples shared in this episode are intended to illustrate approaches to experiential learning, service development, and patient care innovation and are not endorsements of any specific service, product, or practice model. Certain examples discussed may no longer be viable, appropriate, or permissible under current regulatory requirements. Pharmacists should exercise professional judgment and ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, payer requirements, and evidence-based standards when evaluating or implementing patient care services.This program has been:Approved by the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy as education for Minnesota pharmacy preceptors.Reviewed by the Texas Consortium on Experiential Programs and has been designated as preceptor education and training for Texas preceptors.Follow CEimpact on Social Media:LinkedInInstagram

Listen in as our expert panel breaks down what clinicians need to know about the 2026 dyslipidemia guidelines, such as the role of lipoprotein a, apolipoprotein B, and coronary artery calcium scoring. Plus, you'll walk away with practical takeaways to optimize lipid management including when to add non-statin therapies like PCSK9 inhibitors and ezetimibe for your patients.Special guests:Mary Katherine Cheeley, PharmD, BCPS, CLS, FNLAExecutive Director, Ambulatory Pharmacy ServicesGrady Health SystemJoel C. Marrs, PharmD, MPH, BCACP, BCCP, BCPS, CLS, FAHA, FASHP, FCCP, FNLACardiology Ambulatory Clinical PharmacistCheyenne Regional Medical Group Heart & Vascular InstituteAdjoint Associate ProfessorUniversity of Colorado School of MedicineYou'll also hear practical advice from panelists on TRC's Editorial Advisory Board:Stephen Carek, MD, CAQSM, DipABLMClinical Associate Professor of Family MedicinePrisma Health/USC-SOMG Family Medicine Residency ProgramUSC School of Medicine GreenvilleAndrea Darby-Stewart, MDAssociate Director, Honor Health Family Medicine Residency ProgramClinical Professor of Family, Community & Occupational MedicineThe University of Arizona College of Medicine - PhoenixCraig D. Williams, PharmD, FNLA, BCPSClinical Professor of Pharmacy PracticeOregon Health and Science UniversityFor the purposes of disclosure, Dr. Cheeley reports relevant financial relationships with [lipids] Novartis, Regeneron (honorarium). The other speakers have nothing to disclose.  All relevant financial relationships have been mitigated.This podcast is an excerpt from one of TRC's monthly live CE webinars, the full webinar originally aired in July 2026.

Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic (CKM) syndrome recognizes the interconnected relationship among cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic risk factors that contribute to long-term health outcomes. The first-ever CKM clinical practice guideline introduces a framework for risk assessment, staging, prevention, and management, emphasizing early identification and coordinated care across disease states. You will be better prepared to recognize CKM syndrome, understand its implications for patient care, and support evidence-based strategies to reduce cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic risk. HOSTRachel Maynard, PharmDGameChangers Podcast Host and Lead, Clinical & Partnership Education, CEimpactGUESTChristine Schumacher, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP, BCCP, BC-ADM, CDCES, FCCPProfessor, Pharmacy Practice and Clinical PharmacistMidwestern University Pharmacists, REDEEM YOUR CPE HERE!CPE is available to Health Mart franchise members onlyTo learn more about Health Mart, click here: https://join.healthmart.com/PRACTICE RESOURCEReceive the exclusive Practice Resource to use as a reference guide for this episode by enrolling in the course. Click here to enroll!CPE INFORMATION Learning ObjectivesUpon successful completion of this knowledge-based activity, participants should be able to:1. Describe the stages and key components of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome.2. Explain evidence-based strategies for identifying and managing patients at risk for CKM syndrome.Christine Schumacher is a Speaker and Advisory Board Member for Abbott. All relevant financial relationships have been mitigated. 0.075 CEU/0.75 HrUAN: 0107-0000-26-315-H01-PInitial release date: 8/31/2026Expiration date: 8/31/2029Additional CPE details can be found here.

Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic (CKM) syndrome recognizes the interconnected relationship among cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic risk factors that contribute to long-term health outcomes. The first-ever CKM clinical practice guideline introduces a framework for risk assessment, staging, prevention, and management, emphasizing early identification and coordinated care across disease states. You will be better prepared to recognize CKM syndrome, understand its implications for patient care, and support evidence-based strategies to reduce cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic risk.HOSTRachel Maynard, PharmDGameChangers Podcast Host and Lead, Clinical & Partnership Education, CEimpactGUESTChristine Schumacher, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP, BCCP, BC-ADM, CDCES, FCCPProfessor, Pharmacy Practice and Clinical PharmacistMidwestern UniversityGET CE FOR LISTENING!Stay Compliant. Grow Clinically. Practice with Confidence. Pharmacist CE Subscription: All your CE in one convenient subscription.All episodes, CE, and Practice Resources for the GameChangers Clinical Update is included with your Pharmacist CE Subscription. But wait…there's even more!The Pharmacist CE Subscription includes: -  Compliance and licensure CE -  GameChangers Clinical Updates-  Practical continuing education across patient care topics *The subscription does not include microcredentials or certificates, which are available separately for pharmacists seeking specialized service training. Purchase Now!PRACTICE RESOURCEReceive the exclusive Practice Resource to use as a reference guide for this episode by purchasing the Pharmacist CE Subscription. CPE REDEMPTIONThis course is accredited for continuing pharmacy education! Click the link below that applies to you to take the exam and evaluation to claim credit:If you are already enrolled in this course, click here to redeem your credit. To purchase the Pharmacist CE Subscription and claim your CPE credit, click here or to purchase this course individually, click here.  CPE INFORMATIONLearning ObjectivesUpon successful completion of this knowledge-based activity, participants should be able to:1. Describe the stages and key components of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome.2. Explain evidence-based strategies for identifying and managing patients at risk for CKM syndrome.Christine Schumacher is a Speaker and Advisory Board Member for Abbott. All relevant financial relationships have been mitigated.  0.075 CEU/0.75 HrUAN: 0107-0000-26-315-H01-PInitial release date: 8/31/2026Expiration date: 8/31/2029Additional CPE details can be found here.Follow CEimpact on Social Media:LinkedInInstagram

Today's episode of This Week in Pharmacy — #TWIRx is sponsored by Value Drug Company and explores two major forces reshaping pharmacy: the evolution of the community pharmacy business model and the expanding role of artificial intelligence in medication optimization and value-based care.   PART ONE: The Impact of the Cash-based Community Pharmacy   Special Guest: Rick Seipp, PharmD President, Value Drug Company Community pharmacy is entering a new era.   In Part One, Todd Eury sits down with Rick Seipp, PharmD, President of Value Drug Company, to discuss the continued evolution and expansion of independent community pharmacy and the many different business models emerging across the profession.   Independent pharmacy owners are increasingly evaluating new ways to build sustainable businesses while creating greater professional freedom for pharmacists. One of the most interesting developments is the growth of cash-based and cost-plus pharmacy models that reduce or eliminate dependence on traditional insurance reimbursement and PBM-controlled prescription economics.   These models can give pharmacy owners greater control over pricing, patient relationships, clinical services and the overall direction of their businesses — while allowing pharmacists to practice with significantly less interference from insurance companies and pharmacy benefit managers.   Two pharmacies in the Pittsburgh region are demonstrating how powerful this model can become: Blueberry Pharmacy — Kyle McCormick, PharmD has built Blueberry Pharmacy around a transparent, cash-based model designed to simplify prescription pricing and create a more direct relationship between the pharmacist and patient. Forward Rx Pharmacy — Brandon Antinopoulos, PharmD is another emerging example of how pharmacists can create innovative pharmacy businesses built around transparency, accessibility and freedom from many of the traditional constraints of third-party reimbursement.   Todd and Rick discuss what these models mean for the broader independent pharmacy marketplace and why community pharmacy may be moving toward a much more diversified future.   Sponsored by Value Drug Company, a pharmacist-led wholesale distribution partner committed to supporting the continued growth and independence of community pharmacy. https://lnkd.in/ehf76qUs PART TWO: AI-Powered Medication Optimization   Special Guests: Yoona Kim, PharmD, PhD Co-Founder & CEO, Arine Jenny Behan, PharmD Lead Clinical Pharmacist, Arine In Part Two, #TWIRx shifts from pharmacy business innovation to one of the most important developments occurring in clinical pharmacy: the use of artificial intelligence to optimize medication therapy at scale. Arine is an AI-powered medication optimization platform designed to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs by helping ensure patients receive the most effective and appropriate medications. Listen to This Week in Pharmacy — TWIRx on the Pharmacy Podcast Network across Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, YouTube and all major podcast platforms. Pharmacy Podcast Network — Amplifying the Voice of Pharmacy.

In this episode, a father-daughter duo shares their pharmacy journeys. Meagan, a clinical pharmacy specialist in pain and palliative care at Parkland Hospital in Dallas, reflects on preparing for pharmacy school and residency, while her father, Daniel, vice president of pharmacy at Mercy, discusses supporting students, connecting STEM interests to pharmacy careers, and understanding the many paths the profession can offer. ASHP is a proud HOSA partner, dedicated to empowering future health professionals through education, collaboration, and experiences, and inspiring students to explore pharmacy and the career opportunities within the field. The information presented during the podcast reflects solely the opinions of the presenter. The information and materials are not, and are not intended as, a comprehensive source of drug information on this topic. The contents of the podcast have not been reviewed by ASHP, and should neither be interpreted as the official policies of ASHP, nor an endorsement of any product(s), nor should they be considered as a substitute for the professional judgment of the pharmacist or physician.

Sara Scott, PharmD, BCOP, Emma Uchida, PharmD, MBA, BCOP, and Rebecca Gonzalez, PharmD, BCOP, gather for a roundtable on the rare, delayed toxicities associated with ciltacabtagene autoleucel in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma.

Health-system pharmacy is entering a decade of change, and Future-Proofing Pharmacy is built to keep asking what that future should look like. In this debut episode, host Mark Makhinson, PharmD, senior director of outpatient and specialty pharmacy at Mount Sinai Health System, introduces the podcast's mission: exploring how pharmacy leaders can build organizations that are clinically meaningful, scalable, and ready to adapt, rather than simply reacting to financial pressure, workforce shifts, and drug shortages as they arise. Makhinson lays out the questions the series will return to throughout its run, including what a health system pharmacy enterprise looks like in 2035, where artificial intelligence can meaningfully help, and where human judgment should remain central. Episode 1 kicks off with Nilesh Desai, PharmD, chief pharmacy officer at University of Miami Health System, who shares the pharmacy enterprise he would build from scratch in 2035 and the lessons that shaped his thinking during a major pharmacy transformation at Baptist Health, including the development of a consolidated pharmacy service center.

Can the Body Heal Itself? A Pharmacist and Naturopath Talk Pregnancy and Nutrition Dr. Randi Shannon said she was going to blow our minds, and she delivered! In this episode of MaternalRx, pharmacist Danielle Plummer, PharmD, sits down with Dr. Shannon, a traditional naturopath who uses Face, Tongue and Nail Analysis, an approach she describes as rooted in thousands of years of traditional medicine. Their conversation explores pregnancy preparation, nutrition, nausea and vomiting, minerals, essential oils, disease prevention, and Dr. Shannon's belief that the face, tongue, and fingernails can reveal clues about what is happening inside the body. The interview is followed by a commentary where Danielle puts her pharmacist hat on for an evidence-based debrief, examining several of the episode's most surprising claims and asking an essential healthcare question: What happens when an idea sounds biologically plausible, yet the clinical evidence has not been tested? Topics include Type 1 diabetes, Down syndrome, salt intake, peppermint oil in pregnancy, cholesterol, dietary oils, pharmaceuticals, nutrient requirements, and the important distinction between traditional naturopaths and licensed naturopathic doctors. This isn't a conversation about dismissing complementary medicine. It's about listening with curiosity while still asking important questions: What do we know? What don't we know? Where might an approach put a patient or pregnancy at risk, and where might it support the body's ability to heal? Stay through the end to hear Danielle's Takeaway! Section 1: Welcome and disclaimer Meet Dr. Randi Shannon What is a naturopath? Preparing the body for pregnancy Nausea in pregnancy and gut health What can fingernails tell us? Nutrients and claims about preventing or reversing disease What can the tongue reveal? What can the face reveal? Section 2: Evidence-Based Debrief Do we need exactly 60 minerals, 16 vitamins, 12 amino acids and 3 essential fatty acids? Is Type 1 diabetes created during the first trimester? Can Type 1 diabetes develop later in life? Can maternal nutrition reverse Down syndrome in utero? Peanuts, mold, aflatoxins and liver risk Peppermint essential oil during pregnancy Are Americans “undersalted”? Pharmaceuticals, synthetic drugs and side effects Cholesterol, dietary oils and reproductive health Traditional vs. licensed naturopaths Danielle's takeaway About Dr. Randi Shannon Randi Shannon, ND, is a Florida-based traditional naturopath known for her use of Face, Tongue and Nail Analysis. She works with clients virtually in Florida, across the United States and internationally. Learn more: TheBodyCan.com RandiShannon.com/face-tongue-nail-analysis/ (844) 275-1056 About the Host Danielle Plummer, PharmD, is a pharmacist, antepartum doula, and founder of Obstet-Rx. Also known as HG Pharmacist, she helps women navigate Hyperemesis Gravidarum and medication use in complex pregnancies through education, advocacy and personalized medicine. HGPharmacist.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/daniellerplummer HG Support Group: facebook.com/HGClinicalSolutions Important Listener Note This episode contains health and medical claims made by a guest that may differ from or contradict current evidence-based medical guidance. The guest's statements represent her perspectives and should not be interpreted as endorsement by MaternalRx, Danielle Plummer, or the Pharmacy Podcast Network. The second half of the episode provides Danielle's evidence-based commentary on several of these claims. This podcast is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for individualized medical care. Patients should discuss medications, supplements, herbal products, essential oils, and other treatments with an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

In this episode of the NCS Podcast Hot Topics series, host Rich Choi, DO, is joined by Andrew Webb, PharmD, to discuss the article "Valproic Acid for the Management of Agitation in Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit Patients," published in Neurocritical Care. Their conversation examines the complex causes of delirium and agitation in the neurocritical care setting, including neurologic injury, medication effects, sleep disruption and frequent clinical interventions. They review nonpharmacologic approaches to delirium prevention, current sedation strategies and the potential role of valproic acid as an adjunct when agitation remains difficult to control. They also discuss findings from the retrospective study, in which valproic acid use was associated with reduced requirements for opioids, benzodiazepines and dexmedetomidine, along with fewer positive agitation scores and less use of physical restraints. Dr. Webb reviews the medication's multimodal effects, potential adverse events and drug interactions, and patient populations that may benefit from its use. He also emphasizes the need for careful monitoring, eventual deprescribing and prospective research to clarify valproic acid's role in neurocritical care. The views expressed on the NCS Podcast are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or official positions of the Neurocritical Care Society.

In this bonus episode of the NCS Podcast Hot Topics series, host Rich Choi, MD, continues his conversation with Andrew Webb, PharmD, with a preview of "Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Clazosentan vs. Fasudil for Vasospasm Prevention (SAVIOR) Study: Study Protocol for a Prospective, Multicenter, Randomized Trial," published in Neurocritical Care. They review the history of nimodipine as the standard treatment for improving outcomes after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and compare its mechanism with those of fasudil and clazosentan. Dr. Webb explains why fasudil is commonly used for vasospasm prevention in Japan and discusses previous research showing that clazosentan can reduce vasospasm without consistently improving functional outcomes when added to nimodipine. The conversation also explores how the SAVIOR trial will directly compare clazosentan and fasudil in a nimodipine-free population. They consider whether the trial could establish a preferred approach in Japan, what its results might mean for practice elsewhere and whether clazosentan may eventually have a role for selected patients who cannot tolerate nimodipine. The views expressed on the NCS Podcast are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or official positions of the Neurocritical Care Society.

Could yeast overgrowth be contributing to symptoms like brain fog, bloating, fatigue, or persistent sugar cravings? In this episode, Bryana Burken, Pharmacist and Physician Liaison with Physicians Preference Pharmacy, explains the purpose behind the yeast-free eating program and why addressing gut health is an important part of the Hotze Health & Wellness Center's approach to wellness. She discusses how Candida naturally exists throughout the body but may become problematic when it overgrows, potentially contributing to digestive issues, recurrent yeast infections, oral thrush, skin concerns, headaches, fatigue, and brain fog. Bryana explores factors that may contribute to yeast overgrowth and discusses the relationship between gut health and food sensitivities. It is important to repair the gut before moving forward with other therapies. The yeast-free eating program focuses on temporarily eliminating foods that contain or feed yeast,  while emphasizing whole foods. The episode also explains how dietary changes may be combined with prescription antifungal therapy. Bryana emphasizes that the program is intended to address yeast overgrowth in a structured way rather than serve as a permanently restrictive diet. After completing the program, guests gradually reintroduce foods while continuing to support a healthier gut environment. The goal is to reduce symptoms such as bloating and brain fog, support energy and immune function, and create a healthier foundation for the body's response to other wellness therapies. Watch now and subscribe to our podcasts at www.HotzePodcast.com. To receive a FREE copy of Dr. Hotze's best-selling book, “Hormones, Health, and Happiness,” call 281-698-8698 and mention this podcast.

On this episode of the IPhO Podcast, we're featuring the winner of our 2025-2026 VIP Case Competition, the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)! We're joined by Kat Gallison, third-year PharmD student; Maggie Khoury, third-year PharmD student; and Demi Anastasiadis, Lead, US Public Affairs & Patient Advocacy at Sanofi. Kat, Maggie, and Demi discuss the role of patient advocacy in the pharmaceutical industry, including how collaboration with patients and key stakeholders can help address barriers to care and improve patient outcomes. Kat and Maggie also share their experiences in the VIP Case Competition, how it expanded their understanding of the pharmaceutical industry, and their perspectives on patient advocacy as a new functional area in the competition. This episode pulls back the curtain on the VIP Case Competition, sharing insider information about Sanofi's sponsorship, the UCSF team's in-person presentation and visit to Sanofi's offices, and their approach to identifying and addressing unmet patient needs. Listen now!

What if your pharmacist could help optimize a patient's asthma treatment before their next clinic visit? On this episode of the BackTable ENT & Allergy Podcast, Dr. Basil Kahwash welcomes clinical pharmacist Dr. Joelle Ayoub to discuss how ambulatory care pharmacists can partner with ENT and allergy clinics to optimize asthma management. Dr. Ayoub shares her experience working in a family medicine clinic, collaborating with providers through referrals, reviewing medications, and providing direct patient education on inhaler use and disease management. --- Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app --- Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction02:40 - The Role of the Clinic Pharmacist05:04 - Teaching Patients and Improving Inhaler Technique12:36 - Choosing Inhalers and Applying Guidelines18:51 - Comparing MDI, DPI, and SMI Devices28:15 - Tracking Asthma Control and Monitoring Adherence33:55 - Inhaler Education and Overcoming Barriers40:00 - Using Social Media for Patient and Provider Education44:16 - Pharmacist Collaboration and the Future of Team Care50:58 - Answering Biologics Patient Questions53:15 - SMART Therapy and Digital Inhaler Advances55:19 - Wrap Up --- More about this episode They discuss common gaps in asthma care, with a focus on inhaler technique and medication adherence. Dr. Ayoub explains how device complexity, cost, and a patient's ability to use their inhaler can all affect treatment. She also reviews the major inhaler types, common technique errors, and what to consider when choosing the right device for each patient. With this, Dr. Ayoub shares practical approaches to adherence monitoring, asthma guideline updates, and biologic monitoring. Throughout, Dr. Ayoub emphasizes the benefits of multidisciplinary collaboration and how pharmacists can help bridge gaps in care for patients with asthma. --- Resources Joelle Ayoub, PharmD, BCACP, APh - https://www.westernu.edu/bios/?bio=jayoub --- BackTable ENT & Allergy is the go-to podcast for otolaryngologists, allergists, and head and neck surgeons. Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty. ► https://www.backtable.com/app

Can old medications have new uses in cancer care? In this episode of Common Sense MD, Dr. Rogers sits down with Jessica Patrone, PharmD, of Pro Compounding Pharmacy to discuss compounded ivermectin and mebendazole, why some clinicians are exploring repurposed medications, and what patients should understand about how these prescriptions are compounded and dispensed. Connect with Performance Medicine! Check out the DOCTOR ROGERS Multivitamin: https://docrogersvitamins.com/products/super-vitamin Subscribe and Save 15% on all DOCTOR ROGERS vitamins (Free Shipping On All Orders Over $70): https://docrogersvitamins.com/pages/subscribe-and-save Sign up for our weekly newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://performancemedicine.net/doctors-note-sign-up/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In the first installment of our new series, rising P2s Arissa and Irene take it back to P1 year and share everything they wish they knew before starting pharmacy school. From navigating imposter syndrome and managing your time to finding your community, putting yourself out there, and making time for self-care, they talk through five lessons that helped shape the first year — with a little advice from their classmates along the way.

The condition long known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has been renamed polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) to better reflect its complex endocrine, metabolic, reproductive, and mental health effects. The name change highlights a growing recognition that this condition extends far beyond ovarian findings and requires a more comprehensive approach to diagnosis, treatment, and long-term risk management. You will be better prepared to understand the rationale behind the new terminology and support patients through evidence-based management of this multifaceted condition. HOSTRachel Maynard, PharmDGameChangers Podcast Host and Lead, Clinical & Partnership Education, CEimpactGUESTErin Raney, PharmD, BCPSProfessorMidwestern University College of Pharmacy Pharmacists, REDEEM YOUR CPE HERE!CPE is available to Health Mart franchise members onlyTo learn more about Health Mart, click here: https://join.healthmart.com/PRACTICE RESOURCEReceive the exclusive Practice Resource to use as a reference guide for this episode by enrolling in the course. Click here to enroll!CPE INFORMATION Learning ObjectivesUpon successful completion of this knowledge-based activity, participants should be able to:1. Describe the rationale for the transition from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS).2. Explain the endocrine, metabolic, and reproductive features that influence the management of PMOS.Rachel Maynard and [Speaker] have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.0.075 CEU/0.75 HrUAN: 0107-0000-26-314-H01-PInitial release date: 8/24/2026Expiration date: 8/24/2029Additional CPE details can be found here.

The condition long known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has been renamed polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) to better reflect its complex endocrine, metabolic, reproductive, and mental health effects. The name change highlights a growing recognition that this condition extends far beyond ovarian findings and requires a more comprehensive approach to diagnosis, treatment, and long-term risk management. You will be better prepared to understand the rationale behind the new terminology and support patients through evidence-based management of this multifaceted condition.HOSTRachel Maynard, PharmDGameChangers Podcast Host and Lead, Clinical & Partnership Education, CEimpactGUESTErin Raney, PharmD, BCPSProfessorMidwestern University College of PharmacyGET CE FOR LISTENING!Stay Compliant. Grow Clinically. Practice with Confidence. Pharmacist CE Subscription: All your CE in one convenient subscription.All episodes, CE, and Practice Resources for the GameChangers Clinical Update is included with your Pharmacist CE Subscription. But wait…there's even more!The Pharmacist CE Subscription includes: -  Compliance and licensure CE -  GameChangers Clinical Updates-  Practical continuing education across patient care topics *The subscription does not include microcredentials or certificates, which are available separately for pharmacists seeking specialized service training. Purchase Now!PRACTICE RESOURCEReceive the exclusive Practice Resource to use as a reference guide for this episode by purchasing the Pharmacist CE Subscription. CPE REDEMPTIONThis course is accredited for continuing pharmacy education! Click the link below that applies to you to take the exam and evaluation to claim credit:If you are already enrolled in this course, click here to redeem your credit. To purchase the Pharmacist CE Subscription and claim your CPE credit, click here or to purchase this course individually, click here.  CPE INFORMATIONLearning ObjectivesUpon successful completion of this knowledge-based activity, participants should be able to:1. Describe the rationale for the transition from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS).2. Explain the endocrine, metabolic, and reproductive features that influence the management of PMOS.Rachel Maynard and Erin Raney have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.0.075 CEU/0.75 HrUAN: 0107-0000-26-314-H01-PInitial release date: 8/24/2026Expiration date: 8/24/2029Additional CPE details can be found here.Follow CEimpact on Social Media:LinkedInInstagram

This episode looks at some smart ways to regulate pharmacy when it comes to med spas and pop-up clinics — ways that won't cut patients off from their meds. We also look at the latest news on the thyroid-extract front, what's happening with peptide compounding, and a bill in California that could bode well for pharmacists nationwide. Then we talk with Kristen Jones, PharmD, from Pharmacists Mutual about how insurance companies view compounding, and why compounders are taking a bigger risk than they might realize if they're compounding peptides. Pharmacists Mutual: https://pmuw.com Join APC: a4pc.org/join Stay up to date on these topics and more at: a4pc.org/news

Pharmacists and Advocacy for Patients in Pain  Friday, August 21, 2026 What happens when patients living with chronic pain, their advocates, and the pharmacists responsible for dispensing opioid medications view the same healthcare system from very different perspectives? This special episode of This Week in Pharmacy brings together the Doctor Patient Forum's founders, Claudia A. Merandi and Bev C. Schechtman, with pharmacist and nationally recognized pharmacy advocate Dr. Shane Jerominski, PharmD—better known as “The Accidental Pharmacist.” The discussion follows a wave of social-media debate surrounding Claudia's use of the term “Harmacists,” which prompted responses from hundreds of pharmacists who felt the label misrepresented their professional responsibilities and the legal restrictions under which they practice. Rather than allow that controversy to deepen the divide, TWIRx created an opportunity for direct, respectful conversation. The purpose of this episode is to help pain-patient advocates better understand the limits pharmacists face when dispensing opioids—and to identify opportunities for pharmacists and patient organizations to advocate together for safe, compassionate and uninterrupted pain care. Five Legal and Supply-Chain Realities Affecting Opioid Dispensing Pharmacists have a federal “corresponding responsibility.” Under 21 CFR §1306.04, a controlled-substance prescription must be issued for a legitimate medical purpose. Pharmacists share legal responsibility with prescribers for determining whether a prescription is valid. Knowingly filling an illegitimate prescription may expose the pharmacist to federal penalties and professional discipline. Review the federal regulation. Schedule II prescriptions must satisfy strict requirements. Federal law generally requires a valid written or compliant electronic prescription before a Schedule II opioid may be dispensed. Emergency oral prescriptions are permitted only under limited conditions and require prescriber follow-up documentation. Schedule II opioid prescriptions cannot be refilled. Under federal law, every additional dispensing generally requires a new prescription. Partial fills are allowed only under specific circumstances, documentation requirements and time limits. Pharmacists cannot simply extend or refill opioid therapy when a patient or prescriber requests it. State laws add another layer of requirements. Depending on the state, pharmacists may have to verify prescriber authority, review prescription-monitoring information, validate electronic or security-form requirements, confirm identification, document partial fills, or comply with state-specific dispensing limitations. For example, California requires controlled-substance prescriptions to meet defined security and validity standards. California Board of Pharmacy guidance. Wholesaler monitoring can restrict a pharmacy's opioid supply. DEA-registered distributors must identify and report suspicious controlled-substance orders under 21 CFR §1301.74. National wholesalers therefore operate monitoring programs that may delay, limit or suspend shipments based on ordering patterns, geography, drug mix and internal thresholds. These controls are imposed upstream and can leave a pharmacy unable to obtain medication—even when the pharmacist believes a prescription is clinically and legally appropriate. Review the federal distributor requirements. These examples are not exhaustive. Pharmacists must navigate overlapping federal law, DEA requirements, state pharmacy and controlled-substance laws, prescription-monitoring systems, employer policies, payer rules, wholesaler restrictions and professional standards. Requirements also vary by state and by the circumstances surrounding an individual prescription. The Central Question How can pain-patient advocates and pharmacists move beyond blame and work together to address the policies, supply restrictions, staffing conditions and regulatory pressures that can interfere with appropriate care? This conversation explores: Why patients may interpret a refusal or delay as judgment, discrimination or abandonment Why pharmacists cannot treat a valid prescriber signature as automatic authorization to dispense How PDMP and risk-scoring information can influence clinical decisions The effect of corporate policies and wholesaler ordering controls The difference between professional judgment and stigma The communication failures that damage trust between patients, prescribers and pharmacists How advocacy organizations and pharmacists can pursue policy reform together Why patients deserve clear explanations, respectful treatment and continuity-of-care planning How pharmacists can remain vigilant without losing empathy for people living with pain About the Doctor Patient Forum The Doctor Patient Forum, founded by Claudia A. Merandi and Bev C. Schechtman, combines healthcare education, research, digital influence and patient advocacy to address the consequences of opioid-reduction policies and barriers to individualized pain care. Claudia A. Merandi is an advocate and educator whose work contributed to a Rhode Island law protecting access to pain management. Since 2016, she has built a growing national audience while documenting systemic harms experienced by patients and healthcare professionals. Bev C. Schechtman is a researcher, advocate and educator who examines opioid-reduction policies, prescription drug monitoring programs and surveillance technologies such as NarxCare. Her work helps patients understand and navigate an increasingly complex healthcare system. Learn more: The Doctor Patient Forum About Dr. Shane Jerominski, PharmD Dr. Shane Jerominski is a pharmacist, Navy veteran and nationally recognized pharmacy advocate known as “The Accidental Pharmacist.” In 2025, his professional peers selected him as one of the “50 Most Influential People in Pharmacy.” Through his influential social-media platform, Shane combines humor, candid commentary and frontline experience to advocate for safer working conditions, professional unity and meaningful reform throughout pharmacy practice. He is also a co-founder of The Pharmacy Guild and has become a prominent voice for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians nationwide. A Call for Collaborative Advocacy Patients should not be stigmatized because they require pain treatment. Pharmacists should not be vilified for complying with laws and professional obligations that can place their licenses and livelihoods at risk. Progress requires both communities to recognize that many barriers originate beyond the pharmacy counter. Patients, pharmacists, prescribers and advocacy organizations share an interest in policies that protect medication safety without denying appropriate, individualized care. The goal is not to determine which group has suffered more. The goal is to replace mistrust with understanding—and turn that understanding into stronger, unified advocacy. This episode is intended for education and discussion. It does not provide legal or medical advice, and regulatory requirements may differ by jurisdiction and circumstance.

Season 5, episode 4 of Just Us: Before, Birth, and Beyond features Dr. Nate Mullins, an Ob/Gyn physician, and Dr. Olivia Caron, PharmD, both providers at project CARA. Drs. Mullins and Caron dive deeply into the nuances of methadone in the era of highly potent synthetic opioids, identifying challenges to induction, modern regulations, and methadone during pregnancy. Tune in for a deep discussion regarding this valuable medication for opioid use disorder.Resources: SAMHSA Methadone Fact Page: https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/treatment/options/methadone SAMHSA and DHHS – Federal Ruling Updates Regarding Opioid Treatment Programs: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/02/02/2024-01693/medications-for-the-treatment-of-opioid-use-disorder Jones HE, Fischer G, Heil SH, et al. Maternal Opioid Treatment: Human Experimental Research (MOTHER)--approach, issues and lessons learned. Addiction. 2012;107 Suppl 1(0 1):28-35. doi:10.1111/j.1360-0443.2012.04036.x Information on split dosing during pregnancy: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25599433/ Find the location of opioid treatment programs in your state: https://www.thecentralregistry.com/map/We would love your feedback on our podcast!  Please take our listener survey to provide your comments.Music credit: "Carefree" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Please provide feedback here:https://redcap.mahec.net/redcap/surveys/?s=XTM8T3RPNK 

Looking for the latest on glutathione? We've got just the expert. This week, we're joined by Nayan Patel, PharmD, as he dives into the master antioxidant. Listen in as he discusses his role as a pharmacist, how glutathione impacts the skin, its effect on general wellness, and even sub-nanotechnology? That's right, we've got it all in this episode. Each Thursday, join Dr. Raja and Dr. Hadar, board-certified dermatologists, as they share the latest evidence-based research in integrative dermatology. For access to CE/CME courses, become a member at LearnSkin.com. Dr. Nayan Patel is a globally recognized pharmacist, wellness expert, and author of The Glutathione Revolution. With over 27 years of clinical experience, he holds 14 patents including the only patent on transdermal glutathione delivery. Dr. Patel is the founder of Auro Wellness and CEO of Central Drugs Compounding Pharmacy. His patented sub-nanotechnology has been shown in a published pilot study to increase glutathione levels directly in blood cells. He serves as adjunct faculty at the University of Southern California School of Pharmacy and travels the world educating practitioners on advanced biochemistry and anti-aging science. Sponsored by: Auro WellnessVisit Auro Wellness for more information.

Auris Huen, PharmD, MD, FAAD interviewed by Alyx Cali Rosen Aigen, MD, FAAD

Send us Fan MailSchedule an Rx AssessmentA LOT has happened recently in the Peptide market, but what exactly is new with peptides, the FDA, and the future of independent pharmacy? On this episode of the Bottom Line Pharmacy Podcast, we're joined for our typical quarterly pharmacy update with  ⁨@atrium24⁩ . Annie West, Clinical Pharmacy Director and Dae Lee, PBM & Pharmacy Practice Group Board Co-Chair at Buchanan, Ingersoll & Rooney, P.C. to break down:The two-day PCAC meeting and the committee's recommendationWhat happens next in the FDA rulemaking process The dangerous peptide gray marketThe latest on PBM policyAnd more!Stay connected with Atrium24 and Dae Lee:Dae Lee LinkedInAtrium24 WebsiteAtrium24 LinkedInAtrium24 InstagramAtrium24 FacebookStay connected with us:FacebookTwitterLinkedInScotty Sykes – CPA, CFP LinkedInScotty Sykes – CPA, CFP TwitterBonnie Bond – CPA LinkedInBonnie Bond – CPA Twitter More resources on this topic: Podcast - Inside a Pharmacy AI Bot: Automating Independent PharmacyPodcast – Driving Independent Pharmacy Profitability in 2026 with Nicolette Mathey, PharmD, CEO of Atrium24Podcast – 2026 Quarter 2 Pharmacy UpdatePodcast – R&D Tax Credit, Trump Accounts, Taylor Swift's Wedding

What happens when decades of medical knowledge meet a personal mission to rethink wellness?Dr. Robert Beltran, MD, PharmD, FACS, joins I Am Refocused Radio to explore the intersection of modern medicine, natural ingredients, cognitive health, vitality, and healthy aging.With doctorate degrees in both pharmacy and medicine from the University of California, San Francisco, and board certification in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Dr. Beltran brings a unique perspective to the wellness conversation.He also shares the journey behind Recomnd, the wellness brand he founded after years of research and his own experiences with health and recovery.In this conversation, we discuss how Dr. Beltran approaches preventative health, the relationship between science and nature, what consumers should understand about supplements, and why maintaining mental and physical vitality becomes increasingly important as we age.This is a conversation about more than adding another supplement to the cabinet. It's about understanding the body, asking better questions about wellness, and exploring what it means to survive, revive, and thrive.https://recomnd.com/

The PBM Reform Podcast, sponsored by APCI, welcomes John Vinson, PharmD, Chief Executive Officer of the Arkansas Pharmacists Association, for a timely conversation with host Greg Reybold about the management of the TRICARE pharmacy benefit.   Express Scripts administers pharmacy benefits for TRICARE, the Department of Defense healthcare program serving more than 9 million active-duty service members, military retirees, and family members. In fiscal year 2023 alone, TRICARE spent more than $8 billion on prescription medications.   Greg and John examine concerns surrounding Express Scripts' administration of the program, including shrinking pharmacy networks, reduced patient choice, questionable contractor reporting, specialty-drug delivery oversight, and the consequences for independent and rural pharmacies.   A 2025 Government Accountability Office investigation found that:   TRICARE's minimum network requirement fell from 50,000 to 35,000 pharmacies. The network had approximately 13,165 fewer pharmacies in late 2024 than in late 2022. An estimated 380,000 beneficiaries may have been forced to find another pharmacy. The Defense Health Agency relied heavily on contractor-submitted reports that contained inaccuracies. DHA had not consistently audited the data used to evaluate beneficiary access. GAO's two corrective recommendations remain open as of August 2026, although DHA has begun adding reporting and auditing requirements.   The episode also addresses higher 2026 prescription copayments. For most non-active-duty beneficiaries, home-delivery copays are now $14 for generic formulary drugs, $44 for brand-name drugs, and $85 for non-formulary medications. At retail network pharmacies, the corresponding 30-day copays are $16, $48, and $85.   Greg and John discuss whether PBM-driven network reductions represent true savings—or simply transfer costs, inconvenience, and access barriers to military families and the community pharmacies serving them.   Key discussion points Express Scripts' role in administering the TRICARE pharmacy benefit Pharmacy network contraction and beneficiary disruption Access challenges facing rural communities and military families Inaccurate contractor data and insufficient federal oversight Specialty-pharmacy delivery and monitoring concerns Rising 2026 copayments and pressure toward mail order Arkansas' leadership in challenging PBM vertical integration The need for transparency, accountability, adequate reimbursement, and patient choice   Important clarification: TRICARE is administered by the Department of Defense and is distinct from healthcare and pharmacy services operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs.   Sponsored by APCI — American Pharmacy Cooperative, Inc.   Sources: U.S. Government Accountability Office, TRICARE's 2026 pharmacy-benefit update, official 2026–2027 pharmacy costs.

Dr. Joshua Crawford, PharmD, Assistant Director of Clinical Pharmacy Services for Bon Secours Mercy Health, joins host Dr. Emanuel Kanal to discuss the historically limited role of pharmacy in radiology and how that is changing. The conversation covers what a clinical pharmacist does, the causes and lessons of the recent contrast agent shortages — from the COVID-era China manufacturing disruption to the 2025 allocation model — and practical strategies for weathering future disruptions, including when to bank product and how to select a backup agent in advance. Claim your Credit Here This MR iCast episode is supported by Bracco Diagnostics Inc. through an unrestricted educational grant.

Currently, annual influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months of age or older who do not have a contraindication, but vaccine uptake was suboptimal among adults and children during the most recent season. In anticipation of influenza season, tune into to this podcast featuring audio from a live webinar to listen as experts Mary Barna Bridgeman, PharmD, BCPS, BCGP, and Jana Shaw, MD, MPH, MS, FAAP, FPIDS, discuss the 2025-2026 influenza season and explore strategies to improve your confidence in optimizing influenza vaccine uptake for pediatric and adult patients. To download the accompanying slides, and view additional activities, visit the program page. Topics covered in this podcast include: Influenza Uptake and Viral Activity During the 2025-2026 Season Influenza Vaccine Selection The Influenza Vaccine Dosing Algorithm for Children Aged 6 Months Through 8 Years Comparative Analysis of Immune Response to Seasonal Inactivated Influenza Vaccines Preferential Recommendations for Older Adults Strategies to Improve Outcomes for the 2026-2027 Season Get access to all of our new podcasts by subscribing to the Decera Clinical Education Infectious Disease Podcast on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, or Spotify. Presenters: Mary Barna Bridgeman, PharmD, BCPS, BCGP Clinical Professor Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey Piscataway, New Jersey Internal Medicine Clinical Pharmacy Specialist Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital-New Brunswick New Brunswick, New Jersey Jana Shaw, MD, MPH, MS, FAAP, FPIDS Professor of Pediatrics, Public Health, and Preventive Medicine Pediatric Infectious Diseases Hospital Epidemiologist, Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital SUNY Upstate Medical University Syracuse, New York Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Independent pharmacies need partners they can trust—and patients need a prescription-drug system that puts access ahead of profits. In this episode of This Week in Pharmacy, Todd Eury welcomes Rick Seipp, PharmD, President of Value Drug Company, to discuss the importance of choosing a dependable wholesale distribution partner. Following Smith Drug Company's announced operational transition, Value Drug Company is prepared to help affected independent pharmacy owners evaluate their purchasing, distribution and operational needs while developing an orderly transition that protects continuity of service. For more than 90 years, pharmacist-led Value Drug Company has supported community pharmacies through transparent pricing, dependable distribution, collective purchasing power and programs designed to improve efficiency, growth and profitability. Rick explains how the company will provide transition assistance and regional gatherings where pharmacy owners can speak directly with Value Drug Company leadership. The episode also features a follow-up conversation with patient advocate Bil Schmidtknecht about the continuing fight for Cole's Act. Named in memory of Bil's son, Cole, the proposed reforms seek to protect patients from unexpected formulary and coverage changes that can suddenly make essential medications unaffordable. “Patients can't afford more delays, and lives should never be collateral damage in a profit-driven system,” Bil says. The discussion examines PBM accountability, medication affordability and why families must receive meaningful notice before coverage changes place lifesaving treatments beyond their reach. TWIRx News: Week Ending August 14, 2026 Employers Are Moving Away from the “Big Three” PBMs A new employer survey points to growing disruption in the PBM marketplace. Forty-six percent of surveyed employers reported using a PBM outside CVS Caremark, Express Scripts and Optum Rx—up from 37% the previous year. Employers are increasingly seeking transparent pricing, access to claims data and greater control over prescription-drug spending. Read the Axios report FDA Delays Major iPLEDGE Changes Until November The FDA has postponed implementation of updated iPLEDGE REMS requirements from August 8 to November 15, 2026, to allow additional system testing. The forthcoming changes are intended to reduce burdens on patients, pharmacists and prescribers while maintaining safeguards surrounding isotretinoin. Read the FDA iPLEDGE update   Episode Resources Value Drug Company transition-support announcement Value Drug Company transition assistance: 1-866-226-1772 Patient Protector Modern Medical Mafia: PBM Reform Pharmacy Podcast Network About the Guests Rick Seipp, PharmD President, Value Drug Company Bil Schmidtknecht Patient advocate and father of Cole Schmidtknecht  

In this episode of the NASP Podcast, Sheila Arquette, R.Ph., President & CEO of the National Association of Specialty Pharmacy (NASP), sits down with Dr. Caroline Girardeau, PharmD, MBA, PMP, BCPS, Pharmacy Program Director at the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC), to explore the evolving specialty pharmacy accreditation landscape. Together, they discuss the scope and value of comprehensive specialty pharmacy accreditation, examining how rigorous accreditation standards help improve patient safety, clinical outcomes, operational excellence, and the overall quality of care. They also highlight how specialty pharmacies can leverage accreditation as more than a requirement for participation in payer or limited distribution networks, using it as a strategic framework to drive continuous quality improvement, strengthen operations, and elevate the patient experience.