In this episode, we discuss the efficacy and safety of semaglutide and tirzepatide for weight loss with a particular focus on the legal, regulatory, and safety aspects of these “compounded” GLP-1 receptor agonist medications. Key Concepts Semaglutide and tirzepatide have growing evidence that their clinical benefits extend beyond the treatment of d…

In this episode, we review the recommendations from the 2024 SCCM/ASHP stress ulcer prophylaxis guidelines and highlight three of the more recent landmark critical care trials investigating the role of stress ulcer prophylaxis. Key Concepts After 25 years, the stress ulcer prophylaxis guidelines have been updated by SCCM and ASHP. These guidelines …

In this episode, we discuss the approach to deprescribing for several drugs such as benzodiazepine receptor agonists, cholinesterase inhibitors, memantine, antipsychotics, and antihyperglycemics. Key Concepts Medication appropriateness including indication and risk vs. benefit should be evaluated for all stages of life; however, more importantly in…

In this episode, we review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, adverse effects, monitoring, medicinal chemistry, and more of loop diuretics. Key Concepts Loop diuretics (furosemide, torsemide, bumetanide, ethacrynic acid) are the most potent type of diuretic and are used to relieve edema. Loop diuretics cause an increased loss of sodium, chloride, …

In this episode, we discuss principles for medication use in the geriatric patient population and summarize the updated 2023 American Geriatrics Society Beers Criteria for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults. Key Concepts The Beer’s Criteria was originally developed by Dr. Mark Beers in 1991 to identify medications in which the…

In this episode, we discuss artificial intelligence large language models (LLMs) and how these will impact the future of the practice of pharmacy. Key Concepts Generative AI with large language models (LLMs) have already changed how healthcare is delivered to patients. In the future, these changes will be more substantial and require pharmacists an…

In this episode, we review the pharmacology, indications, adverse effects, monitoring, and unique drug characteristics of HMG CoA reductase inhibitors (“statins”). Key Concepts Statins reduce LDL cholesterol by 20-60% (depending on the dose and statin potency). They have modest favorable effects on HDL and triglycerides. Clinically, statins reduce …

In this recurring episode, we discuss the important updates from the 2024 American Diabetes Association Guidelines! Key Concepts Tirzepatide is now recommended as one of the weight loss pharmacotherapy options along with semaglutide in patients with diabetes. The language for its use in comparison to insulin therapy has been updated similar to GLP-…

In this episode, we speak with Janeen Winnike, the Associate Dean for Student Affairs at Rosalind Franklin and a co-course director for the Pharmacy Law course at the university. We review some of the key points regarding federal and Illinois pharmacy law – a must-listen especially for graduates preparing for their MPJE exam after graduation! Key C…

In this episode, we review evidence-based guidelines for the emergency reversal of warfarin, dabigatran, and the oral Xa inhibitors (apixaban, edoxaban, and rivaroxaban). Key Concepts Reversal of anticoagulation is indicated in patients with major hemorrhage or when emergency surgery is necessary. Reversal of warfarin (Coumadin®) involves a fast-ac…

In this two part episode, we review some of the most important clinical pearls in the pharmacotherapy and practice aspects of hormonal contraceptives with a brief focus on the very first FDA approved OTC hormonal contraceptive product (Opill). Key Concepts (Part 2) Missed dose instructions are particularly important with progestin only pills (POPs)…

In this two part episode, we review some of the most important clinical pearls in the pharmacotherapy and practice aspects of hormonal contraceptives with a brief focus on the very first FDA approved OTC hormonal contraceptive product (Opill). Key Concepts (Part 1) The effectiveness of contraceptives varies based on “ideal use” (e.g. in a clinical …

In this episode, we interview Scott Glosner, PharmD, MPH, BCPS about his extensive experience working at Pfizer in medical outcomes and as a field medical director. Dr. Glosner will share his career journey from a clinical pharmacist transitioning into the pharmaceutical industry in the late 1990s and what current pharmacists and students should kn…

In this episode, we will discuss the definition of REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies), why they exist, the role of FDA in administering REMS, types and examples of REMS, and how they impact pharmacy practice. Key Concepts The REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies) program was developed in 2007 as part of the FDA’s drug risk …

In this episode, we review the role and indications of thrombolytics in acute ischemic stroke. The efficacy, safety, administration considerations, and cost between alteplase and tenecteplase are compared and contrasted. Key Concepts Alteplase (Activase) is a recombinant DNA version of human TPA (tissue plasminogen activator). Tenecteplase (TNKase)…

In this episode, we briefly review RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) infections and focus on new data supporting the use of two different RSV vaccines (Abrysvo and Arvexy) in preventing RSV infections in older adults and in pregnant women. Key Concepts RSV is a contagious respiratory virus that is usually mild and self-limiting in most patients but…

In this episode, together with our faculty colleague, Dr. Roberta Dume, PharmD, BCPP, we discuss the pharmacologic options and evidence for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) and how pharmacists play a vital role in assisting patients suffering from opioid use disorder. Key Concepts The treatment for OUD should be provided by either the tre…

In this episode, we announce the second iteration of the HelixTalk Drug Superlative Awards -- awards given to medications on the market that are outstanding or notorious. In announcing these completely fictitious awards, we review key clinical pearls and pitfalls that every clinician should be aware of with these notable medications. Key Concepts T…

There has been a lot of news about abortion (abortifacient) medications recently. Since the overturn of Roe v. Wade in 2022, individual states passed their own laws restricting access to abortion, this includes access to abortion medications. This clearly impacts the way pharmacists practice. In this episode, we summarize the science behind the two…

In this episode, we review the science behind genetic differences in humans in the CYP2D6 hepatic enzyme responsible for drug metabolism and how these genetic variants can lead to certain drugs being metabolized far too much or far too little, which can cause drug toxicities or a lack of effectiveness. Key Concepts About 20-25% of drugs on the mark…

In this episode, we compare hydrochlorothiazide and chlorthalidone, but specifically from a cardiovascular outcomes perspective when used in patients with hypertension. Key Concepts Chlorthalidone, hydrochlorothiazide, and indapamide are available thiazide diuretics for treatment of hypertension; however, hydrochlorothiazide is the most commonly us…

In this episode, we discuss the concerns of QTc prolongation, which can cause a fatal arrhythmia called torsades de pointes (TdP). We cover the difference between QT and QTc, how to interpret a QTc (and when it is inaccurate), common medications that prolong QTc, and how pharmacists can evaluate the risk of QTc/TdP in patients who are receiving QTc…

In this episode, we will discuss the most important updates from the American Diabetes Association’s 2023 Standards of Care in Diabetes. Key Concepts The first-line therapy for type II diabetes is based on whether the primary goal of therapy is cardiorenal benefit (reduced risk of ASCVD, heart failure, or CKD) or glycemic and weight goals. For card…

In this episode, we review clinical pearls and common pitfalls of immunosuppression regimens for organ transplantation with a particular focus on tacrolimus and mycophenolate. Key Concepts Most recipients of an organ transplantation will be on a two or three drug regimen. The most common regimen is tacrolimus and mycophenolate with/without a cortic…

In this first ever CE episode, we discuss the A-Zs of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). In specific, our learning objective for the CE are: Describe commonly available types of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) in the US market and the features and capabilities of these devices. Summarize the evidence and guideline recommendations for use of CGM…