176 - Hormonal Harmony: A Pharmacist’s Guide to Hormonal Contraceptives (Part 2)
HelixTalk - Rosalind Franklin University's College of Pharmacy Podcast
Release Date: 01/02/2024
191 - The Ultimate Guide to ARBs: An In-depth Drug Class Review
HelixTalk - Rosalind Franklin University's College of Pharmacy Podcast
In this episode, we review the pharmacology, indications, adverse effects, monitoring, and unique drug characteristics of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). Key Concepts ARBs are equally efficacious as ACE inhibitors when used for hypertension, heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), chronic kidney disease (CKD) with proteinuria, and post-MI care. Some limited evidence suggests that they might be better in reducing albuminuria in patients with diabetes. ARBs are generally better tolerated than ACEi due to a lower risk of angioedema and dry cough. While most ARBs...
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190 - Can’t Stop, Won’t Drop … The BP That Just Won’t Quit: Diagnosis and Treatment of Resistant Hypertension
HelixTalk - Rosalind Franklin University's College of Pharmacy Podcast
In this episode, we discuss the diagnosis and treatment of resistant hypertension, including a newer endothelin receptor antagonist (ERA) called aprocitentan (Tryvio®). Key Concepts The diagnosis of true resistant hypertension is based on requiring more than 3 antihypertensives (ACE inhibitor or ARB + calcium channel blocker + diuretic) to achieve goal BP, ruling out inaccurate BP readings, and ensuring patient adherence to their antihypertensive therapy. Non-pharmacologic therapy (especially dietary sodium restriction), medication adherence, and lifestyle changes are critical to the...
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189 - Mice, Macrophages, and Metabolism: Browning Keeps Obesity at Bay
HelixTalk - Rosalind Franklin University's College of Pharmacy Podcast
In this episode, we discuss the very early stages of drug targets and drug development with Dr. Mohd Shahid, PhD. Dr. Shahid’s research involves the IER3 gene, which is an important modulator of the body’s inflammatory response via its action in major immune cells, including macrophages and T-cells, and plays a role in metabolic disorders such as obesity, diabetes, and atherosclerosis, revealing a previously unknown function of this protein. Key Concepts Drug development is a multi-decade journey – human clinical trials occur very late in the process. Drug development often starts...
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188 - The Clot Thickens: Key Updates from the 2025 Acute Coronary Syndromes Guidelines
HelixTalk - Rosalind Franklin University's College of Pharmacy Podcast
In this episode, we review the new 2025 ACC/AHA Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) guidelines, with a particular focus on guideline recommendations for analgesics, P2Y12 inhibitors, parenteral anticoagulation, and lipid management. Key Concepts Nitrates and opioids are recommended for symptomatic relief of chest pain. Some patients may not be appropriate for nitrates (e.g. recent PDE-5 inhibitor use, hypotension, or right ventricular infarction). Opioids are used for nitrate-refractory angina but have a theoretical risk of delaying the effect of oral antiplatelet medications. Prasugrel and...
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187 - Infectious Ambitions: A Pharmacist's Career Pivot from Clinical to Industry
HelixTalk - Rosalind Franklin University's College of Pharmacy Podcast
In this episode, we interview Morgan Anderson, PharmD, BCIDP, a graduate of the RFUMS College of Pharmacy, about her career path from a pharmacy resident, emergency medicine specialist, infectious diseases specialist, and now a medical sciences liaison. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely Dr. Anderson’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views, positions, or policies of her employer. This podcast is conducted in a personal capacity, and any reference to her professional background is for context only. Key Concepts Having a wide breadth of skills and...
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186 - Breaking the Bank or Breaking the Scale: Controversies Surrounding Compounded GLP-1s RAs for Weight Loss
HelixTalk - Rosalind Franklin University's College of Pharmacy Podcast
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 diabetes. Evidence now shows benefit in a variety of obesity-related disease states regardless of a patient’s diabetes status. Insurance coverage and drug cost is a major barrier to these medications, with cash prices exceeding $1000 per month...
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185 - They Are Late, but Don’t Stress: The New 2024 Stress Ulcer Prophylaxis Guidelines
HelixTalk - Rosalind Franklin University's College of Pharmacy Podcast
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 make 13 recommendations in a PICO format. Three large, landmark randomized controlled trials (SUP-ICU, PEPTIC, and REVISE) have significantly contributed to the body of literature regarding stress ulcer prophylaxis. The SCCM/ASHP guidelines...
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184 - Drop it Like it’s Hot! Deprescribing Pharmacotherapy When Appropriate
HelixTalk - Rosalind Franklin University's College of Pharmacy Podcast
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 older individuals to address polypharmacy. There is an emerging trend of deprescribing networks that conduct research and provide evidence-based recommendations for how to deprescribe certain medications used for specific indications....
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183 - The Ultimate Guide to Loop Diuretics: An In-Depth Drug Class Review
HelixTalk - Rosalind Franklin University's College of Pharmacy Podcast
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, potassium, hydrogen, magnesium, and calcium ions into the urine. Excessive loss of these ions manifests as hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, and metabolic alkalosis. Loop diuretics have an S-shaped dose response curve – a minimum dose is required for...
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182 - 2023 Beers Criteria Update: Navigating Medications Safely in Older Patients
HelixTalk - Rosalind Franklin University's College of Pharmacy Podcast
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 risks may outweigh the benefits in nursing home patients. This list is now maintained by the American Geriatrics Society and includes a variety of drug safety information related to elderly patients including medications that are considered...
info_outlineIn this two part episode, we review some of the most important clinical pearls in the pharmacotherapy and practice aspects of hormonal contraceptives with a brief focus on the very first FDA approved OTC hormonal contraceptive product (Opill).
Key Concepts (Part 2)
- Missed dose instructions are particularly important with progestin only pills (POPs). Patients should take POPs at the same time (within 3 hours) each day - missing a dose beyond this 3 hour window is considered a missed dose and requires barrier contraception.
- There are a wide variety of hormonal contraception options for patients - each with its own unique advantages and disadvantages. Shared decision making between a healthcare provider and a patient is critical to selecting the most appropriate form of contraception!
- The CDC's Medical Eligibility Criteria (MEC) is an important resource to guide prescribers with regards to selecting hormonal contraception and also in identifying the clinical significance of a variety of drug interactions with hormonal contraception.
- One of the most important aspects of hormonal conctraception is adequate patient follow-up. Especially given the wide variety of hormonal contraception options, patients may need to switch their contraceptive multiple times until they find one that works best for them. Close follow-up and patient counseling are pivotal for helping a patient identify their optimal regimen.
References
- CDC Selected Practice Recommendations for Contraceptive Use. 2016. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/65/rr/rr6504a1.htm?s_cid=rr6504a1_w#B-1-1_down
- CDC Summary Chart of U.S. Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use. 2016. https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/contraception/mmwr/mec/summary.html