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Articles

Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations experts warned of the potential for bird flu to become a pandemic event if officials don’t prepare quickly.

Experts Warn Public to Prepare for Potential Bird Flu Pandemic

The ADjoin long-term extensive study is designed to assess the long-term safety and efficacy of lebrikizumab for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis.

Lebrikizumab Demonstrates Sustained Response for Atopic Dermatitis at 3 Years

Omalizumab-igec is approved to treat moderate to severe persistent asthma in patients 6 years and older whose symptoms are not well controlled with inhaled corticosteroids.

FDA Approves Omalizumab-Igec as First Interchangeable Biosimilar to Xolair

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Don Roosan, PharmD, PhD, discussed the artificial intelligence of ChatGPT and how it is currently being used in clinical pharmacy practices.

The Endless Opportunities ChatGPT Creates for Pharmacists

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Clinical

As the most frontward facing providers within health care, pharmacists are constantly looking for more ways to expand their ability to treat patients and serve the greater community. With expertise in medication first, as well as a unique ability to manage patients and garner meaningful relationships that result in better health outcomes, pharmacists have served as a bridge between health care and the patients who receive it.

Pharmacists’ expertise in medication has given them the ability to manage various disease states, procuring medication management regimens that ensure successful health outcomes in patients with diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and so much more. But for individuals without comorbidities simply looking to improve their overall health and lifestyle, a certified nutritionist may be their best option for counsel.

However, pharmacists with a desire to become experts in nutrition—according to Sarah Gray, PharmD, GAICD, also known as 

—have the ability to stand out even more among other providers and be a crucial source of guidance for any patient looking to improve their lifestyle.

“The combination of pharmacy and nutrition is a match made in heaven. For me, pharmacists have such great skills across many areas,” she said. “I think the key [area] I've found that really matches well with nutrition is our great patient-interviewing skills and being able to really consider all factors of a patient's life; so what medications they're taking, what medical conditions [and] symptoms they have. Now, adding the nutrition side, I can get a really good picture of all the areas of the person's health.”

 to discuss her career journey, starting as a pharmacist and eventually pivoting to nutrition counseling and helping patients with their lifestyle journeys. She then explored overarching opportunities for pharmacists to expand their roles within health care. According to her, the opportunities are endless within pharmacy because of the profession’s wide range of continuously increasing knowledge.

“Don't be afraid to add things in that might seem a bit strange, but also, as a pharmacist itself, you don't need anything else, really. You can offer so much to people as a profession,” she said.

Pharmacy practice is always changing. Stay ahead of the curve: Sign up for our 

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Known as “The Nutrition Pharmacist,” Sarah Gray, PharmD, GAICD, recently joined Drug Topics to discuss her dual profession within health care.

How Pharmacy Matches Perfectly With Nutrition

Researchers analyzed the association between adherence to a Mediterranean diet and obesity cancers, with a focus on the mediating role adiposity plays throughout the process.

Mediterranean Diet Adherence Reduced Risk of Obesity-Related Cancer

All dosages of semaglutide (Wegovy) under the new program will be available at $499 per month for patients that are uninsured or who do not have coverage for obesity medication.

Novo Nordisk to Provide Cash Options for Wegovy Through Online Pharmacy

“The Commission reinforces that obesity is a disease and not due to lack of motivation, willpower, discipline, or laziness,” Robert F. Kushner said.

Lancet Commission Redefines Clinical Obesity, Moving Beyond BMI

Researchers determined the prevalence of weight management interventions among patients who were obese and received an obstructive sleep apnea diagnosis.

Patients with Obesity, Sleep Apnea Rarely Received Weight Management Services

The announcement comes after the FDA declared the shortage of semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) has been resolved after being in shortage since March 2022.

Eli Lilly Launches Self-Pay Vials of Tirzepatide for Patients With Obesity

GLP-1 Use Requires Specific Counseling Among Various Indications

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications have seen a notable rise in demand and popularity in recent years. With increasing indications for growingly prevalent disease states, these medications require proper counseling before starting, when taking, and after stopping, in order for patients to reap the true benefits of GLP-1s.

“I still remember back in 2005 when the first [GLP-1] was approved,” said Diana Isaacs PharmD, BCPS, BCACP, BC-ADM, CDCES, Endocrine Clinical Pharmacy Specialist with Cleveland Clinic Endocrinology & Metabolism Institute. “At the time, that was just for type 2 diabetes. It’s been so exciting to see it evolve. Through all of these years—it’s been 20 years—we’ve seen how this medication class now has all of these other indications.”

, Isaacs discussed her experience as a clinical pharmacist managing patients’ GLP-1 regimens. From the highs of patient success with these drugs to the lows of difficult-to-manage side effects, she detailed everything she needs to know about her patients before managing their GLP-1 prescription.

While this class of medications may be relatively new to non-medical experts, pharmacists like Isaacs have known about the potential effects and impacts GLP-1s could have on large patient populations. As further research is conducted and more indications are approved, she will continue to coach her patients through their GLP-1 prescriptions, whether they are meant for obesity, diabetes, or another indication.

Stay tuned for more content from our interview with 

 as she discusses further her experience managing GLP-1 medications.

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Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP, BC-ADM, CDCES, discussed her experience when beginning to counsel patients using GLP-1 medications.

GLP-1 Use Requires Specific Counseling Among Each Indication

A conversation with Melody Hartzler, PharmD, at the 2024 National Community Pharmacists Association Annual Convention and Expo.

Best Practices for Educating Patients on Holistic Weight Management Approaches | NCPA 2024

In the United States, 41.9% of adults over the age of 20 years have obesity and 73.6% have overweight.

 This represents a significant public health threat in the country, particularly as some estimates expect 1 in 2 adults to have obesity by 2030.

 As obesity is known to increase the risk of chronic disease and lead to poor life expectancy, implementing measures to mitigate the rise in obesity is a critical issue.

As the most accessible health care providers, pharmacists are well positioned to play key role in helping patients with weight management. Community pharmacists have the clinical knowledge and skills to effectively provide patients with weight loss solutions through counseling. Previous research has also shown that when pharmacists provide weight loss interventions, it results in significant improvements in body weight loss for patients.

At the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) 2024 Annual Convention and Expo, held October 26 to 29 in Columbus, Ohio, 

sat down with Melody Hartzler, PharmD, clinical pharmacist and CEO of PharmToTable and an adjunct faculty member at the University of Findlay College of Pharmacy, to discuss some best practices pharmacists can use to educate patients on holistic approaches to weight management.

“What are the low hanging fruits,” Hartzler said. “Looking at drugs that people may be on and doing bag stuffers about what nutrient depletions are associated with x, y and z medications. Maybe it’s a package you’re offering. You’ve got a health coach involved and you have a class that’s a kickoff in your community. Finding out what the needs are in the community can also be really important.”

“I think it’s really understanding your demographic because this might look different in New York City versus rural Tennessee,” she added. “Who are you serving and what are their needs?”

1. Obesity and Overweight. Report. CDC. January 5, 2023. Accessed October 28, 2024. 

https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/obesity-overweight.htm

2. Ward ZJ, Bleich SN, Cradock AL, et al. Projected U.S. State-Level Prevalence of Adult Obesity and Severe Obesity. 

. 2019 Dec 19;381(25):2440-2450. doi: 10.1056/NEJMsa1909301. PMID: 31851800.

3. Alhomoud IS, Cook E, Patel D, et al. Effect of pharmacist interventions on the management of overweight and obesity: A systematic review. 

 (2003). 2024 May-Jun;64(3):102058. doi: 10.1016/j.japh.2024.102058. Epub 2024 Feb 27. PMID: 38417740.

A conversation with Melody Hartzler, PharmD, at NCPA 2024.

Tools Pharmacists Can Use to Identify, Address Common Metabolic Roadblocks to Weight Loss 

The prevalence of obesity remains high in the United States and is considered a significant public health issue. According to data from the CDC, over 40% of adults aged 20 and older and approximately 1 in 5 children and adolescents in the country have obesity.

 Metabolic issues, including obesity and insulin resistance, can often make it harder for people to lose weight and also increases the risk for heart attack and stroke.

sat down with Melody Hartzler, PharmD, clinical pharmacist and CEO of PharmToTable and an adjunct faculty member at the University of Findlay College of Pharmacy, to discuss some common metabolic roadblocks to weight loss that patients may face and what tools pharmacy teams can use to identify and address them.

“So much of the messaging surrounding nutrition depends on who you talk to,” Hartzler said. “’Which one is the best for me? Which exercise pattern should I use?’ People get really confused. I think that’s really where pharmacists can step in and just really help patients understand what core things [they] can do. If you’re the pharmacist in the center of your community and you’re serving these patients, [you] want them to be well, [you] want them to be thriving.”

Click here to follow along with our NCPA conference coverage.

Coverage of the National Community Pharmacists Association 2024 Annual Convention and Expo was supported by Red Sail, with independent editorial content creation on-site by the Drug Topics team.

1. Obesity and Overweight. Report. CDC. January 5, 2023. Accessed October 28, 2024. 

2. Childhood Obesity Facts. Report. CDC. April 2, 2024. Accessed October 28, 2024. 

https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood-obesity-facts/childhood-obesity-facts.html

3. Diagnosed With Metabolic Syndrome? Why It’s a Call to Action You Should Take Seriously. News Release. Cleveland Clinic. October 16, 2018. Accessed October 28, 2024. 

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/diagnosed-with-metabolic-syndrome-why-its-a-call-to-action-you-should-take-seriously

Melody Hartzler, PharmD, discusses common metabolic roadblocks to weight loss and what tools pharmacy teams can use to identify and address them.

Tools Pharmacists Can Use to Identify, Address Metabolic Roadblocks to Weight Loss | NCPA 2024

Timothy Mackey, MAS, PhD, discusses the dangers associated with sourcing GLP-1s from illegal online pharmacies.

Pharmacists Play Key Role in Warning Patients About Harms of Sourcing GLP-1s Online

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s) have skyrocketed in popularity over the last few years. The class of medications—which includes semaglutide, tirzepatide, and liraglutide—are approved to help manage type 2 diabetes. However, a rise in awareness of GLP-1s' weight-loss benefits began around late 2022 and significantly drove demand for the drugs, resulting in shortages and a proliferation of dangerous products being sold in illegal online pharmacies.

Timothy Mackey, MAS, PhD, professor of global health at the University of California, San Diego and a member of the Alliance for Safe Online Pharmacies’ Academic Advisory Panel, published a study recently in 

with his colleagues that sought to determine the risk of sourcing semaglutide from online platforms.

search on Google and Bing to find websites advertising the sale of semaglutide without a prescription in July 2023. They chose 6 websites to purchase products from and performed visual and quality inspections to determine sterility, falsification risks, and microbiological contamination. Of the 6 websites that were chosen for the test buys, 3 delivered the product and 3 were nondelivery scams that requested additional payment.

The study found that compared to genuine semaglutide samples, which scored 22 points on the International Pharmaceutical Federation’s checklist, the purchased test products’ scores ranged from 8 to 9. These products had discrepancies in regulatory registration information and had evidence that they were likely unregistered or unlicensed. The semaglutide content in the test products also had significantly more than what was advertised on the labels, with some samples exceeding by 29% to 39%.

, Mackey discussed how the study was conducted and its key findings, why people are seeking GLP-1s online, the dangers associated with sourcing them from online pharmacies, what can be done to increase awareness about illegal online pharmacies, and the key role pharmacists play in warning patients about the dangers of sourcing GLP-1s from online platforms.

“Clinicians and pharmacists are interfacing with the patient directly and have an opportunity to talk about not just the health and risk benefits associated with GLP-1s, but the sourcing risks,” Mackey said. “Right now, so many people are looking for [GLP-1s] and there is a lot of sourcing risk…Pharmacists and clinicians may be the only really informed intermediaries to really make sure that this stuff is appropriately prescribed.”

1. Scannell C, Romley J, Myerson R, Goldman D, Qato DM. Prescription Fills for Semaglutide Products by Payment Method. 

 2024;5(8):e242026. doi:10.1001/jamahealthforum.2024.2026

2. Ashraf AR, Mackey TK, Schmidt J, et al. Safety and Risk Assessment of No-Prescription Online Semaglutide Purchases. 

 2024;7(8):e2428280. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.28280

Timothy Mackey, MAS, PhD, discusses the dangers associated with sourcing GLP-1s from illegal online pharmacies and the key role pharmacists play in warning patients.

Doug Long Scott Biggs IQVIA

Each year, attendees at the National Association of Chain Drug Stores Total Store Expo look forward one particular presentation: IQVIA’s overview of pharmacy trends, issues, and forecasts for the current and upcoming year.

was joined by Scott Long, director of supplier services at IQVIA, and Doug Long, vice president of industry relations at IQVIA, ahead of their August 19 presentation.

glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications

—a category that includes blockbuster therapies semaglutide and tirzepatide (Ozempic and Wegovy, and Mounjaro and Zepbound, respectively)—is one of the biggest areas that pharmacy forecasters are keeping a weathered eye on. “It’s a very large category having some significant impacts on the sales side within [the pharmaceutical industry],” said Biggs. The shortages of these medications, due to heightened consumer interest and expanded access, are also worth watching.

Q&A: Understanding the Role of Tirzepatide, Semaglutide in Cardiovascular Disease

Even as drugmakers pledge millions to step up manufacturing capabilities, challenges around GLP-1s are anticipated to linger into future, particularly around profitability. “Generally, a pharmacy loses money on every GLP-1 prescription they dispense,” explained Long. “That kind of throws the whole business model; you can’t have that situation where they lose money on dispensing prescriptions.”

Ready to catch up on the rest of our conference coverage? 

 of the 2024 National Association of Chain Drug Stores Total Store Expo.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, GLP-1 therapies are expected to continue making headlines within the industry. 

Total Pharmacy

IQVIA: GLP-1 Therapies, Health Care Cyber Attacks Among Top Industry Impacts in 2024

Robert Ostfeld MD ScM 2

Helping patients embrace a healthful diet—and the lifestyle changes that come with it—can be a challenge. “Society does not make…it easy for the healthy choice to be the easy choice,” said Robert Ostfeld, MD, ScM. “And behavior change, getting someone to change how they eat, how they live, can be very, very difficult. These are big hurdles that we face.”

Ostfeld is the director of preventive cardiology at the Montefiore Health System and a professor of medicine at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx, New York. He spoke with 

 ahead of the American Society for Preventive Cardiology Congress on CVD Prevention, held August 2 through August 4 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Although it may be difficult or overwhelming for an individual practitioner to feel they can overcome these barriers with their patients, the best they can do is try to start. One way to do that, Ostfeld explained, is by relying on the team around you: physicians, support staff, nurses, and registered dietitians, among others. Another way is drilling down to find a specific reason why a patient may be interested in living more healthfully. “Maybe they want to lose weight or improve their skin complexion, maybe they want to lower their blood pressure, lower their cholesterol, come off a medication… Whatever the case may be, I try to highlight how consistently eating more healthfully can address that particular issue,” Ostfeld noted.

For those patients where cost may be a hurdle, “we certainly don’t have to buy organic green juices,” he said. Instead, remind them that frozen 

, as well as bulk purchases of items like oatmeal, beans, and potatoes, can be less expensive, less overwhelming, and “more doable” for those looking to ease the way for change.

Ready to catch up on the rest of our conference coverage? Click 

 of the American Society for Preventive Cardiology Congress on CVD Prevention.

Sharing concrete steps and suggestions can help ease the way for patients looking to transition to a more healthful lifestyle.

Obesity Management

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