CEimpact Podcast

Menopausal vasomotor symptoms occur in about 80% of women and have a significant impact on quality of life. Hormone replacement therapy works well; however, it is often underused. Join host, Geoff Wall, as he evaluates Fezolinetant, a new medication to treat 'hot flashes.' The GameChanger HRT is vastly underused in menopausal women. Gabapentin and SNRIs may help with some vasomotor sympt...

Respiratory failure from COVID-19 should be treated as soon as possible. Join host, Geoff Wall, as he evaluates the the role of convalescent plasma in treating patients with COVID-19 and on mechanical ventilation.   The GameChanger COVID-19 is still a significant concern acutely and for long-term complications. Convalescent plasma may benefit severely ill COVID-19 patients on mechanical ventilatio...

Join Ashlee as she talks with Derek Borkowski, CEO and founder of Pyrls about the journey that led to the creation of Pyrls. Alongside this, Derek discusses Pyrls' partnership with CEimpact and the future of Pyrls  as a company. Pyrls is an online drug information provider that focuses on design and simplicity in their delivery of that information. Through an deeper dive into Pyrls, this epis...

Piperacillin/tazobactam and vancomycin have been reported in numerous clinical trials to be associated with acute kidney injury. Comparatively, cefepime with vancomycin may increase neurotoxic effects. Join host, Geoff Wall, as he evaluates a new randomized controlled trial evaluating the safety of these medications.   The GameChanger Vancomycin, even at appropriate doses, can cause nephrotoxicity...

Join Ashlee as she talks with Bernadette Jakeman, an ID-HIV specialized prescribing pharmacist and associate professor at the University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy. Her expertise lies in infectious diseases and HIV, a field that she's deeply passionate about and has dedicated her career to. Listen in as she takes us on a fascinating journey, recounting her unique trajectory in the fiel...

Polymyalgia rheumatica is a common rheumatic disorder. Steroids are the mainstay of therapy despite significant adverse reactions. Join host, Geoff Wall, as he evaluates a new treatment for PMR. The GameChanger Sarilumab is now FDA-approved for relapsing polymyalgia rheumatica. Sarilumab can be an alternative to long-term steroid therapy or methotrexate.   Host Geoff Wall, PharmD, BCPS, FCCP, BCGP...

Join Ashlee and Tim Ulbrich, pharmacist and founder of Your Financial Pharmacist, in this week's Level Up episode as they discuss Tim's career, advice, and resources that pharmacists can use in the journey toward attaining financial wellness. Tim Ulbrich, pharmacist & CEO of Your Financial Pharmacist, set out to help pharmacists solve this issue by helping them develop financial plan...

There are numerous formulations of aspirin available over-the-counter often advertised to decrease gastric issues. Join host, Geoff Wall, as he evaluates a new study to see if enteric aspirin is worth the extra money and effort.   The GameChanger Buffered and coated aspirin are purported to cause fewer gastric adverse events. However, no efficacy or safety differences exist in the various formulat...

Ever imagine what it's like to evolve from a retail pharmacy worker to a celebrated pharmacy technician trainer? Join Ashlee as she talks with Nicole Foster, the manager of pharmacy technician and client education at CEimpact about her inspiring journey. During this episode, the two discuss - Nicole's career and mentors - The essential shift in the perceptions surrounding pharmacy techni...

Hypertensive urgency - asymptomatic patients with elevated blood pressure - is frequently treated in the hospital and outpatient setting. Join host, Geoff Wall, as he critically examines the evidence to assess risk over benefit.   The GameChanger Treatment of asymptomatic hypertension has not been shown to improve clinical outcomes. Recent data highlights the risk with increased mortality through...

Think journal clubs are a heavy lift? That they can't be done in a small pharmacy environment? Worried that you don't have enough statistical savvy? Listen to this episode and you'll discover how journal clubs can be incorporated into just about any setting with some simple strategies. The value they bring is immense - NAPLEX preparation for graduating students, expanded clinical kn...

Ever wonder about the journeys behind the professionals working to advance in the pharmacy technician field? Join Ashlee as she talks with Liza Chapman, the Chief Professional Officer at the PTCB (Pharmacy Technician Certification Board), and Zachary Hall, the Associate Director of Professional Affairs about professional evolution in the pharmacy technician world. During this episode, the three di...

Injectable, long-acting therapy is a new frontier for hypertension management. Join host, Geoff Wall, as he evaluates zilebesiran, a hepatic angiotensinogen blocker for blood pressure control for up to six months.   The GameChanger Zilebesiran blocks the final production of angiotensinogen at the hepatic level making it safer from a renal perspective than the ACEis or ARBs. A single subcutaneous i...

In the competitive pharmacy world, defining and separating yourself in the profession are keys to success. Far too often we overlook the benefits that can come from establishing a personal brand in this profession - at first glance, it can be a daunting and unfamiliar task. Join Jen Moulton, President of CEimpact, as she interviews Ashlee, VP of market strategy and the Founder and Executive Career...

Emergency contraception use has an effectiveness of about 70%. Join host, Geoff Wall, as he reviews new literature to see if COX-2 inhibition improves that rate.   The GameChanger Emergency contraception (EC) is safe and effective but overall efficacy rates could be better. COX-2 inhibitors may enhance the effectiveness of EC but require multiday dosing.   Host Geoff Wall, PharmD, BCPS, FCCP, BCGP...

The opioid crisis is still among us. In fact, according to the CDC, Opioids were involved in more than 68,000 deaths in 2020, which was 8.5 times the number of opioid-involved overdose deaths in 1999. The rate of drug overdose deaths involving opioids remains high, and CDC continues to track opioid overdose deaths. In this episode of the Level Up podcast, Ashlee is joined by Richard Logan, a deput...

The cost of medications is often attributed to a burden on healthcare - despite hospitalizations costing four times as much. Join host, Geoff Wall, as he discusses the new Inflation Reduction Act which allows the government to negotiate medication prices.   The GameChanger The US Federal Government can now negotiate with drug companies for the cost of medications. Similar to other countries, this...

OTC Phenylephrine is in the news! Join Ashlee and David Brushwood as they navigate the convoluted world of OTC decongestants, and the pivotal roles pharmacists play in ensuring patient safety and medication efficacy.    During this episode, the two discuss: 1. The role of the FDA in  managing GRASE, Generally Recognized as Safe and Effective, medications. 2. The FDA's original decision to inc...

Multiple studies highlight the benefits of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACS) with lower incidence of side effects and non-inferiority to warfarin. Join host, Geoff Wall, and guest, Mathew Boyd, as they discuss the FRAILE AF study and whether warfarin may be the best bet in older adults.   The GameChanger: DOACs are recommended by nearly all relevant major medical guidelines as the anticoagulant o...

In this week's Level Up episode Ashlee speaks with CoraLynn Trewet who has the honor of being the first recipient of the Thomas R. Temple Mentorship Award from the Iowa Pharmacist Association.  A testament to the transformative power of mentorship, CoraLynn’s journey is one of reciprocation, authenticity, and the profound impact of being truly seen. Join us as we traverse her inspiring journe...

Although uncommon, severe headaches, neck sitffness, and other symptoms may occur after epidural procedures (lumbar puncture). Join host, Geoff Wall, as he evaluates new guidelines for the management of these symptoms   The GameChanger Post procedural headache can be severe and last up to two weeks or longer. Management includes standard pain medications but may require caffeine or application of...

Drawing upon personal experiences and professional acumen, our guest Dawn Grittman, a steadfast advocate for mental health awareness and suicide prevention, joins Ashlee to peel back the layers of her journey intertwined with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). As a pharmacist, Dawn’s story is a compelling narrative of transition from volunteering with NAMI to becoming a full-time crus...

N-Acetyl Cystine (NAC) has been long used as the antidose for acetaminophen poisonings - although with variable implementation. Join host, Geoff Wall, and guest, Kayla Myers, discuss a new consensus guideline for appropriate treatment of acetaminophen overdose.   The GameChanger NAC should be used if any doubt of acetaminophen poisoning based on new consensus guidelines. NAC may be used continued...

Curious about the pivotal role pharmacists play in mental health care? Tune into Level Up host Ashlee Klevens-Hayes' enlightening conversation with Amy Werremeyer, a board-certified psychiatric pharmacist, tenured professor & chair of pharmacy practice at North Dakota State University, and tireless advocate for people with mental health and substance use disorders. Hear about her inspirin...

The American Heart Association updated the Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) guidelines for the first time in a decade. Join host, Geoff Wall, as he evaluates what's new in CAD pharmacotherapy.   The GameChanger CAD pharmacotherapy is dependent on aggressive lipid management whereas antiplatelet and beta-blocker therapy is now more nuanced.   Host Geoff Wall, PharmD, BCPS, FCCP, BCGP Professor of...