HelixTalk - Rosalind Franklin University's College of Pharmacy Podcast

In this episode, we interview Hetal Patel, PharmD and RFUMS COP Alumni, regarding her career path that eventually led her to open Lebanon Family Pharmacy in TN in 2021. We discuss the challenges and opportunities of starting a new independent pharmacy and what the future of independent pharmacy looks like. Key Concepts Starting a new, independent pharmacy requires substantial planning 8 to 12 mont...

In this episode, we review new updates and key concepts from the 2022 AHA/ACC/HFSA Guideline for the Management of Heart Failure. This guideline is newly published (April 2022) and is a full update of the 2013 guidelines and the 2017 focused update for heart failure. Key Concepts Heart failure is classified as HFrEF (heart failure with reduced ejection fraction = 50% with increased LV filling pres...

In this episode, we discuss six newer antibiotics that target multidrug resistant gram negative bacteria with Dr. Christie Bertram, PharmD, BCIDP. We review common resistance mechanisms, particularly to carbapenems, and highlight the current role in therapy for the following antibiotics: ceftolozane/tazobactam (Zerbaxa®), ceftazidime/avibactam (Avycaz®), meropenem/vaborbactam (Vabomere®), imipenem...

In this episode, we bring in two guests to discuss the impact of professional advocacy and resulting professional advancements in the state of Illinois. These guests were the front-line agents of advocacy which resulted in pharmacists' ability to prescribe hormonal contraceptives for patients in Illinois (HB 135). We take a deep dive into their efforts to make this change possible, how it will imp...

In this episode, we interview Dr. Danyelle Martin, a Medical Science Liaison (MSL) at Moderna, in order to learn more about the what, how, and future of mRNA-based therapeutics, and what impact it can have on healthcare and healthcare professionals in general. Key Concepts Moderna has a "Research Engine" proprietary service that takes an mRNA idea from a web-based digital designer, to a digital or...

In this episode, we review the diagnostic criteria and treatment strategy of hypothyroidism including the controversy surrounding brand versus generic levothyroxine and non-levothyroxine thyroid drugs. Key Concepts The most common cause of hypothyroidism is autoimmune thyroiditis - the body attacks the thyroid gland cells. Typically in hypothyroidism, TSH levels will be high and thyroid hormone le...

In this episode, we will build up on our previous Weight loss Pharmacotherapy Episode, episode #13 to discuss updates in guidelines, prevention of obesity from comorbidity standpoint, and new treatment agents for weight-loss with a particular focus on Contrave (naltrexone/bupropion), Saxenda (liraglutide), and Wegovy (semaglutide).

In this episode, we provide a concise overview of the diagnosis and treatment of hepatorenal syndrome-acute kidney injury (HRS-AKI) with a focus on the new HRS-1 definition (now called HRS-AKI), new data with terlipressin, and the AASLD 2021 guidelines. Key Concepts At a basic level, HRS-AKI is caused by portal hypertension leading to systemic vasodilation and a prerenal state.  Our treatment focu...

In this episode, we review the pharmacology, indications, adverse effects, and unique drug characteristics of the most common SSRIs on the market. Key Concepts SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are the drug of choice for depression, anxiety, and a variety of other psychiatric indications. Fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil) inhibit CYP2D6, a metabolic pathway for several opioi...

In this episode, we discuss the recent accelerated approval of the new monoclonal antibody-based treatment agent, aducanumab (Aduhelm), by the FDA. We dive into the drug approval process, the efficacy and safety data, and the behind-the-scenes story of the FDA approval. Furthermore, we will present the controversy behind the approval and what it means for stakeholders. Key Concepts Aducanumab (Adu...

In this episode, we discuss the fascinating science of pharmaceutics with Dr. Kristen Ahlschwede and Dr. Rahul Deshmukh. We explore how dosage forms and excipients play an important role in how a drug product behaves in the human body with a particular focus on fentanyl patches, osmotic tablets (with laser-drilled holes), Depakote Sprinkles, and IV amiodarone. Key Concepts Fentanyl patches were re...

In this episode, we reveal what goes on behind the scenes for drug pricing and pharmacy reimbursement with Dr. Benjamin Jolley. Our discussion covers important concepts like PBMs, DIR fees, MAC pricing, and even possible upcoming changes at the federal government. Key Concepts Prescription drug reimbursement is a major factor in the decline of independent pharmacies nationwide. Complex reimburseme...

In this episode, we discuss the recently published major updates in the 9th edition of the anticoagulation guidelines from CHEST. These new recommendations range from initiation of therapy, secondary prevention, and management of post-thrombotic syndrome. Key Concepts Among patients with cancer-associated VTE, DOACs are preferred over low molecular weight heparins (LMWH) EXCEPT in patients with GI...

In this episode, we debunk four medication myths that have persisted for decades: metronidazole and alcohol; statins and hepatotoxicity; cidal vs. static antibiotics; and "sulfa" allergies. Key concepts Metronidazole does not interact with alcohol (ethanol) and does not cause a disulfiram-like reaction. Statins can cause transient increases in liver function tests; however, these increases are not...

In this episode, we provide a concise review of the diagnostic criteria and general treatment approach to patients with hypertensive emergencies. Key Concepts Hypertensive "urgency" is a misnomer - patients do not require immediate therapy and definitely should not receive IV therapy. In most cases, the goal blood pressure in hypertensive emergencies is to decrease by no more than 25% in the first...

In this episode, we will explore depths of COVID 19 vaccine hesitancy - what it is, how to identify and address it, and some helpful resources. Key Concepts When a patient seems hesitant to consider the COVID-19 vaccine, explore their hesitations further with a simple "why" or "tell more more" question. Understand the root of hesitancy and provide personalized responses using motivational intervie...

In this episode, we will explore the history of COVID vaccine development and have a heart-to-heart conversation with Dr. Archana Chatterjee regarding her role as a dean of the RFUMS Chicago Medical School, her career path, and her position and functions on the FDA's Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC).

In this episode, we will review the beta-blocker drug class. We discuss their pharmacology, pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic parameters, evidence-based use, efficacy, and safety considerations. Key Concepts Various beta-blockers are divided into four main subtypes: non-selective, B1-selective, beta-blockers with alpha 1 antagonistic activity, and beta-blockers with intrinsic sympathomimetic activit...

In this episode, we discuss pharmaceutical industry career paths with Dr. Anastasiya Koshkina, a graduate of the RFUMS College of Pharmacy and Associate Director and Clinical Scientist at The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson. Key Concepts When preparing for the fellowship application process, do your homework on the sector(s) you plan to apply for. It is crucial that you have...

In episode 57, we had in depth discussion of safety issues, general use and recommendations for PPI therapy. In this episode, we briefly review PPI safety concerns and focus on strategies to deprescribe proton pump inhibitors. Key Concepts PPIs are approved as acid-reducing therapies to treat various conditions related to decreased gastric pH, however, undocumented use of PPI has increased over th...

In this episode, we announce the debut 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 medications. Key Concepts Drug most likely to be remembered for COVID-19 ineffectiveness rather...

In this episode, we will discuss basic pharmacology and use of naloxone, available formulations, evidence for its effectiveness, and naloxone-related pharmacy management and regulations. Key Concepts Naloxone, available in various formulations, is a quick-acting opioid reversal agent approved for use in opioid overdose cases. Naloxone access laws are in place in the majority of the states allowing...

In this episode, we chat with Morgan Anderson, PharmD, BCIDP and alumna of RFUMS, about Enterococcal infections including patterns of antimicrobial resistance and recommended treatment options.

In this episode, we will briefly review the clotting cascade and warfarin's mechanism of action, and then discuss warfarin pharmacogenetics implications and what clinical recommendations and tools are available in order to calculate warfarin dose.

In this episode, we discuss the FDA·s Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) process and review the resources available to healthcare providers when an EUA for a drug therapy is approved.