Independent Insights, a Health Mart Podcast

Recent updates to U.S. guidelines for HIV post‑exposure prophylaxis (PEP) provide modernized recommendations for both non‑occupational and occupational exposures — reflecting advances in antiretroviral therapy and evolving evidence. This course summarizes key changes, including preferred regimens, testing/follow‑up modifications, and special‑population considerations, and explores how these update...

Recent developments in HIV prevention — including the FDA approval of a 6‑month injectable option and updated clinical guidance — are changing the landscape of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) therapy. This course reviews the latest developments, compares prevention strategies, and examines how these changes affect PrEP delivery, counseling, and monitoring. You will gain timely insights to better c...

With the number of biosimilar products steadily increasing, pharmacists play a central role in ensuring their appropriate use in inflammatory conditions. This episode highlights approval pathways, interchangeability, and real-world challenges pharmacists may face when integrating biosimilars into care plans. You will walk away better prepared to support prescribers, counsel patients, and contribut...

Join us for a special live episode of Independent Insights as we sit down with members of the National Independent Advisory Board (NIAB), at McKesson ideaShare, to explore their vision for the future of pharmacy. Hear firsthand what they’ve learned from McKesson ideaShare (MiS), what excites them most about the road ahead, and how they’re working to elevate the voice of independent pharmacy across...

Menopausal hormone therapy has long carried a boxed warning (formerly a "black box warning") that may not accurately reflect the therapy's risk-benefit profile for all patients. This course discusses the FDA's recent removal of boxed warnings for select hormone therapy (HT) products, the rationale for this change, and how evolving guidance may impact patient care. You will expl...

Ranitidine — once withdrawn from the market over safety concerns — was recently re‑approved by the FDA in a reformulated version, raising important questions for pharmacists and patients alike. This course outlines the FDA’s recent approval, reviews the reformulated product's changes (including manufacturing and labeling), and examines practical considerations for dispensing, counseling, and...

Recent years have seen a troubling resurgence of whooping cough and measles — diseases many thought were largely controlled — highlighting the continuing importance of vaccination, surveillance, and community education. This course reviews the latest evidence on global and local trends, explores the factors driving renewed outbreaks, and discusses the key roles of pharmacists in prevention and ear...

Corticosteroids in the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) remain a topic of clinical curiosity and mixed opinions. In this unique episode, two expert guests share opposing perspectives—one advocating for corticosteroid use in CAP and the other urging caution—offering pharmacists a balanced view of the current evidence and practice considerations. Tune in to explore both sides of the d...

In this episode, host Suzanne Feeney, PharmD, Senior Director, Pharmacy Solutions at McKesson Health Mart and guest Jaime Montuoro, PharmD, Director of Education & Practice Advancement at McKesson Health Mart, unpack two strategies you can deploy now: PGY1 community-based residencies and pharmacy credentialing. You’ll learn how residency trained pharmacists can elevate clinical care in workflo...

As cannabis becomes more widely available and socially accepted, so does the misconception that it's safe to use during pregnancy and lactation. This course reviews updated guidance from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), highlighting the evidence behind the risks and outlining how pharmacists can address misinformation and counsel patients effectively. You will l...

Recent preclinical studies highlight the potential of micro‑dosed lithium to modulate Alzheimer’s disease pathology and support neuronal health. This episode examines the molecular mechanisms, current evidence in Alzheimer’s models, and emerging considerations for safe use and monitoring. You will gain insights to navigate this evolving topic and support informed discussions around lithium micro‑d...

Patients with fibromyalgia have waited more than a decade for a new therapeutic option, and a recent regulatory approval signals a shift for these patients. This episode reviews the clinical trial data, mechanism of action, dosing considerations, and pharmacist‑relevant monitoring for the newly approved sublingual formulation of cyclobenzaprine HCl. You will gain practical insights to inform patie...

Pain relief medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen are staples in everyday care—but emerging research suggests they may play a role in antibiotic resistance. This episode reviews recent findings, explores how these common drugs may influence bacterial response to antibiotics, and highlights pharmacist‑specific considerations. You will walk away with practical insights to support informed med...

Recent FDA actions have brought renewed attention to leucovorin as a potential treatment for managing symptoms associated with autism spectrum disorder. This course explores the clinical distinctions between autism and cerebral folate deficiency, reviews key evidence behind leucovorin use, and outlines counseling considerations relevant to pharmacy practice. You will gain clarity on this complex a...

Pharmacists play a critical role in infectious disease care, and staying up to date on antibiotic therapies is key to ensuring optimal patient outcomes. This episode reviews recently FDA-approved antibiotics, offers a practical refresher on commonly used antibiotic classes, and highlights frequent side effects—along with strategies for managing them in practice. Tune in to strengthen your clinical...

In this episode of Independent Insights , host Suzanne Feeney sits down with Josh Babb, Senior Director of Government Relations at McKesson, to unpack H.R. 3164, the Ensuring Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act (ECAPS). This bipartisan bill could be a game-changer for independent pharmacies, finally allowing Medicare Part B reimbursement for pharmacist-provided services in states where the...

Discover the benefits of implementing a long-acting injectable (LAI) service at your pharmacy practice site and the impact this service can have on patient care and outcomes. Listen to this week’s episode and learn how to elevate your pharmacy services!   HOST Joshua Davis Kinsey, PharmD VP, Education CEimpact GUEST Lindsay McCoy, PharmD, BCPP Pharmacy Manager Village Drug Shop at Advantage Pharma...

Opioids remain a cornerstone of palliative care for patients with serious illnesses like cancer, yet their use is often misunderstood, undertreated, or approached with unnecessary hesitation. This episode explores what pharmacists need to know about assessing opioid appropriateness, questioning therapy when warranted, and supporting comfort-focused care within established clinical and ethical stan...

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) continues to pose a serious health threat—particularly to infants, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals—making it critical for pharmacy professionals to stay up to date on prevention and treatment options. This episode covers the latest FDA-approved RSV therapies, including vaccines and monoclonal antibodies, while highlighting clinical pearls for use a...

GLP-1 receptor agonists have revolutionized the treatment of diabetes and obesity, but recent data suggest a potential link to a higher risk of various ocular disorders, especially with long-term use. This episode reviews the findings of these studies, places them in context with the overall benefits of GLP-1s, and covers what pharmacists should know when counseling patients. Listen in to enhance...

Heart failure remains a leading cause of hospitalization, prompting ongoing research into treatment strategies that improve outcomes for patients. A recent study explores the potential of combining an MRA agent and SGLT2 inhibitor, showing meaningful clinical benefit while also reinforcing the need for thoughtful patient selection and safety monitoring. Tune in to explore how this evidence may sha...

As questions continue to surface about the potential link between prenatal acetaminophen use and autism spectrum disorder, pharmacists must be prepared to address patient concerns with confidence and clarity. This episode explores the current body of evidence, public health messaging, and practical strategies for counseling during pregnancy. Tune in to strengthen your knowledge and support safe, e...

Under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), government-negotiated drug prices for high Medicare spend drugs will take effect on January 1, 2026. Pharmacies must enroll with the CMS Medicare Transaction Facilitator (MTF) to receive manufacturer refunds when the acquisition cost exceeds the Maximum Fair Price (MFP). Without enrollment, they may be excluded from the program. In this episode, we break do...

Allergic reactions can range from a bothersome nuisance to a life-threatening emergency, making it crucial for pharmacists to stay informed about current treatment options and best practices. This episode discusses common triggers, effective therapies—from antihistamines and injections to the newly approved epinephrine nasal spray—and key counseling strategies to ensure patients receive safe, prom...

With numerous new medications launching each year, pharmacists play a vital role in translating complex drug information into practical, patient-centered care. This episode offers a brief overview of select FDA-approved drugs from the past year, highlighting their therapeutic importance, key considerations, and clinical uses. Whether counseling patients or working with healthcare providers, pharma...