Pharmacy Podcast Network

In this edition of Essential, we’ve got updates on some big compounding news — like the FDA’s long-overdue decision to remove the boxed warning from some menopause hormone-replacement therapy drugs. (And yes, that’s important for compounding pharmacists!) We also look at the hubbub at FDA over what (allegedly) was behind the decision that would have effectively banned compounding with desiccated thyroid extract, plus some stories from the states, and more. This month’s deep dive: Mythbusting, compounded-GLP-1 style! What have the big drugmakers been saying, and how much of it is true? They’re spreading stories, but our experts put them to the test. Don’t miss out! Links Join APC today: https://a4pc.org/membership  FDA to remove boxed warning from HRT medications: https://archive.ph/R8DJD  An example of what appears to be an op-ed pushed by a pharma company. The writer, a “former healthcare professional,”doesn’t appear to exist: https://archive.ph/OPNWr  Find a legitimate, licensed compounding pharmacy: https://a4pc.org/isitlegit  Benefits of becoming an APC PFM: https://a4pc.org/pfm 

In this episode of the NASP Podcast, Sheila Arquette, President & CEO of NASP, speaks with Matthew G. Bowles, PharmD, MBA, CSP, Pharmacy Clinical Team Lead with Vanderbilt Specialty Pharmacy, Vanderbilt Health, and lead author on the study “Getting to specialty treatment in dermatologic inflammatory conditions: Treatment requirements and patient journey,” published February 2025 in the Journal of Managed Care & Specialty Pharmacy. They discuss the reasons for conducting and results of the study, as well as the impacts the study may have on specialty and managed care pharmacy.

In this episode of Tech Trends by PrimeRx, we continue our deep dive into the evolving world of pharmacy technology. Building on the momentum from our previous discussion—where we explored the shifting landscape of pharmacy tech innovation—we now turn our focus to one of the most urgent challenges facing independent and community pharmacies: making sense of inventory and purchase data. Dr. Matthew Song joins us to break down why automation is no longer optional and how data intelligence is transforming pharmacy operations. With rising costs, shrinking margins, and increasing administrative demands, the ability to automate and optimize data workflows is becoming a competitive advantage. Dr. Song sets the stage by examining how automated systems offer unprecedented visibility into a pharmacy’s financial and clinical activity. Today’s modern PMS platforms, including PrimeRx, go far beyond dispensing—they automatically collect, analyze, and interpret operational data. Throughout the episode, we’ll uncover how automation identifies top payers, high-impact drugs, key prescribers, patient adherence trends, and more. These insights help pharmacy leaders make informed decisions around purchasing, contracting, staffing, and patient care. Listeners will also gain actionable takeaways tied directly to real-time metrics, including dashboards that connect inventory fluctuations to financial performance. Dr. Song explains how automation eliminates manual entry errors, accelerates purchasing decisions, and helps pharmacies avoid costly stockouts or overstocking. From surfacing seasonal medication trends to pinpointing high-volume PBMs or top-referring providers, this episode demonstrates the power of transforming raw data into strategic intelligence. Stay tuned through the end as we tease what’s next on the horizon—AI-driven predictive inventory management and the next evolution in pharmacy automation.

Welcome to the Pharmacy Podcast Network's coverage of the NCPA 2025 Post Show! The NCPA annual conference is the trailblazer for community pharmacy, bringing together the pharmacy community. Our host Todd Eury, founder and CEO of the Pharmacy Podcast Network, took the microphone to the action right on the show floor capturing exclusive conversations with attendees, pharmacy students, keynote speakers, vendors, and more!  Thank you YARAL Pharma for sponsoring this coverage of the NCPA Post Show!  Visit https://yaralpharma.com/

In this episode of The Pediatric Pharmacist Review, we explore the phenomenon of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and its relevance to children, adolescents, and families. Our guest, Tim Horton, is a seasoned psychiatric nurse‑practitioner (APRN, CNP) and founder of PeopleFirst Clinic in Woodbury, Minnesota, where he specializes in holistic, medication‑management and therapy‑integrated care for youth and adults. With his unique background in pediatric mental health, patient‑centered approaches, and collaborative provider work, Tim brings deep insight into how biological and environmental factors converge in seasonal depression—and what practical actions caregivers and clinicians can take to mitigate its impact. Key Discussion Points: Biological & Environmental Contributors: We unpack how changes in daylight exposure, circadian rhythm shifts, neurotransmitter variations (serotonin, melatonin), and geographic/seasonal factors contribute to SAD in children and teens. Lifestyle & Environmental Interventions: Tim and I discuss actionable strategies such as structured light‑exposure (dawn simulators, 10,000 lux boxes), daily outdoor activity, consistent sleep schedules, and nutritional supports (timing of meals, nutrient‑dense foods, healthy fats) to reduce symptom severity. Treatment Options & Efficacy: We review standard of care for SAD—starting with behavioral and lifestyle measures, then progressing to light therapy and pharmacologic treatment (SSRIs, SNRIs, augmentation) when needed, including considerations unique to pediatric populations. Vitamin D and Seasonal Depression: We examine the evidence linking vitamin D deficiency with increased SAD risk, discuss screening thresholds in younger patients, supplementation strategies, and how this fits into a broader preventive mindset. Preventive Measures Ahead of Winter: Tim outlines a pre‑winter readiness plan—adjusting indoor lighting, optimizing outdoor daylight exposure, establishing routine exercise, reinforcing healthy diet patterns, and monitoring early warning signs for a proactive response. Misconceptions and Under‑Recognition: We address common myths—such as SAD only occurring in extreme northern latitudes, or that “it’s just the blues” and will self‑resolve—highlighting how under‑recognition in pediatric settings can delay helpful intervention. Resources & Links: Tim Horton LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-horton-248858359/ PeopleFirst Clinic: https://www.peoplefirstmn.com/

Special Feature:    Andrew Crawford, Vice President at Keysource talks with TWIRx host Todd Eury about the direct to patient market (Direct to Consumer, DTC) expected to hit $21 billion this year. Pharmacy is evolving fast. When DTC brands move in, pharmacies have a choice...compete or collaborate. Some manufacturers are selling directly to patients at discounted cash prices and cutting out traditional intermediaries. The model is projected to grow 9% a year through 2030, with pharma support services expected to nearly double from $3.2B to $5.7B by 2030.  Driven by cost pressure and new legislation, manufacturers are moving quickly. It is creating more transparency but patients still need guidance, trust, and human care. Pharmacy is being redefined as the bridge that keeps care personal, safe, and local. It is not being replaced, but what will it look like in 10 years? TWIRx News:    Pharmacy student shot, killed by friend who became paranoid after they smoked pot together, documents say - from WMTV/Gray News  https://www.wowt.com/2025/11/11/pharmacy-student-shot-killed-by-friend-who-became-paranoid-after-they-smoked-pot-together-documents-say/  Why Guardian Pharmacy Services Stock Was on a Tear Tuesday - by Motley Fool / Yahoo Finance  https://finance.yahoo.com/news/why-guardian-pharmacy-services-stock-202435130.html Metformin May Diminish the Cardiometabolic Benefits of Exercise https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/metformin-may-diminish-the-cardiometabolic-benefits-of-exercise Today's TWIRx is sponsored by YARAL Pharma & SureCost  

We hear from Ketan Mehta, CEO of PrimeRx.

Dr. Robert Popovian is a pharmacist, and economist with a deep background in research and public policy. In this episode we have a nuanced discussion on policy impacting pharmacy including PBMs, President Trumps Most Favored Nation Executive Order, Rebates, and insurance premiums.    Links to resources referenced in discussion: • Pioneer Institute, 340B tool: https://pioneerinstitute.org/340babuse/ • Pioneer Institute, IRA tool: https://pioneerinstitute.org/the-inflation-reduction-act-ira-overview/ • Editorial regarding TrumpRX: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/promise-trumprx-robert-popovian-vskne/?trackingId=dtiG1P%2B%2BSDq6adLfFeEbeg%3D%3D • Pioneer Institute, IRA report: https://pioneerinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/Prescription-Drug-Price-Controls-06252025.pdf  • GHLF tool, Impact of Accumulators and Maximizers on Premiums: https://cutt.ly/Rr9Di7Vf • Conquest Advisors website: https://conquestadvisors.godaddysites.com/

In this episode, host Todd Eury sits down with Terry Dean and Amanda Malooley to explore the growing importance of business intelligence in long-term care pharmacy. Together, they discuss the challenges pharmacies face in accessing and interpreting data, why real-time insight is becoming mission-critical, and how smarter visibility leads to better operational and clinical outcomes. The conversation then traces the journey behind FrameworkInsight—how it was envisioned, built, and continues to evolve to support pharmacy leaders in making informed, confident decisions.

Marketing Vitals host, Kelly Baily, is joined by Brian Prigge, President, CTO and Founder of GRX Marketing’s newest partner – Scriptly!  Learn more about this all-in-one, cloud-based, web-based pharmacy management system and see how your pharmacy can cut costs, streamline operations, and improve efficiency without sacrificing care. Visit scriptly.tech to learn more and schedule a free demo.