Clinical Capsules - Actionable Medication Pearls in Minutes
Clinical Capsules delivers evidence-based medication insights from TRC Healthcare's expert editors, including Pharmacist's Letter, Prescriber Insights, and Pharmacy Technician's Letter. Each episode provides concise, actionable clinical pearls for healthcare professionals. New episodes are released every 2nd and 4th Tuesday. The podcast also offers CE credit for pharmacist and pharmacy technician subscribers.
Episodes
From Tick Bite to Treatment: Managing Lyme Disease Risk
A patient shows you a tick that's still attached. Do they need antibiotics to prevent Lyme disease, or is watchful waiting enough?In this episode, TRC Healthcare Assistant Editor and Clinical Pharmacist Gina Corley, PharmD, discusses tick bites and Lyme disease prevention and treatment. She goes over how to assess a tick bite, when a single dose of doxycycline is recommended to prevent Lyme
Preventing Motion Sickness: Where Tradipitant Fits Into Therapy
Your patients will be asking about a new prescription motion sickness med they saw advertised. Here’s what to tell them.In this episode, TRC Healthcare Associate Editor and Clinical Pharmacist Vickie Danaher, PharmD, discusses preventing motion sickness with today’s OTC and prescription products. She covers where the new neurokinin-1 antagonist tradipitant fits into therapy, which options are firs
Managing Uncomplicated Recurrent UTIs in Women: First-Line and Preventative Options
Recurrent UTIs can be frustrating for patients…and challenging for healthcare teams trying to balance effective treatment with antibiotic stewardship.In this episode, TRC Healthcare Associate Editor and Clinical Pharmacist Don Weinberger, PharmD, PMSP, walks through evidence-based strategies for managing uncomplicated recurrent urinary tract infections, or UTIs, in women. He reviews first-line tre
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Pharmacy: Practical Dos and Don’ts
AI is becoming more accessible to both healthcare professionals and patients, creating new opportunities AND new risks in practice. In this episode, TRC Healthcare Associate Editor and Clinical Pharmacist Vickie Danaher, PharmD, discusses how AI can support healthcare teams while emphasizing the continued importance of clinical judgment, verification, and patient-specific care. Learn practical str
Treating Swimmer’s Ear: Safety, Cost, and Practical Tips
Swimmer’s ear may sound simple, but the wrong drop can create real safety concerns.In this episode, TRC Healthcare Assistant Editor and Clinical Pharmacist Gina Corley, PharmD, reviews practical swimmer’s ear treatment considerations for healthcare teams, including how eardrum and ear tube status affect which otic drops are appropriate. She also discusses swimmer’s ear prevention strategies, along
New Therapies for MASH: What Healthcare Teams Need to Know
A common liver disease is quietly affecting millions of Americans. Are we doing enough to catch it early?In this episode, TRC Healthcare Associate Editor and Clinical Pharmacist Sara Klockars, PharmD, explores the growing prevalence of MASLD and MASH. She reviews newly approved treatment options, including semaglutide and resmetirom, and discusses how healthcare teams can help identify, support, a
Orforglipron Explained: A New Oral GLP-1 for Weight Loss
New oral GLP-1s are changing the weight loss game. Here is what you need to know before recommending or dispensing one.In this episode, TRC Healthcare Associate Editor and Clinical Pharmacist Vickie Danaher, PharmD, discusses how orforglipron, the second oral GLP-1 agonist for weight loss, stacks up against oral semaglutide in terms of dosing, efficacy, safety, and more.This is an excerpt from our
Navigating the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge: What Pharmacy Teams Need to Know
GLP-1 access just changed for Medicare patients—and pharmacy teams are on the front lines.In this BONUS episode, Associate Editor and Clinical Pharmacist Vickie Danaher breaks down the new Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program—what it is, how it works, and what pharmacy teams need to know right now.Get a clear overview of which GLP-1 medications are covered, who qualifies, and how to navigate key requirem
Help Patients Use Continuous Glucose Monitors Safely and Effectively
Continuous glucose monitoring is changing how diabetes is managed, and healthcare teams are at the center of helping patients use these devices safely and effectively.In this episode, TRC Healthcare Associate Editor and Clinical Pharmacist Vickie Danaher, PharmD, discusses how continuous glucose monitoring has helped improve diabetes care. She talks about how CGM devices work, which patients are g
Advanced Therapies for Crohn Disease: Biologics and JAK Inhibitors
New guidelines for moderate to severe Crohn disease help streamline more advanced therapy options, such as biologics and JAK inhibitors.In this episode, TRC Healthcare Assistant Editor and Clinical Pharmacist Gina Corley, PharmD, walks through the latest guideline updates for moderate to severe Crohn disease. She breaks down advanced therapy options such as biologics and JAK inhibitors, discusses
Updated COPD Guidelines: Strategies for Treatment and Management
Updated COPD guidelines are reshaping how soon patients start daily inhalers—and what therapies make the most sense based on symptoms and risk.In this episode, TRC Healthcare Associate Editor and Clinical Pharmacist Don Weinberger, PharmD, PMSP, reviews practical, guideline-based strategies for treating and managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Don highlights common factors that i
Beyond the Cuff: Measuring and Monitoring Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is one of the most commonly measured — and most commonly misread — vitals in healthcare.In this episode, TRC Healthcare Associate Editor and Clinical Pharmacist Vickie Danaher, PharmD, discusses how pharmacists and pharmacy technicians can help patients better manage hypertension. She goes over how to choose the right home blood pressure monitor, ways to use it correctly, and tips f
Hair Loss in Men: Treating Male Pattern Baldness
Male pattern baldness is more than a cosmetic concern – and patients often turn to the pharmacy first for answers.In this episode, TRC Healthcare Associate Editor and Clinical Pharmacist Don Weinberger, PharmD, PMSP, discusses treating male pattern baldness. He reviews the underlying mechanism of hair loss and compares evidence-based treatment options, including oral finasteride, topical minoxidil
Semaglutide Becomes the First ORAL GLP-1 Approved for Weight Loss
A new oral option is changing the GLP-1 landscape for weight loss, along with raising questions about efficacy, dosing, and when switching products makes sense.In this episode, TRC Healthcare Associate Editor and Clinical Pharmacist Vickie Danaher, PharmD discusses how semaglutide became the first FDA-approved oral GLP-1 agonist for obesity. She breaks down how it works, how it compares to injecta
Managing Opioid Overdose: Signs, Symptoms, and Reversal Agents
Opioid overdoses remain a leading cause of preventable death - and pharmacy teams are on the front lines of response.In this episode, TRC Healthcare Associate Editor and Clinical Pharmacist Don Weinberger, PharmD, PMSP, discusses how to recognize opioid overdose, compares naloxone and nalmefene options including the new nalmefene auto-injector, and shares tips for counseling patients and caregiver
Treating Dry Eye Disease: A Look at Today’s Medications
Dry eye disease affects millions of patients, yet the growing list of treatment options can make decision-making feel more complicated than ever. Treating dry eyes requires understanding not just what options are available, but where each one fits into therapy.In this episode, TRC Healthcare Assistant Editor and Clinical Pharmacist Gina Corley, PharmD, walks through the causes of dry eye disease a
First-Time Rx Oral Liquids for Common Meds
New oral liquids are hitting the market – here's what to expect for your pharmacy.In this episode, TRC Healthcare Associate Editor and Clinical Pharmacist Vickie Danaher, PharmD, discusses a growing wave of first-time oral liquid formulations for familiar medications, including ADHD therapies, diabetes meds, antihypertensives, and more. She breaks down why these liquid options are emerging, w
Hypothyroidism Meds: Answers to Common Questions
Managing hypothyroidism often seems straightforward—but the details can make all the difference.In this episode, Rachel Cole, PharmD, shares actionable pearls for pharmacy teams, such as how to handle levothyroxine product switches, when to monitor TSH, and tips for counseling patients on adherence. Plus, we’ll tackle common myths, explore safety concerns with desiccated thyroid extract (DTE), an
What’s New in Acute Sinusitis: Antibiotics vs. Watchful Waiting
Think every sinus infection needs an antibiotic? Think again.Updated guidelines for acute bacterial rhinosinusitis are sparking discussions about when antibiotics are truly warranted—and pharmacy teams play a key role in helping guide practice. In this episode, TRC Healthcare Assistant Editor and Clinical Pharmacist Gina Corley, PharmD, explains new recommendations for “watchful waiting,” when to
Helping Patients Quit Vaping
Vaping is more popular than ever, especially among young adults, and pharmacy teams are in a prime position to guide patients toward cessation.In this episode, TRC Healthcare editor, Gina Corley, PharmD, breaks down the health risks of vaping and shares unique barriers to vaping cessation. She also discusses how proven smoking cessation strategies (varenicline, nicotine replacement therapy, and bu
Preventing Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): Immunization Updates
RSV prevention is more important than ever, and pharmacy teams are on the front lines. In this episode, TRC Healthcare Associate Editor, Vickie Danaher, PharmD, reviews who should receive RSV vaccines, recent changes to age and risk-based recommendations, and how monoclonal antibodies protect infants and high-risk children. You’ll also hear practical tips on the best time to vaccinate patients, co
Walk Through Updated Guidelines for Restless Legs Syndrome
In this episode, Rachel Cole, PharmD, walks us through the evolving landscape of restless leg syndrome management, highlighting why dopamine agonists are no longer first-line therapy and what that means for clinical practice. You’ll learn about the importance of checking for iron deficiency, practical non-drug interventions, and alternative medications like gabapentin and pregabalin. Rachel shares
Lenacapavir for HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
In this episode, Rachel Cole, PharmD, explores the evolving landscape of medications for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), spotlighting lenacapavir (Yeztugo)—a newly approved long-acting injectable option given just twice yearly. She walks through how it compares to oral therapies like Truvada and Descovy, plus other injectables such as cabotegravir. Rachel also offers practical guidance on ide
Flu Vaccine Guidance for 2025-2026
In this episode, TRC Healthcare editor, Vickie Danaher, PharmD, dives into the 2025/2026 flu vaccine season with a clear overview of what’s new and what remains consistent. From updated vaccine strain compositions and preferred products for older adults to thimerosal-free recommendations and egg allergy guidance, this episode equips you with the latest evidence-based insights. She also tackles com
Buprenorphine for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD)
In this episode, TRC Healthcare editor, Vickie Danaher, PharmD, discusses how pharmacists and pharmacy technicians play a vital role in ensuring access to buprenorphine for opioid use disorder treatment. She’ll explore approaches to addressing dispensing barriers, inventory management strategies, and the importance of recognizing opioid use disorder as a chronic condition requiring appropriate lon
Don’t Let New Meds for Acute Migraine Give You a Headache
In this episode, TRC Healthcare editor, Rachel Cole, PharmD, evaluates 3 new migraine treatments: Atzumi, Brekiya, and Symbravo. She'll explain their dosing techniques and how they compare to existing therapies, while providing practical guidance on clinical considerations and cost-effective alternatives for acute migraine management.This is an excerpt from our August 2025 Pharmacy Essential
Explore Different Med Regimens for H. pylori
In this episode, TRC Healthcare editor, Rachel Cole, PharmD, unpacks the updated recommendations for H. pylori management, spotlighting why bismuth quadruple therapy is now front and center and how to navigate antibiotic resistance and patient-specific factors. You’ll come away with actionable pearls on regimen selection, adherence strategies, and which drug interactions to watch for. This is an e
Pain Management Update: Meet Suzetrigine (Journavx)
In this episode, TRC Healthcare editor, Vickie Danaher, PharmD, digs into Suzetrigine—brand name Journavx—the first non-opioid analgesic approved in over two decades. You’ll hear how it works, how it compares to hydrocodone/acetaminophen, and why it might be a game-changer for patients at risk of opioid misuse. We’ll also unpack limitations in the clinical trials, cost concerns, dosing nuances, an
New Twists to Old Meds: Fresh Formulations of Losartan, Minocycline, and More
In this episode, TRC Healthcare editor, Vickie Danaher, PharmD, discusses recently approved drug formulations that bring fresh options—and new challenges—to the pharmacy counter. From Arbli, the first ready-to-use losartan suspension, to Emrosi, a low-dose minocycline for rosacea, and Opipza, an oral film version of aripiprazole, we’ll walk through what makes each product unique and what pharmacy
Zepbound for Zzz’s: Exploring Tirzepatide for Sleep Apnea
In this episode, TRC Healthcare editor, Sara Klockars, PharmD, BCPS unpacks the newly approved use of tirzepatide (Zepbound) for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)—a first-in-class pharmacologic option for a condition long managed with devices and lifestyle changes.You’ll hear a concise review of sleep apnea pathophysiology, how tirzepatide works to reduce airway obstruction, and what the latest clinic
Biosimilars 101
In this episode, TRC Healthcare editor, Vickie Danaher, PharmD, guides listeners through the evolving landscape of biosimilars, highlighting their increasing presence in pharmacy practice and their critical distinctions from traditional generics. She explains the science behind biologics, the FDA’s rigorous approval process for biosimilars, and the nuances of interchangeability. With examples of b
Diabetes Treatment Debate: Should Metformin Still Be Used First?
In this episode, TRC Healthcare editor, Rachel Cole, PharmD, delves into the debate about whether newer medications for Type 2 diabetes, including SGLT-2 inhibitors or GLP-1 agonists, should be used first-line instead of metformin. She examines the benefitsand drawbacks of these newer medications, including their cardiovascular and kidney benefits, side effects, and costs.This is an excerpt from o
Avoiding Medication Mishaps with Pet Prescriptions
In this episode, TRC Healthcare editor, Don Weinberger, PharmD, PMSP, explores how to avoid medication mishaps with pet prescriptions. Learn about common pitfalls, species-specific risks, and best practices for pharmacists and technicians.This is an excerpt from our December 2024 Pharmacy Essential Updates continuing education webinar series.The clinical resources mentioned during the podcast are
Doxy PEP for STI Prevention
In this episode, TRC Healthcare editor, Vickie Danaher, PharmD, discusses Doxycycline Post-Exposure Prophylaxis for STIs. This is an excerpt from our August 2024 Pharmacy Essential Updates continuing education webinar series.The clinical resources mentioned during the podcast are part of a subscription to Pharmacist’s Letter, Pharmacy Technician’s Letter, and Prescriber Insights: Chart: Drugs with
Sofpironium (Sofdra) for Hyperhidrosis
In this episode, TRC Healthcare editor, Gina Corley, PharmD, discusses how to treat hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, including the use of a drug called sofpironium or Sofdra, which is a new topical agent approved for primary axillary hyperhidrosis. This is an excerpt from our November 2024 Pharmacy Essential Updates continuing education webinar series.The clinical resources mentioned during t
Tailoring Contraceptive Use
In this episode, TRC Healthcare editor, Sara Klockars, PharmD, BCPS, discusses tailoring contraceptive use in certain populations based on updated US medical eligibility criteria, patient preferences, and medical history. This is an excerpt from our October 2024 Pharmacy Essential Updates continuing education webinar series.The clinical resources mentioned during the podcast are part of a subscrip
Managing Conjunctivitis
In this episode, TRC Healthcare editor, Vickie Danaher, PharmD, discusses the treatment of conjunctivitis, or pink eye.This is an excerpt from our July 2024 Pharmacy Essential Updates continuing education webinar series.The clinical resources mentioned during the podcast are part of a subscription to Pharmacist’s Letter, Pharmacy Technician’s Letter, and Prescriber Insights: Article: Explain That
To Vitamin D or Not to Vitamin D?
In this episode, TRC Healthcare editor, Rachel Cole, PharmD, answers the question… To Vitamin D or Not to Vitamin D?That’s right, this episode we explore the latest guidelines on Vitamin D Supplementation. This is an excerpt from our October 2024 Pharmacy Essential Updates continuing education webinar series.The clinical resources mentioned during the podcast are part of a subscription to Pharmaci
Epinephrine for Anaphylaxis
In this episode, TRC Healthcare editor, Vickie Danaher, PharmD, explains how the recently approved epinephrine nasal spray compares to the injectable products for treating anaphylaxis. This is an excerpt from our October 2024 Pharmacy Essential Updates continuing education webinar series.The clinical resources mentioned during the podcast are part of a subscription to Pharmacist’s Letter, Pharmacy
Ensifentrine (Ohtuvayre) for COPD
In this episode, TRC Healthcare editor, Sara Klockars, PharmD, BCPS, discusses a new drug for COPD, ensifentrine (Ohtuvayre). This is an excerpt from our September 2024 Pharmacy Essential Updates continuing education webinar series.The clinical resources mentioned during the podcast are part of a subscription to Pharmacist’s Letter, Pharmacy Technician’s Letter, and Prescriber Insights: Article: W
Managing Diabetes Meds Around Surgery
In this episode, TRC Healthcare editor, Stephen Small, PharmD, BCPS, BCPPS, BCCCP, CNSC, discusses the management of diabetes meds around surgery. This is an excerpt from our November 2024 Pharmacy Essential Updates continuing education webinar series.The clinical resources mentioned during the podcast are part of a subscription to Pharmacist’s Letter, Pharmacy Technician’s Letter, and Prescriber
Managing Resistant Hypertension
In this episode, TRC Healthcare editor, Rachel Cole, PharmD, discusses the management of resistant hypertension. This is an excerpt from our December 2024 Pharmacy Essential Updates continuing education webinar series.The clinical resources mentioned during the podcast are part of a subscription to Pharmacist’s Letter, Pharmacy Technician’s Letter, and Prescriber Insights: Article: Don’t Rush to
Pneumococcal Vaccine Recommendations
In this episode, TRC Healthcare editor, Vickie Danaher, PharmD, discusses Pneumococcal Vaccine Recommendations for Adults. This is an excerpt from our December 2024 Pharmacy Essential Updates continuing education webinar series.The clinical resources mentioned during the podcast are part of a subscription to Pharmacist’s Letter, Pharmacy Technician’s Letter, and Prescriber Insights: Article: Prepa
