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 activity (ISA). These subtypes govern their place in therapy, efficacy, and adverse effects. With regards t...
Jun 01, 2021•42 min
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 a cohesive and logical story for why you are applying and what makes you a good fit for the posi...
May 11, 2021•34 min
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 the years. For indicated conditions, PPI should be used at lowest dose for shortest duration possible....
Apr 20, 2021•40 min
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 than its actual FDA indication: hydroxychloroquine Commonly used but worst hypertensives on the mark...
Mar 30, 2021•47 min
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 patients and caregivers to obtain the medication as well as administer naloxone. These access laws ...
Mar 09, 2021•44 min
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.
Feb 16, 2021•50 min
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.
Jan 26, 2021•41 min
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.
Jan 05, 2021•28 min
In this episode, we interview the niece of Dr. Rosalind Franklin, the namesake of our university, who is also named Rosalind Franklin. As part of the university’s centennial celebration of Dr. Franklin, we discuss her amazing life and scientific achievements and reflect on how her story can be applied to our own lives.
Dec 15, 2020•33 min
In this episode, we discuss how to excel in your next journal club presentation or discussion while avoiding the all-too-common pitfalls for this unique format.
Nov 24, 2020•37 min
In this episode, we will discuss some of the interesting and unusual warfarin interactions such as acetaminophen, alcohol, agents with antiplatelet properties, non-green vitamin K foods, and CBD/THC.
Nov 03, 2020•52 min
In this episode, we discuss the pathophysiology, drug-related causes, diagnosis, and treatment of a common type of hyponatremia called the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH).
Oct 13, 2020•41 min
In this episode, we discuss the latest dyslipidemia treatment agent bempedoic acid and dive into its pharmacology, use, and clinical evidence.
Sep 22, 2020•47 min
In this episode, we discuss the proposed risks of using beta blockers in patients with cocaine use disorders and whether evidence supports this drug interaction as an “absolute” contraindication.
Sep 01, 2020•34 min
In this episode, we dive into the pharmacology of ACE inhibitors and ARBs, particularly understanding how they assist in preserving renal function in CKD and yet at the same time can harm the kidneys (e.g. cause AKI).
Aug 11, 2020•40 min
In this episode, we partner with Dr. Danielle Candelario and Dr. Sneha Srivastava, clinical skills faculty at our college, to discuss tips, tricks, and common pitfalls to avoid when performing medication counseling.
Jul 21, 2020•38 min
In this episode, we discuss the historical significance of Staphylococcus aureus including its patterns of antimicrobial resistance and recommended treatments.
Jun 30, 2020•41 min
In this episode, we discuss important nutritional deficiencies as well as pharmacologic changes that occur in post-bariatric surgery patients.
Jun 09, 2020•43 min
In this episode, we review ten clinical pearls about total parenteral nutrition (TPN) that all pharmacists should know.
May 19, 2020•32 min
In this episode, we will discuss the most recent evidence for the use of omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) for ASCVD risk reduction.
Apr 28, 2020•42 min
In this episode, we chat with Eris Tollkuci, PharmD, BCOP regarding what every non-onc healthcare provider should know about immune checkpoint inhibitors (specifically PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors) in patients with cancer.
Apr 07, 2020•36 min
In this episode, we summarize some of the most significant changes in the newest version of American Diabetes Association - 2020 Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes guidelines.
Mar 17, 2020•39 min
In this episode, we review the pros, cons, and literature regarding the use of DOACs versus warfarin in obese patients with venous thromboembolism.
Feb 25, 2020•26 min
In this episode, we provide an overview of lifestyle medicine, its six pillars, and how it plays a role in improving health outcomes.
Feb 04, 2020•36 min
In this episode, we discuss clinical pearls and management related to chronic and acute hyperkalemia.
Jan 14, 2020•42 min
In this episode, we discuss the important updates in the 2019 IDSA Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) guidelines with Dr. Christie Bertram, PharmD, an Infectious Diseases Clinical Pharmacist and Assistant Professor at Rosalind Franklin University’s College of Pharmacy.
Dec 24, 2019•39 min
In this episode, we review the three oral P2Y12 inhibitors on the market (clopidogrel, prasugrel, ticagrelor) and discuss each agent’s clinical pearls, comparative effectiveness, and unique precautions.
Dec 03, 2019•37 min
In this episode, we will discuss what is the latest and greatest from the GINA (Global INitiative for Asthma) 2019 guidelines, including new recommendations regarding rescue inhalers, tiotropium, and azithromycin for asthma.
Nov 12, 2019•35 min
In this episode, we discuss the newly published DAPA-HF trial, which studied dapagliflozin (a drug for diabetes) among patients who had heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) many of which did NOT have a history of diabetes.
Oct 22, 2019•32 min
In this episode, we provide an overview of chronic idiopathic constipation and discuss available treatment options with a particular focus on lubiprostone, linaclotide, plecanatide, and prucalopride.
Oct 01, 2019•37 min
