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 reimbursement models, fees, and drug pricing structures are frequently not well understood by both patients and many healthcare providers. A pharmacy benefits manager (PBM) is a company hired by an insurance company to handle prescription drug coverage and reimbursement. Three PBMs control more than three-quarters of the entire US market and can often dictate the terms of a drug reimbursement contract with pharmacies. PBMs determine how much they will pay for the cost of a medication using either a benchmark (such as the average wholesale price minus some percentage) or a list of the maximum allowable cost (MAC) maintained by the PBM. Pharmacies are required to accept the PBM’s reimbursement amount regardless of the cost the pharmacy paid to acquire the drug from a wholesaler. DIR fees, clawbacks, and PBM rebate or discount agreements with manufacturers have resulted in lower reimbursements to pharmacies, higher drug prices for patients, and increased profits for PBMs. 

HelixTalk - Rosalind Franklin University's College of Pharmacy Podcast

137 - It’s Time for PBM Reform: How PBMs Have Hurt Pharmacies and Increased Drug Costs

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 cancers. The preferred anticoagulant in those with GI cancers is either LMWH or apixaban. Among patients with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, warfarin (INR goal 2-3) is preferred over DOAC therapy. In the extended phase of treatment (secondary prevention after 3 months of treatment), lower anticoagulant doses should be used (such as apixaban 2.5 mg BID or rivaroxaban 10 mg daily). In patients with a DVT, IVC filters should only be used when anticoagulation therapy is contraindicated. IVC filters reduce the risk of PE but do not alter the risk of DVT extension or future DVTs. Compression stockings are not recommended for prevention of post-thrombotic syndrome nor for recurrent DVT prevention. 

136 - Major Recommendations from the 2021 CHEST Anticoagulation for VTE Disease Guideline Updates

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 associated with hepatotoxicity. Routine LFT monitoring is not recommended unless clinically indicated signs or symptoms of liver injury exist. The distinction of bactericidal versus bacteriostatic antibiotics is irrelevant. No evidence exists showing that having a bactericidal drug has superior efficacy to a bacteriostatic drug. A “sulfa” allergy nearly always means an allergy to Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim). There are many non-antibiotic sulfonamide-containing medications that do not need to be avoided in patients with a sulfa allergy; however, patients with an allergy to any medication have an increased risk of an allergic reaction to other medication classes. 

135 - Top Four Medications Myths: BUSTED!

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 hour, achieve a BP of 160/100 in hours 2-6, then over the next 24-48 hours lower to a more normal blood pressure goal. Labetalol is the preferred IV push antihypertensive UNLESS patients have acute heart failure, bradycardia, or possibly in patients with asthma/COPD. Nicardipine is one of the most commonly used IV infusions for hypertensive emergencies. Most other continuous infusions are reserved for special types of hypertensive emergencies (e.g. nitroglycerin for pulmonary edema or acute MI, esmolol for aortic dissection). 

134 - Hypertensive Emergencies Demystified: A Brief Clinical Review

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 interviewing. Key concepts of motivational interviewing include asking open-ending questions, asking the patient to share their concerns, reflective listening, acknowledging without judgement, and asking for permission to share information. The goal of a vaccine hesitancy conversation is not necessarily to have the patient receive the vaccine today; the goal is to move the patient one step closer to validated facts (combating misinformation) and consideration of receiving the vaccine. 

133 - Tell Me More: Exploring Covid 19 Vaccine Hesitancy and Solutions!

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).

132 - The Warp Speed of Covid-19 Vaccine Authorizations: Timeline and Discussion with Dr. Archana Chatterjee

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 to dosing, “start low and go slow”. The antihypertensive effect is dose-specific, but heart failure therapy requires a GDMT dosing approach to initiate and reach a certain target dose. Do not initiate as a new agent in acutely decompensated heart failure and definitely do not abruptly stop the therapy -- a taper over 1-2 weeks is required. Beta blockers are not first-line antihypertensives; however, they should be used in patients with compelling indications, such as systolic heart failure and post-MI. Other uses include angina, atrial fibrillation, migraine, tremors, and more. Beta blockers are associated with a number of adverse effects including bradycardia, bronchoconstriction, weight gain, dyslipidemia, hyperkalemia, and masking of hypoglycemia. More severe adverse effects include heart block, exacerbation of heart failure, and morbidity/mortality from acute withdrawal. 

131 - Come One, Come All: Know Everything about Beta-blockers!

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 position. Strong clinical knowledge is important in the pharmaceutical industry even though there are no traditional direct patient care interactions. Postgraduate pharmaceutical fellowship programs are looking for applicants with strong academics (high GPA), leadership experience in extracurricular, and research experiences. Pharmacy fellowship programs are specific to a sector of a pharmaceutical company (e.g. medical affairs, regulatory affairs, research and development, etc.).. Unlike with pharmacy residencies, fellowships may or may not have rotations; if rotations exist, they are usually many months in length. The team (the people you will be working with) are an essential component of a position. It is much better to work with a team that is supportive and committed to your professional development than to have a seemingly perfect job but be part of a team that is not supportive. The people are everything! 

130 - From Pharmacy Student to Clinical Scientist in Pharma: An Interview with Dr. Anastasiya Koshkina

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. When used for longer than intended duration, PPIs may cause long-term issues such as hypomagnesemia, low vitamin B12 levels, low iron levels, anemia, C. difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and hypergastrinemia causing rebound acid hypersecretion. Options for limiting PPI use are: abrupt discontinuation, dose reduction, on-demand dosing, slow deprescribing, or switching to alternate therapy. Abrupt discontinuation leads to rebound hypersecretion due to high gastrin levels. There is lack of substantial evidence for what deprescribing strategy is better, but decreasing from multiple times a day to single daily dose, reducing the single daily dose, and switching to every other day are all appropriate strategies. References Farrell B, Pottie K, Thompson W, et al. Deprescribing proton pump inhibitors. Evidence-based clinical practice guideline. Can Fam Physician. 2017 May; 63(5): 354–364. https://deprescribing.org/resources/deprescribing-guidelines-algorithms/ - Specific recommendations for deprescribing certain medications or medication classes 

129: Let’s Take It Down a Notch: Deprescribing PPIs

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 market: it’s a tie! Atenolol and hydrochlorothiazide. Most confusing dosage forms: valproic acid, valproate sodium, and divalproex -- it’s all the same thing! Most innovative prodrug: valacyclovir Hottest inactive ingredient: it’s a tie! Sulfobutylether-beta-cyclodextrin (SBECD), an excipient in remdesivir, and polyethylene glycol (PEG), an excipient in mRNA vaccines. 

128 - Introducing HelixTalk’s 2021 Drug Superlative Awards!

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 allow pharmacists to dispense naloxone to patients without individual prescriptions under prescriptive authority, standing/protocol orders, or collaborative agreements. Registration, training, education, and reporting requirements may vary per individual state. Despite such access laws, overall prescribing of naloxone per high-dose opioid prescriptions remain low. Not many studies are available, but some suggest these laws help reduce opioid overdose deaths and emergency department visits. Implementation and education about such laws need to be improved. References Prescription Drug Abuse Policy System. Naloxone Overdose Prevention Laws. http://pdaps.org/datasets/laws-regulating-administration-of-naloxone-1501695139 Naloxone finder. https://www.getnaloxonenow.org/#getnaloxone Illinois Department of Public Health. Naloxone. https://www.dph.illinois.gov/naloxone Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment/medications-counseling-related-conditions/naloxone A Way Out. https://www.opioidinitiative.org/awayout 

127 - Naloxone to the Rescue! Opioid Overdose Treatment and More

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.

126 - Alex, I’ll Take Enterococcal Resistance Patterns and Treatments for $1000

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.

125 - Let’s Get Personal: Talking Warfarin Pharmacogenomics

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.

124 - The ABCs of EUAs: Understanding FDA Emergency Use Authorizations

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.

123 - Dr. Rosalind Franklin: Beyond Photo 51

This podcast is produced by pharmacy faculty to supplement study material and provide relevant drug and professional topics. We're hoping that our real-life clinical pearls and discussions will help you stay up-to-date and improve your pharmacy knowledge.

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HelixTalk - Rosalind Franklin University's College of Pharma...

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