--- title: TRC Healthcare | Insights Newsletter December 2024 description: Listen to the latest pharmacy and prescriber podcast, read new pharmacy updates and trends in clinical practice, this month's compounding blog, and more! --- [![TRC Healthcare](https://info.trchealthcare.com/hubfs/_TRC%20Logos%202022/TRC%20Healthcare/TRC%20Logo%20-%20LP.svg) ](https://trchealthcare.com/category/resources/) [![Insights: Emerging Trends for Clinical Leadership](https://info.trchealthcare.com/hs-fs/hubfs/trc_Insights_1300x300_text.png?width=1300&height=300&name=trc_Insights_1300x300_text.png) ](https://trchealthcare.com/insights-newsletter-december-2024-emerging-trends-for-clinical-leadership) **December 2024** ### Updates You Don't Want Your Team to Miss Prepare to Give More Adults a Pneumococcal Vaccine ** ** The CDC now recommends pneumococcal vaccination in adults starting at age 50 instead of age 65. Plus, there are four pneumococcal vaccine products available in the U.S., making it tricky to know which one patients need. Our Letter articles discuss the new CDC recommendations for pneumococcal vaccination and also clarifies which younger patients should also get vaccinated.  We also discuss the differences in the vaccine options and provide guidance on which pneumococcal vaccine patients need in an easy-to-interpret table. Review how products stack up in our updated chart, *Comparison of Pneumococcal Vaccines*, and get step-by-step guidance on who to vaccinate and what to use in our new, colorful algorithm, *Pneumococcal Vaccination in Adults*.    **Read More:** - [Hospital Pharmacist’s Letter ](https://hospital-pharmacist.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Articles/PLH/2024/Dec/Recommend-a-Pneumococcal-Vaccine-for-More-Adults) - [Hospital Pharmacy Technician’s Letter](https://hospital-pharmacytech.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Articles/PTLH/2024/Dec/Expect-More-Adults-to-Get-a-Pneumococcal-Vaccine) - [Pharmacist’s Letter](https://pharmacist.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Articles/PL/2024/Dec/Prepare-to-Give-More-Adults-a-Pneumococcal-Vaccine) - [Pharmacy Technician’s Letter](https://pharmacytech.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Articles/PTL/2024/Dec/Expect-to-See-More-Adults-Get-a-Pneumococcal-Vaccine) - [Prescriber Insights ](https://prescriber.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Articles/PRL/2024/Dec/Give-More-Adults-a-Pneumococcal-Vaccine) Community Topic: Tackle Ongoing GLP-1 Agonist Questions ** ** Questions continue to pour in about these meds, since they’re still tough to get despite resolved shortages. Our Letter articles provide guidance on what to do if a patient’s usual GLP-1 agonist or dose isn’t available. We give advice on switching to a different med in this class if needed and provide a chart with approximate comparative doses. We also address other big questions such as whether to “stack” doses and what to recommend if patients ask about using compounded GLP-1s.  Readers can get our updated chart, *Comparison of GLP-1 Agonists*, for a deeper dive. **Read More**: - [Pharmacist’s Letter](https://pharmacist.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Articles/PL/2024/Dec/Tackle-Ongoing-GLP-1-Agonist-Questions) - [Pharmacy Technician’s Letter](https://pharmacytech.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Articles/PTL/2024/Dec/Navigate-Ongoing-Issues-With-GLP-1-Agonists) - [Prescriber Insights ](https://prescriber.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Articles/PRL/2024/Dec/Tackle-Ongoing-GLP-1-Agonist-Questions) Hospital Pharmacy: Safely Manage Insulin Infusions for Hyperglycemia in the ICU ** ** There will be emphasis on managing hyperglycemia in the ICU due to updated guidelines. Our Letter articles provide practical advice on how to implement the latest critical care guidance and when to consider treating hyperglycemia. We also covers what glucose levels to target, and how to monitor patients to help limit hypoglycemia. Our recently updated resource, *Hyperglycemia in the Hospital*, offers advice to guide insulin therapy in non-ICU settings.   **Read More**: - [Hospital Pharmacist’s Letter](https://hospital-pharmacist.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Articles/PLH/2024/Dec/Safely-Manage-Insulin-Infusions-for-Hyperglycemia-in-the-ICU)  - [Hospital Pharmacy Technician's Letter](https://hospital-pharmacytech.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Articles/PTLH/2024/Dec/Focus-on-Insulin-Infusion-Safety-in-the-ICU) ### NatMed Update [![energy powder in glass of water](https://info.trchealthcare.com/hs-fs/hubfs/iStock-1252813726.jpg?width=816&height=428&name=iStock-1252813726.jpg) ](https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/news/news-items/2024/november/beet-products-dominate-sales-growth.aspx) #### Caffeine Culture: Gaming Caffeine products are increasingly promoted to the eSports/Gaming community, which raises concerns about use among kids and adolescents. Our [NatMed article](https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/news/news-items/2024/december/caffeine-culture-gaming.aspx) discusses caffeine content in products promoted for gamers. They’re often powdered products mixed with water and typically contain about 100-200mg of caffeine per serving (one scoop), along with several other nootropics. We advise parents to keep these products away from kids and teens and to use caution in adults. Even if they think the amount of caffeine listed on the label is safe, it’s easy to overdo it with a heaping scoop. [![energy powder in glass of water](https://info.trchealthcare.com/hs-fs/hubfs/iStock-1252813726.jpg?width=816&height=428&name=iStock-1252813726.jpg) ](https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/news/news-items/2024/november/beet-products-dominate-sales-growth.aspx) #### Caffeine Culture: Gaming Caffeine products are increasingly promoted to the eSports/Gaming community, which raises concerns about use among kids and adolescents. Our [NatMed article](https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/news/news-items/2024/december/caffeine-culture-gaming.aspx) discusses caffeine content in products promoted for gamers. They’re often powdered products mixed with water and typically contain about 100-200mg of caffeine per serving (one scoop), along with several other nootropics. We advise parents to keep these products away from kids and teens and to use caution in adults. Even if they think the amount of caffeine listed on the label is safe, it’s easy to overdo it with a heaping scoop. ### Pharmacy and Prescriber Podcast #### Medication Talk Listen to this month’s podcast, *[Immunization Updates 2024](https://trchealthcare.buzzsprout.com/1968313/episodes/16034064-immunization-updates-2024)*, where our expert panel discuss the latest COVID-19, influenza, and RSV vaccine recommendations and answer some common questions about giving vaccines. Pharmacist’s Letter and Prescriber Insights subscribers can get CE credit for listening to our podcasts.  [ Listen to Medication Talk ](https://trchealthcare.buzzsprout.com/1968313) ![keyboard, coffee, and phone with podcast displayed on screen](https://info.trchealthcare.com/hs-fs/hubfs/podcast-audio-content-concept-podcast-application-on-mobile-screen-picture-id1224319212%20(1)-2.jpeg?width=940&height=511&name=podcast-audio-content-concept-podcast-application-on-mobile-screen-picture-id1224319212%20(1)-2.jpeg) ### Upcoming Live CE Webinars for Your Clinicians #### **Demystifying Antibiotics for Respiratory Infections ** **Dates: January 23 and 29, 2025 ** In next month’s live webinar, [*Demystifying Antibiotics for Respiratory Infections*](https://criticalpoint.therapeuticresearch.com/ceaccess?loginReturn=https%3A%2F%2Flearning.therapeuticresearch.com%2Fcourse%2Fview.php%3Fid%3D6155&productCode=25-581&status=course), you’ll hear our panelists review treatment recommendations for common respiratory infections. We’ll discuss antibiotic choices, dosing, and other management tips for infections such as community acquired pneumonia, sinusitis, and otitis media. Our panelists will also review stewardship strategies and how to address antibiotic shortages to conserve supply. Available for APRNs, pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, PAs, physicians, and RNs. Accreditation and CE/CME: •    ACCME: 1.00 hour •    ACPE: 1.00 hour – pharmacists and technicians •    ANCC: 1.00 hour [![Register Now](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/229441/e6cb91c6-2585-4362-beb4-ef55a7c7a667.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/229441/e6cb91c6-2585-4362-beb4-ef55a7c7a667) #### Pharmacy Essential Updates  **January 2025 Live Webinars** Check out our Pharmacy Essential live CE webinars for January. Topics include: - Carbidopa/Levodopa options - Brush Up on Biosimilars - New Drug: Xanomeline/Trospium (Cobenfy) for schizophrenia - NatMed Spotlight: Bovine Colostrum Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians can earn 1 Hour of CE for each attended webinar.** ** [![View Live CE Webinars](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/229441/5f6625a8-59d0-4996-9efb-3f9d9a903e79.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/229441/5f6625a8-59d0-4996-9efb-3f9d9a903e79) #### Popular Charts - **Hospital Pharmacist’s Letter:** [Hyperglycemia in the Hospital](https://hospital-pharmacist.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Segments/PRL/2017/Mar/Hyperglycemia-in-the-Hospital-10836) - **Hospital Pharmacy Technician’s Letter:** [Tips to Improve Insulin Safety](https://hospital-pharmacytech.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Segments/PRL/2016/Apr/Tips-to-Improve-Insulin-Safety-9568) - **Pharmacist’s Letter: **[Pneumococcal Vaccination in Adults](https://pharmacist.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Segments/PRL/2014/Nov/Pneumococcal-Vaccination-in-Adults-7743) - **Pharmacist’s Letter Canada:** [Med Considerations for Cats and Dogs](https://ca-pharmacist.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Segments/PRL/2021/Nov/Med-Considerations-for-Cats-and-Dogs-S2111003) - **Pharmacy Technician’s Letter:** [Comparison of GLP-1 Agonists](https://pharmacytech.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Segments/PRL/2017/Jan/Comparison-of-GLP-1-Agonists-10594) - **Pharmacy Technician’s Letter Canada:** [Pharmacotherapy of Dementia Behaviors](https://ca-pharmacytech.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Segments/PRL/2011/Oct/Pharmacotherapy-of-Dementia-Behaviors-3651) - **Prescriber Insights: **[Redosing Oral Medications After Vomiting](https://prescriber.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Segments/PRL/2020/Feb/Redosing-Oral-Medications-After-Vomiting-S2002002)  [![trend chart next to computer keyboard](https://info.trchealthcare.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Trending-Blog--e1734461734463-1.png?width=324&height=228&name=Trending-Blog--e1734461734463-1.png) ](https://trchealthcare.com/the-compounding-chronicles-data-trending-sampling-results-is-peace-of-mind/) ### New Blog! Compounding Chronicles #### Data Trending Sampling Results is Peace of Mind By Adam West, Course and Curriculum Manager at [CriticalPoint](https://trchealthcare.com/criticalpoint/) Discover how environmental monitoring trends reveal insights into your facility's state of microbial control, compliance with USP <797>, and opportunities for sustained compounding quality.  [Read Blog](https://trchealthcare.com/the-compounding-chronicles-data-trending-sampling-results-is-peace-of-mind/) [![trend chart next to computer keyboard](https://info.trchealthcare.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Trending-Blog--e1734461734463-1.png?width=324&height=228&name=Trending-Blog--e1734461734463-1.png) ](https://trchealthcare.com/the-compounding-chronicles-data-trending-sampling-results-is-peace-of-mind/) ### New Blog! Compounding Chronicles #### Data Trending Sampling Results is Peace of Mind By Adam West, Course and Curriculum Manager at [CriticalPoint](https://trchealthcare.com/criticalpoint/) Discover how environmental monitoring trends reveal insights into your facility's state of microbial control, compliance with USP <797>, and opportunities for sustained compounding quality.  [Read Blog](https://trchealthcare.com/the-compounding-chronicles-data-trending-sampling-results-is-peace-of-mind/) ### Product Spotlight #### New CriticalPoint Website!   We're excited to announce that we just launched our new CriticalPoint website! Upon logging in, users will notice a clean fresh look and design. We've unlocked several helpful resources like our monthly [Pearls of Knowledge](https://criticalpoint.therapeuticresearch.com/Site/CriticalPoint/Pearls-of-Knowledge), [compounding blogs](https://criticalpoint.therapeuticresearch.com/Site/CriticalPoint/Compounding-Chronicles), [job aids](https://criticalpoint.therapeuticresearch.com/Site/CriticalPoint/CP-Job-Aids), and more. [![Homepage of new CriticalPoint Website](https://info.trchealthcare.com/hs-fs/hubfs/New%20CriticalPoint%20website-1.png?width=939&height=903&name=New%20CriticalPoint%20website-1.png)](https://criticalpoint.therapeuticresearch.com/Home/Home/CP) [![Explore New Website](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/229441/f5abccce-8e67-4b2b-b39d-18ee67a7e3f6.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/229441/f5abccce-8e67-4b2b-b39d-18ee67a7e3f6) ![Bula | A TRC Healthcare Brand](https://info.trchealthcare.com/hs-fs/hubfs/_TRC%20Logos/Bula/TRC%20Bula%20Logo%20-%20EM.png?width=300&height=91&name=TRC%20Bula%20Logo%20-%20EM.png) ##### Keep Your Pharmacy Compliant with Bula's Latest Updates Access Bula’s comprehensive library of pharmacy-specific FAQs that are tailored to every jurisdiction. **What Your Pharmacy Team will Love about Bula’s FAQs** - **Quick Navigation. **Search by keywords or explore by topic. - **Reliable Insights. **Access direct links to legislation and detailed answers. - **Customizable. **Export FAQs to Excel for easy sharing and analysis. We just added two very timely FAQs on technician immunization, and test and treat: 1. **What vaccines can a pharmacy technician administer?** This stand-alone FAQ offers clear state-specific guidance on the expanding role of technicians. 2. **What are the requirements for a pharmacist to diagnose and treat?** This FAQ consolidates scattered information into one resource, outlining testing, treatment, and authorizations. [ Request Information ](https://info.trchealthcare.com/bula-quote-request) #### Coming Soon! NatMed Platform Upgrade We’re excited to announce that we will be launching our new and improved NatMed platform in early 2025. This upgrade will provide our NatMed clients with a clean new design and major performance enhancements. The new platform will include: - Completely new look and design - New and improved features and functions - Mobile-friendly and accessible - Increased commercial product database, now up to 300K - Ability to search references - Better product visuals - Improved search capabilities - More organized content - Enhanced performance overall Be sure to share this with the users at your organization, and keep an eye out for new announcements in the coming weeks! [ Sign Up for Updates ](https://info.trchealthcare.com/launch-alerts) ![screenshots of new natmed platform design](https://info.trchealthcare.com/hs-fs/hubfs/natmed%20new%20platform%20stacked%20screenshots.png?width=1200&height=732&name=natmed%20new%20platform%20stacked%20screenshots.png) ### About TRC Healthcare ###### TRC Healthcare provides unbiased education, training, and support to every healthcare professional to reduce knowledge gaps, encourage evidence-based practice, lower costs, and deliver better patient outcomes. ![](https://info.trchealthcare.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/TRC/Images/logoIcon.svg) - [ Contact Us ](https://trchealthcare.com/contact-us/) - [ Privacy Policy ](https://info.trchealthcare.com/data-usage-policy) [![TRC Healthcare](https://info.trchealthcare.com/hubfs/_TRC%20Logos/TRC%20Healthcare/TRC%20Logo%20-%20LP.svg) ](https://www.trchealthcare.com) © 2026 TRC Healthcare. All Rights Reserved.