---
title: TRC Healthcare | Insights Newsletter February 2024
description: "TRC Healthcare Insights Newsletter | February 2024 
Read the latest practice-changing pharmacy updates and emerging trends."
---

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**FEBRUARY 2024**

## Practice-Changing Updates

 Optimize Anticoagulation for Patients With Atrial Fib ** **

Anticoagulation continues to be a mainstay of stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation, but there are many caveats to consider when choosing anticoagulants. Our Letter articles lead clinicians through a stepwise process that starts with identifying stroke risk factors in patients with atrial fibrillation to determine who needs to be anticoagulated. We compare direct oral anticoagulants to warfarin and highlight when to consider one over the other. We also share considerations such as drug interactions, adherence, and cost. Our resource, *A-Fib: Focus on Pharmacotherapy*, also addresses the latest data on rate control and rhythm control. It also compares various antiarrhythmics used for atrial fibrillation. 

**Read More**: [Pharmacist’s Letter](https://pharmacist.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Articles/PL/2024/Feb/Optimize-Anticoagulation-for-Patients-With-Atrial-Fib); [Hospital Pharmacist’s Letter](https://hospital-pharmacist.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Articles/PLH/2024/Feb/Optimize-Anticoagulation-for-Patients-With-Atrial-Fib); [Pharmacist’s Letter Canada](https://ca-pharmacist.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Articles/PLC/2024/Feb/Optimize-Anticoagulation-for-Patients-With-Atrial-Fib); [Prescriber Insights: APRN](https://aprnprescriber.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Articles/PRL/2024/Feb/Optimize-Anticoagulation-for-Patients-With-Atrial-Fib); [Prescriber Insights: MD](https://mdprescriber.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Articles/PRL/2024/Feb/Optimize-Anticoagulation-for-Patients-With-Atrial-Fib); [Prescriber Insights: PA](https://paprescriber.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Articles/PRL/2024/Feb/Optimize-Anticoagulation-for-Patients-With-Atrial-Fib)

 Community Topic: Help Navigate Common Hurdles With GLP-1 Agonists ** **

Buzz continues for GLP-1 agonists (tirzepatide, semaglutide, etc.) due to their roles in weight loss, but there can be hurdles to their use. Our Letter articles summarize hurdles for GLP-1 agonists, such as shortages and adverse effects. We guide clinicians on strategies for switching between GLP-1 agonists. In addition, we address common adverse effects and how to educate patients to minimize these effects, especially GI issues. Our resources, *Drugs for Type 2 Diabetes and Weight Loss Products*, take a deeper dive into these agents and their roles in diabetes and weight loss.  

**Read More**: [Pharmacist’s Letter](https://pharmacist.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Articles/PL/2024/Feb/Help-Navigate-Common-Hurdles-With-GLP-1-Agonists); [Pharmacist’s Letter Canada](https://ca-pharmacist.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Articles/PLC/2024/Feb/Navigate-Common-Hurdles-With-GLP-1-Agonists); [Pharmacy Technician’s Letter](https://pharmacytech.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Articles/PTL/2024/Feb/Help-Patients-Overcome-Hurdles-With-GLP-1-Agonists), [Pharmacy Technician’s Letter Canada](https://ca-pharmacytech.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Articles/PTLC/2024/Feb/Help-Patients-Overcome-Hurdles-With-GLP-1-Agonists), [Prescriber Insights: APRN](https://aprnprescriber.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Articles/PRL/2024/Feb/Help-Navigate-Common-Hurdles-With-GLP-1-Agonists); [Prescriber Insights: MD](https://mdprescriber.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Articles/PRL/2024/Feb/Help-Navigate-Common-Hurdles-With-GLP-1-Agonists); [Prescriber Insights: PA](https://paprescriber.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Articles/PRL/2024/Feb/Help-Navigate-Common-Hurdles-With-GLP-1-Agonists) 

 Hospital Pharmacy: Choose the Most Appropriate Syringe ** **

Using the correct syringe is key when prepping meds to optimize accuracy and safety. Our Letter articles identifies concerns when a syringe is too big or too small for drawing up a particular dose. For example, the dose should be at least 20%, but not more than 75% to 80% of the total syringe volume. We also provide guidance for fraction doses and use of specific syringe types. Our technician tutorial resource, *Injectable Meds: Beyond Sterile Prep*, answers more safety questions for technicians, such as dispensing and handling injectable medications.

**Read More**: [Hospital Pharmacist’s Letter](https://hospital-pharmacist.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Articles/PLH/2024/Feb/Choose-the-Most-Appropriate-Syringe); [Hospital Pharmacy Technician’s Letter](https://hospital-pharmacytech.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Articles/PTLH/2024/Feb/Choose-the-Most-Appropriate-Syringe)

### NatMed Update

[![natural medicine products on a table next to stethoscope ](https://info.trchealthcare.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Natural%20Medicines.jpg?width=926&height=416&name=Natural%20Medicines.jpg) ](https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/news/news-items/2024/february/natural-medicines-in-cancer-care-focus-on-interactions.aspx)

### Natural Medicines in Cancer Care: Focus on Interactions

A recent survey found that a majority of cancer patients use some form of integrative medicine, but over a quarter of these patients don’t tell their oncologist about it.

Our [NatMed](https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/news/news-items/2024/february/natural-medicines-in-cancer-care-focus-on-interactions.aspx) article covers how to proactively discuss dietary supplements and integrative therapies with patients. Avoiding dangerous interactions and ensuring safe use of these therapies is crucial for all patients, but especially in a cancer setting. 

[![natural medicine products on a table next to stethoscope ](https://info.trchealthcare.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Natural%20Medicines.jpg?width=926&height=416&name=Natural%20Medicines.jpg) ](https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/news/news-items/2024/february/natural-medicines-in-cancer-care-focus-on-interactions.aspx)

### Natural Medicines in Cancer Care: Focus on Interactions

A recent survey found that a majority of cancer patients use some form of integrative medicine, but over a quarter of these patients don’t tell their oncologist about it.

Our [NatMed](https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/news/news-items/2024/february/natural-medicines-in-cancer-care-focus-on-interactions.aspx) article covers how to proactively discuss dietary supplements and integrative therapies with patients. Avoiding dangerous interactions and ensuring safe use of these therapies is crucial for all patients, but especially in a cancer setting. 

## Legislative & Regulatory Update

### Keep Track of the Hundreds of New Pharmacy Laws That Are Passing This Year

Each year, state legislatures pass hundreds of laws impacting the practice of pharmacy. So far in this year’s legislative session, [Bula](https://trchealthcare.com/bula/) has added over 500 bills that impact pharmacies.

Trending topics include:

- Dispensing of abortifacients
- Scheduling of fentanyl
- Prescribing and administering of opioid antagonists
- Pharmacist expanded scope of practice
- Pharmacy technician administration of immunizations

Our dedicated team of policy analysts diligently track bills throughout the entire legislative process, helping your pharmacy anticipate and prepare for changes in law, evaluate and manage risks, and maintain compliance.

[Bula](https://trchealthcare.com/bula/) is the leading pharmacy law and compliance solution, let us help you navigate these types of changes and more.   

[![Request Information](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/229441/d46160c7-12b2-4665-8f22-7e61e0974684.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/229441/d46160c7-12b2-4665-8f22-7e61e0974684)

## Product Spotlight

### Are Your Pharmacists Remaining Competent in Key Clinical Areas?

Ensuring that your pharmacists are staying compliant is required by accrediting and regulatory agencies like The Joint Commission and CMS/Medicare. [RxAdvanced](https://info.trchealthcare.com/rxadvanced-b2b-raq?utm_content=hospital_health_systems) helps make training, and keeping up with the latest guidance, easier while earning CE credits through ACPE-accredited courses.  

RxAdvanced trains your pharmacists to take the lead in applying the latest research, guidelines, and standards to their practice through concise, affordable, high-quality CE programs. It offers powerful administrative functions to help ease the complexities of managing CE/CME with access to the Learning Management Portal (LMP). With the LMP, program administrators can easily assign a specific CE program to their pharmacists and get all the courses, quizzes, clinical resources, tracking, and reporting tools they need to ensure competency.

The RxAdvanced training suite consists of nine comprehensive training programs including:

1. [Anticoagulation Management](https://trchealthcare.com/product/rxadvanced-anticoagulation-management)
2. [Antimicrobial Stewardship](https://trchealthcare.com/product/rxadvanced-antimicrobial-stewardship)
3. [Diabetes Monitoring & Management](https://trchealthcare.com/product/rxadvanced-diabetes-monitoring-management)
4. [Opioid Stewardship](https://trchealthcare.com/product/rxadvanced-opioid-stewardship)
5. [Sterile Compounding](https://trchealthcare.com/product/rxadvanced-sterile-compounding)
6. [Hazardous Drugs](https://trchealthcare.com/product/rxadvanced-hazardous-drugs)
7. [Leadership & Communication](https://trchealthcare.com/product/rxadvanced-leadership-and-communication)
8. [Guide to Natural Medicines](https://trchealthcare.com/product/rxadvanced-guide-to-natural-medicines)
9. [Guide to Cannabis](https://trchealthcare.com/product/rxadvanced-guide-to-cannabis)

[![Request Information](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/229441/2a44eae6-179d-433e-a10b-d56a41c87062.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/229441/2a44eae6-179d-433e-a10b-d56a41c87062)

![PTU University | A TRC Healthcare Brand](https://info.trchealthcare.com/hubfs/_TRC%20Logos/Pharmacy%20Technicians%20University/TRC%20PTU%20Logo%20-%20LP.svg)

###### Free Webinar! Practical Strategies for Managing a Successful Pharmacy Technician Program

###### ![iStock-871227204-modified-77de8e1b-624d-4209-a37f-0bfb46556c97](https://info.trchealthcare.com/hs-fs/hubfs/iStock-871227204-modified-77de8e1b-624d-4209-a37f-0bfb46556c97.jpg?width=1254&height=418&name=iStock-871227204-modified-77de8e1b-624d-4209-a37f-0bfb46556c97.jpg)

Date: Friday, March 22, 2024  
Time: 3:30 – 4:30pm ET 

Join us for a free live webinar where you’ll learn practical strategies for managing a successful pharmacy technician training program from Matthew Kelm, Associate Chief Pharmacy Officer - Oncology Pharmacy Services at a prominent university and lead surveyor at ASHP/ACPE Pharmacy Technician Accreditation Commission. 

**CE credits are not offered for attending this webinar. *

[ Register Now ](https://info.trchealthcare.com/pharm-tech-training-webinar-march-2024)

### Did You Know That You Can Earn CE/CME With Your NatMed Subscription? 

![close-up-hands-of-unrecognizable-female-physician-in-medical-uniform-working-typing-on-laptop.jpg s=1024x1024&w=is&k=20&c=K0L6z9czBVqZMAkTDIhGEWU5Zv97iiae9ipEdKRNIE0=(3)](https://info.trchealthcare.com/hs-fs/hubfs/close-up-hands-of-unrecognizable-female-physician-in-medical-uniform-working-typing-on-laptop.jpg%20s=1024x1024%26w=is%26k=20%26c=K0L6z9czBVqZMAkTDIhGEWU5Zv97iiae9ipEdKRNIE0=(3).jpg?width=476&height=250&name=close-up-hands-of-unrecognizable-female-physician-in-medical-uniform-working-typing-on-laptop.jpg%20s=1024x1024%26w=is%26k=20%26c=K0L6z9czBVqZMAkTDIhGEWU5Zv97iiae9ipEdKRNIE0=(3).jpg)

As a NatMed subscriber, you and your staff can earn CE/CME credits from courses that are focused on topics related to natural medicines, including the safe and effective use of supplements and herbs, as well as alternative modalities such as acupuncture, light therapy, yoga, mindfulness, and more.

We provide credit for pharmacists, nurses, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, physicians, and dietitians as well as anyone else who can utilize AMA PRA Category 1 credit. 

Share this with your clinicians to ensure your organization is taking full advantage of this benefit!

**Check out the latest CE/CME courses:**

- [The Scoop on Collagen: 0.50 hours](https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/course/view.php?id=4046)
- [Cannabinoid Overview: 0.50 hours](https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/course/view.php?id=3981)
- [Understanding Glucosamine and Chondroitin: 0.50 hours](https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/course/view.php?id=3966)
- [Top-Selling Herbal Supplements: 1.00 hour](https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/course/view.php?id=4093)
- [Microbiome Medley: Pre-, Pro-, and Postbiotics: 1.50 hours](https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/course/view.php?id=4094)
- [Commonly Abused Supplements: 0.50 hours](https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/course/view.php?id=4169)
- [Getting to the Point: Acupuncture & Acupoint Therapies: 1.00 hour](https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/course/view.php?id=4202)
- [Complementary Therapies for Menopause: 1.00 hour](https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/course/view.php?id=4264)
- [Natural Psychedelics: A Trip Worth Taking?: 1.00 hour](https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/course/view.php?id=4296)

[![Explore NatMed CE/CME Center](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/229441/5326dd73-a202-498f-86b9-bf9f08b1c090.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/229441/5326dd73-a202-498f-86b9-bf9f08b1c090)

## Clinical Resources

### Medication Talk, Pharmacy Podcast

As a Pharmacist’s Letter subscriber, you and your staff can get CE credit for listening to our podcasts.  

Check out this month’s podcast, [*Rx and OTC Oral Contraceptives*](https://trchealthcare.buzzsprout.com/1968313/14244238-rx-and-otc-oral-contraceptives). Special guest, Sarah E. Stumbar, MD, MPH, Assistant Dean for Clinical Education, Department of Medical Education from the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University joins our expert panel to discuss safety and efficacy of combined oral contraceptives and progestin-only pills.  

[ 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)

### Popular Charts

[![female pharmacy employee looking at a tablet while holding meds](https://info.trchealthcare.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/Misc_Images/iStock-1135377743.jpeg?width=1254&height=771&name=iStock-1135377743.jpeg) ](https://pharmacist.therapeuticresearch.com/Home/PL)

- Hospital Pharmacist’s Letter: [Atrial Fibrillation: Focus on Pharmacotherapy](https://hospital-pharmacist.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Segments/PRL/2014/May/Atrial-Fibrillation-Focus-on-Pharmacotherapy-6950)
- Hospital Pharmacy Technician’s Letter: [Skin and Soft Tissue Infections](https://hospital-pharmacytech.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Segments/PRL/2014/Aug/Antibiotics-for-MRSA-Skin-Infections-7277)
- Pharmacist’s Letter: [Oral Antibiotics for Acute Osteomyelitis in Adults](https://pharmacist.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Segments/PRL/2014/Aug/Oral-Antibiotics-for-Acute-Osteomyelitis-in-Adults-7340)
- Pharmacist’s Letter Canada: [Comparison of Oral Contraceptives and Non-Oral Alternatives: Canada](https://ca-pharmacist.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Segments/PRL/2015/Oct/Comparison-of-Oral-Contraceptives-and-Non-Oral-Alternatives-9023)
- Pharmacy Technician’s Letter: [Comparison of Oral Contraceptives and Non-Oral Alternatives: U.S.](https://pharmacytech.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Segments/PRL/2015/Jul/Comparison-of-Oral-Contraceptives-and-Non-Oral-Alternatives-United-States-8631)
- Pharmacy Technician’s Letter Canada: [Emergency Epinephrine Injection Devices](https://ca-pharmacytech.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Segments/PRL/2016/Sep/Emergency-Epinephrine-Injection-Devices-10148)
- Prescriber Insights: APRN: [Potentially Harmful Drugs: Beers Criteria](https://aprnprescriber.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Segments/PRL/2015/Dec/Potentially-Harmful-Drugs-Beers-Criteria-9170)
- Prescriber Insights: MD: [Improving COPD Care](https://mdprescriber.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Segments/PRL/2015/May/Improving-COPD-Care-8431)
- Prescriber Insights: PA: [Drugs for Acute Migraine](https://paprescriber.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Segments/PRL/2016/Aug/Drugs-for-Acute-Migraine-10020)

[![female pharmacy employee looking at a tablet while holding meds](https://info.trchealthcare.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/Misc_Images/iStock-1135377743.jpeg?width=1254&height=771&name=iStock-1135377743.jpeg) ](https://pharmacist.therapeuticresearch.com/Home/PL)

- Hospital Pharmacist’s Letter: [Atrial Fibrillation: Focus on Pharmacotherapy](https://hospital-pharmacist.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Segments/PRL/2014/May/Atrial-Fibrillation-Focus-on-Pharmacotherapy-6950)
- Hospital Pharmacy Technician’s Letter: [Skin and Soft Tissue Infections](https://hospital-pharmacytech.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Segments/PRL/2014/Aug/Antibiotics-for-MRSA-Skin-Infections-7277)
- Pharmacist’s Letter: [Oral Antibiotics for Acute Osteomyelitis in Adults](https://pharmacist.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Segments/PRL/2014/Aug/Oral-Antibiotics-for-Acute-Osteomyelitis-in-Adults-7340)
- Pharmacist’s Letter Canada: [Comparison of Oral Contraceptives and Non-Oral Alternatives: Canada](https://ca-pharmacist.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Segments/PRL/2015/Oct/Comparison-of-Oral-Contraceptives-and-Non-Oral-Alternatives-9023)
- Pharmacy Technician’s Letter: [Comparison of Oral Contraceptives and Non-Oral Alternatives: U.S.](https://pharmacytech.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Segments/PRL/2015/Jul/Comparison-of-Oral-Contraceptives-and-Non-Oral-Alternatives-United-States-8631)
- Pharmacy Technician’s Letter Canada: [Emergency Epinephrine Injection Devices](https://ca-pharmacytech.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Segments/PRL/2016/Sep/Emergency-Epinephrine-Injection-Devices-10148)
- Prescriber Insights: APRN: [Potentially Harmful Drugs: Beers Criteria](https://aprnprescriber.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Segments/PRL/2015/Dec/Potentially-Harmful-Drugs-Beers-Criteria-9170)
- Prescriber Insights: MD: [Improving COPD Care](https://mdprescriber.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Segments/PRL/2015/May/Improving-COPD-Care-8431)
- Prescriber Insights: PA: [Drugs for Acute Migraine](https://paprescriber.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Segments/PRL/2016/Aug/Drugs-for-Acute-Migraine-10020)

### About TRC Healthcare

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