--- title: TRC Healthcare | Insights Newsletter January 2025 description: Listen to the latest pharmacy and prescriber podcast, get new pharmacy updates, watch webinar on our legal database, read the new 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-january-2025-emerging-trends-for-clinical-leadership/) **January 2025** ### Updates You Don't Want Your Team to Miss Give Advice About Biosimilars ** ** There are now over 60 biosimilars available, with many approved in 2024 in both the U.S. and Canada. But biosimilars aren’t generic drugs which leads to confusion. Our Letter articles discuss how biosimilars compare to original reference biologics with regard to safety, purity, potency, and indications. We also describe how to know if a biosimilar is interchangeable with the reference biologic and discuss nuances about automatic substitution. Readers can get our recently updated resource, *Facts About Biosimilars*, for answers to many more FAQs.    **Read More:** - [Hospital Pharmacist’s Letter ](https://hospital-pharmacist.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Articles/PLH/2025/Jan/Brush-Up-on-Biosimilars) - [Hospital Pharmacy Technician’s Letter ](https://hospital-pharmacytech.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Articles/PTLH/2025/Jan/Brush-Up-on-Biosimilars) - [Pharmacist’s Letter ](https://pharmacist.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Articles/PL/2025/Jan/Brush-Up-on-Biosimilars) - [Pharmacist’s Letter Canada ](https://ca-pharmacist.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Articles/PLC/2025/Jan/Brush-Up-on-Biosimilars) - [Pharmacy Technician’s Letter ](https://pharmacytech.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Articles/PTL/2025/Jan/Brush-Up-on-Biosimilars) - [Pharmacy Technician’s Letter Canada ](https://ca-pharmacytech.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Articles/PTLC/2025/Jan/Brush-Up-on-Biosimilars) - [Prescriber Insights](https://prescriber.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Articles/PRL/2025/Jan/Brush-Up-on-Biosimilars) Community Topic: Clarify the Latest Meningococcal Vaccine Recommendations ** ** Dosing schedules for meningococcal vaccination have recently changed. Plus, there are now five meningococcal vaccines available in the U.S. Our Letter articles sort out dosing for patients of all ages and give advice to avoid errors. We also provide guidance on which vaccines to use based on a patient’s age and risk factors. Our updated chart, *Comparison of Meningococcal Vaccines*, stacks up the options with regard to serotype coverage, dosing schedule, cost, and more. And our updated *Meningococcal Vaccination* algorithm helps readers make decisions for various clinical scenarios. **Read More**: - [Pharmacist’s Letter](https://pharmacist.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Articles/PL/2025/Jan/Clarify-the-Latest-Meningococcal-Vaccine-Recommendations) - [Pharmacy Technician’s Letter](https://pharmacytech.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Articles/PTL/2025/Jan/Check-You-re-Dispensing-the-Right-Meningococcal-Vaccine) - [Prescriber Insights ](https://prescriber.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Articles/PRL/2025/Jan/Clarify-the-Latest-Meningococcal-Vaccine-Recommendations) Hospital Pharmacy: Prevent TBI Complications ** ** New guidelines are available for patients who’ve suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Our Letter articles provide practical advice on how to implement the latest guidance. We offer guidance about which patients need seizure prophylaxis along with recommendations about med options and dosing. We also give advice about managing venous thromboembolism prevention in these complex patients.    **Read More**: - [Hospital Pharmacist’s Letter](https://hospital-pharmacist.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Articles/PLH/2025/Jan/Know-the-Latest-Guidance-for-Preventing-TBI-Complications)  - [Hospital Pharmacy Technician's Letter](https://hospital-pharmacytech.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Articles/PTLH/2025/Jan/Help-Prevent-TBI-Complications) ### NatMed Update [![kava drink and powder](https://info.trchealthcare.com/hs-fs/hubfs/iStock-1207068155.jpg?width=724&height=483&name=iStock-1207068155.jpg) ](https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/news/news-items/2025/january/calming-kava-anxiety-reliever-or-safety-concern.aspx) #### Calming Kava: Anxiety Reliever or Safety Concern? "Dry January" will lead to questions about alcohol alternatives, including kava. It’s a popular social drink, but there’s confusion about safety. Our [NatMed article](https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/news/news-items/2025/january/calming-kava-anxiety-reliever-or-safety-concern.aspx) explains that due to previous case reports of liver damage, kava was banned in some countries. It was never banned in the U.S., and the validity of many of those case reports is now in question. But if patients want to try kava, they should keep an eye out for signs of liver damage, including yellowed skin, fatigue, and dark urine. [![kava drink and powder](https://info.trchealthcare.com/hs-fs/hubfs/iStock-1207068155.jpg?width=724&height=483&name=iStock-1207068155.jpg) ](https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/news/news-items/2025/january/calming-kava-anxiety-reliever-or-safety-concern.aspx) #### Calming Kava: Anxiety Reliever or Safety Concern? "Dry January" will lead to questions about alcohol alternatives, including kava. It’s a popular social drink, but there’s confusion about safety. Our [NatMed article](https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/news/news-items/2025/january/calming-kava-anxiety-reliever-or-safety-concern.aspx) explains that due to previous case reports of liver damage, kava was banned in some countries. It was never banned in the U.S., and the validity of many of those case reports is now in question. But if patients want to try kava, they should keep an eye out for signs of liver damage, including yellowed skin, fatigue, and dark urine. ### Pharmacy and Prescriber Podcast #### Medication Talk Listen to this month’s podcast episode, *[Natural Medicines Highlights](https://trchealthcare.buzzsprout.com/1968313/episodes/16264371-natural-medicines-highlights)*, as two of our TRC Healthcare editors, Sara Klockars, PharmD, BCPS, and Stephen Small, PharmD, BCPS define what natural medicines are. They will discuss the safety and efficacy of several natural medicines, including ashwagandha, berberine, and turmeric. They'll also explain how to navigate discussions with patients about supplements, including tips for choosing a quality supplement. Pharmacist’s Letter, Pharmacy Technician's Letter, and Prescriber Insights subscribers can get CE credit for listening to our podcasts.  [ Listen to Medication Talk ](https://trchealthcare.com/medication-talk-full-episode-history/) ![medication talk podcast on phone with headphones ](https://info.trchealthcare.com/hs-fs/hubfs/medication%20talk%20on%20phone%20with%20headphones%20.png?width=1081&height=712&name=medication%20talk%20on%20phone%20with%20headphones%20.png) ### Upcoming Live CE Webinars for Your Clinicians #### Cardiovascular Impact of Diabetes Meds: Beyond Blood Sugar Benefits **Dates: February 15 & 25, 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/229441/6018da20-75d7-48da-88cf-93f13bc0f306.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/229441/6018da20-75d7-48da-88cf-93f13bc0f306) #### Pharmacy Essential Updates  **February 2025 Live Webinars** Check out our [Pharmacy Essential live CE webinars](https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/local/webinar/reports/upcoming_webinars.php) for February. Topics include: - Pharmacist Test & Treat - New H. Pylori treatment guidelines - Bowel Preps - Healthcare Fraud & Scams  *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) ### Clinical Resources - **Hospital Pharmacist’s Letter:** [Comparison of Bowel Preps](https://hospital-pharmacist.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Segments/PRL/2014/Mar/Comparison-of-Bowel-Preps-6706) - **Hospital Pharmacy Technician’s Letter:** [Common Oral Medications that May Need Tapering](https://hospital-pharmacytech.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Segments/PRL/2016/Mar/Common-Oral-Medications-that-May-Need-Tapering-9487) - **Pharmacist’s Letter: **[Comparison of Meningococcal Vaccines](https://pharmacist.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Segments/PRL/2020/Dec/Comparison-of-Meningococcal-Vaccines-S2012002) - **Pharmacist’s Letter Canada:** [Facts About Biosimilars](https://ca-pharmacist.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Segments/PRL/2015/Oct/Facts-About-Biosimilars-8977) - **Pharmacy Technician’s Letter:** [Drugs for Parkinson’s Disease](https://pharmacytech.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Segments/PRL/2015/Jul/Drugs-for-Parkinson-s-Disease-8624) - **Pharmacy Technician’s Letter Canada:** [Pneumococcal Vaccination in Adults](https://ca-pharmacytech.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Segments/PRL/2014/Nov/Pneumococcal-Vaccination-in-Adults-7743) - **Prescriber Insights: **[Tetanus Prevention and Vaccination](https://prescriber.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Segments/PRL/2020/Aug/Tetanus-Prevention-and-Vaccination-S2008003)  ![clinical resources screenshots](https://info.trchealthcare.com/hs-fs/hubfs/clinical%20resources%20screenshots.png?width=1117&height=766&name=clinical%20resources%20screenshots.png) ![clinical resources screenshots](https://info.trchealthcare.com/hs-fs/hubfs/clinical%20resources%20screenshots.png?width=1117&height=766&name=clinical%20resources%20screenshots.png) ### Clinical Resources - **Hospital Pharmacist’s Letter:** [Comparison of Bowel Preps](https://hospital-pharmacist.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Segments/PRL/2014/Mar/Comparison-of-Bowel-Preps-6706) - **Hospital Pharmacy Technician’s Letter:** [Common Oral Medications that May Need Tapering](https://hospital-pharmacytech.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Segments/PRL/2016/Mar/Common-Oral-Medications-that-May-Need-Tapering-9487) - **Pharmacist’s Letter: **[Comparison of Meningococcal Vaccines](https://pharmacist.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Segments/PRL/2020/Dec/Comparison-of-Meningococcal-Vaccines-S2012002) - **Pharmacist’s Letter Canada:** [Facts About Biosimilars](https://ca-pharmacist.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Segments/PRL/2015/Oct/Facts-About-Biosimilars-8977) - **Pharmacy Technician’s Letter:** [Drugs for Parkinson’s Disease](https://pharmacytech.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Segments/PRL/2015/Jul/Drugs-for-Parkinson-s-Disease-8624) - **Pharmacy Technician’s Letter Canada:** [Pneumococcal Vaccination in Adults](https://ca-pharmacytech.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Segments/PRL/2014/Nov/Pneumococcal-Vaccination-in-Adults-7743) - **Prescriber Insights: **[Tetanus Prevention and Vaccination](https://prescriber.therapeuticresearch.com/Content/Segments/PRL/2020/Aug/Tetanus-Prevention-and-Vaccination-S2008003)  [![smoke study first air testing](https://info.trchealthcare.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Smoke%20Study%20First%20Air%20Testing%20.jpg?width=2000&name=Smoke%20Study%20First%20Air%20Testing%20.jpg) ](https://trchealthcare.com/the-compounding-chronicles-are-smoke-studies-still-a-thing/) ### New Blog! The Compounding Chronicles #### Are Smoke Studies Still a Thing? *By Adam West, Course and Curriculum Manager at [CriticalPoint](https://trchealthcare.com/criticalpoint/)* In this month's blog, [*Are Smoke Studies Still a Thing?*](https://trchealthcare.com/the-compounding-chronicles-are-smoke-studies-still-a-thing/), Adam West highlights a worrying trend regarding the diminishing significance of smoke studies in ISO Class 5 devices. Discover the guidance provided by CETA in comparison to USP requirements concerning smoke studies and how integrating both can help achieve operational compliance.  [Read Blog](https://trchealthcare.com/the-compounding-chronicles-are-smoke-studies-still-a-thing/) [![smoke study first air testing](https://info.trchealthcare.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Smoke%20Study%20First%20Air%20Testing%20.jpg?width=2000&name=Smoke%20Study%20First%20Air%20Testing%20.jpg) ](https://trchealthcare.com/the-compounding-chronicles-are-smoke-studies-still-a-thing/) ### New Blog! The Compounding Chronicles #### Are Smoke Studies Still a Thing? *By Adam West, Course and Curriculum Manager at [CriticalPoint](https://trchealthcare.com/criticalpoint/)* In this month's blog, [*Are Smoke Studies Still a Thing?*](https://trchealthcare.com/the-compounding-chronicles-are-smoke-studies-still-a-thing/), Adam West highlights a worrying trend regarding the diminishing significance of smoke studies in ISO Class 5 devices. Discover the guidance provided by CETA in comparison to USP requirements concerning smoke studies and how integrating both can help achieve operational compliance.  [Read Blog](https://trchealthcare.com/the-compounding-chronicles-are-smoke-studies-still-a-thing/) ### NatMed Pro’s New Platform Update In last month's newsletter, we announced that the NatMed Pro platform will be changing in the coming months. As we mentioned, this exciting upgrade will provide our NatMed clients with a fresh new look and feel as well as major performance and functionality enhancements.   To help address common questions and concerns, we put together a helpful FAQ. [Check It Out](https://info.trchealthcare.com/hubfs/%5BEXTERNAL%5D%202025%20NatMed%20Replatforming%20FAQs_final.pdf) We’ll continue to share additional details about the NatMed platform upgrade in the coming weeks. In the meantime, please pass along this information to your team.  [ NatMed New Platform FAQ ](https://info.trchealthcare.com/hubfs/%5BEXTERNAL%5D%202025%20NatMed%20Replatforming%20FAQs_final.pdf) ![NatMed New Platform Screenshot on Computer and Phone](https://info.trchealthcare.com/hs-fs/hubfs/NatMed%20New%20Platform%20Screenshot%20on%20Computer%20and%20Phone-2-1-1.png?width=1089&height=611&name=NatMed%20New%20Platform%20Screenshot%20on%20Computer%20and%20Phone-2-1-1.png) ### Product Spotlight #### Overcome Staffing Challenges with PTU Elite, Advanced Technician Training  Still dealing with staffing challenges? Level up your training offerings with [PTU Elite](https://trchealthcare.com/product/ptu-elite/). It's the perfect solution for organizations looking to offer more advanced training opportunities for pharmacy technicians. **PTU Elite's Seven Specialized Training Programs** 1. Immunizations 2. Point-of-Care Testing 3. CSPT Training 4. Hazardous Drugs 5. Controlled Substances & Diversion Training 6. Soft Skills 7. Math Mastery **What Makes PTU Elite the Right Fit for Your Team ** - **Flexible & Affordable**. It's available as an entire training suite or as standalone programs, ensuring you're focusing on areas that are most relevant to your pharmacy. - **Boost Retention**. Attract and retain your technicians by providing lifelong training solutions that empower them to advance in their careers. - **Maintain Compliance**. Easily ensure technicians are meeting state requirements while staying current with the latest pharmacy technician trainings. - **Improve Operations & Teamwork**. PTU Elite improves leadership and communication skills, develops expertise, and builds confidence. - **Streamlined Training Platform**. Programs are easy to implement and provide program admins with easy-to-use tools that make program and user management hassle-free. [![Request Information](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/229441/469adbbc-a427-45de-b890-533a11b2b61c.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/229441/469adbbc-a427-45de-b890-533a11b2b61c) ![CriticalPoint | A TRC Healthcare Brand](https://info.trchealthcare.com/hubfs/_TRC%20Logos/CriticalPoint/TRC%20CriticalPoint%20Logo%20-%20LP.svg) ##### New Sterile Compounding SOP Now Available Our recently updated standard operating procedure (SOP) template, [*Actions in the Event of Unexpected or Planned Power Loss in a Sterile Compounding Facility*](https://info.trchealthcare.com/hubfs/SOP-308.3%20Actions%20in%20the%20Event%20of%20Unexpected%20Power%20Loss.pdf), provides guidance on what to do in the event of a power loss and subsequent shutdown.   If you like this SOP and want more, we offer 120+ SOP templates for sterile and 70+ for nonsterile compounding settings that contain policies, procedures, and accompanying documentation forms.   **Did you know our SOPs are:** - Customizable for your facility - Compliant with USP standards, as well as other accrediting bodies, like ACHC and URAC - Reviewed annually to ensure the most up-to-date information [Contact us](https://info.trchealthcare.com/critical-point-sop) to access all of our customizable SOP templates. [ Request Information ](https://info.trchealthcare.com/critical-point-sop) ### Free On-Demand Webinar #### How Bula Helps Ensure Pharmacy Compliance > *“Great presentation on BULA. This is an incredible website for pharmacies of any size/capacity to help keep them up to date on the latest legislative and regulatory changes in pharmaceuticals.”* - Viewer  Learn how you can leverage Bula to help ensure your pharmacy remains compliant and current with the latest legislative and regulatory changes in our latest [on-demand webinar](https://share.hsforms.com/1UnQ9Bd_7Q3qNgyYmR6MsuA4x1d).   In this webinar you will: - Get an exclusive look into how pharmacies use the legal database to search for state and Federal laws. - Discover the hundreds of FAQs that provide answers to popular questions. - Explore our collaborative practice agreement and policy and procedure templates that help support your compliance efforts.  [Watch Now](https://share.hsforms.com/1UnQ9Bd_7Q3qNgyYmR6MsuA4x1d) [![bula webinar on laptop](https://info.trchealthcare.com/hs-fs/hubfs/bula%20webinar%20on%20laptop.png?width=964&height=622&name=bula%20webinar%20on%20laptop.png) ](https://share.hsforms.com/1UnQ9Bd_7Q3qNgyYmR6MsuA4x1d) [![bula webinar on laptop](https://info.trchealthcare.com/hs-fs/hubfs/bula%20webinar%20on%20laptop.png?width=964&height=622&name=bula%20webinar%20on%20laptop.png) ](https://share.hsforms.com/1UnQ9Bd_7Q3qNgyYmR6MsuA4x1d) ### Free On-Demand Webinar #### How Bula Helps Ensure Pharmacy Compliance > *“Great presentation on BULA. This is an incredible website for pharmacies of any size/capacity to help keep them up to date on the latest legislative and regulatory changes in pharmaceuticals.”* - Viewer  Learn how you can leverage Bula to help ensure your pharmacy remains compliant and current with the latest legislative and regulatory changes in our latest [on-demand webinar](https://share.hsforms.com/1UnQ9Bd_7Q3qNgyYmR6MsuA4x1d).   In this webinar you will: - Get an exclusive look into how pharmacies use the legal database to search for state and Federal laws. - Discover the hundreds of FAQs that provide answers to popular questions. - Explore our collaborative practice agreement and policy and procedure templates that help support your compliance efforts.  [Watch Now](https://share.hsforms.com/1UnQ9Bd_7Q3qNgyYmR6MsuA4x1d) ### 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. 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