Allergy

Autoimmune Diseases

Biosimilars

COVID-19

Cannabidiol (CBD)

Cardiology

Compounding

Continuous Glucose Monitoring

Dermatology

Diabetes

Digestive Health

Endocrinology

Eye Health

Generics

Headache and Migraine

Immunization

Infectious Disease

Influenza

Insulin Management

Medical Devices

Mental and Behavioral Health

Neurology

Obesity Management

Oncology

Nonopioid Pain Management

Pain Management

Pediatrics

Pneumococcal

Public Health

Rare Diseases

Respiratory

Rheumatology

Shingles

Specialty Pharmacy

Substance Use Disorder

Technology and Data

Veterinary Pharmacy 

Women's Health

News

FDA Updates

Law and Advocacy

Technology Trends

Viewpoints

All News

Media

In-Depth Insights

Pharmacist View

Pharmacy Perspectives

Script-Ed

Expert Interviews

Podcasts

Conferences

Conference Coverage

Conference Listing

Resources

Disease Awareness 

White Board Video

American Pharmacists Month

CME/CE

Partners

Publications

Drug Topics Journal

Total Pharmacy Journal

Submission of Articles

Events

Virtual Events

Total Pharmacy Solutions Summit

Business

Business Strategies

Patient Services

Pharmacy Inventory

Law and Regulations

All Business News

Practice Type

Independent Pharmacy

Chain Pharmacy

Health System Pharmacy

Pharmacy Technicians

Subscribe

Articles

The Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program is anticipated to cause multiple issues for pharmacy owners and their cashflow sustainability.

Pharmacy Owners Say They Are Unable to Participate in MDPNP

Olezarsen significantly reduces triglycerides and acute pancreatitis events, offering new hope for patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia.

Olezarsen Demonstrates Favorable Reductions in Triglycerides for Hypertriglyceridemia

Medtronic’s diabetes management technology reached 2 milestones upon FDA approval, allowing integration of continuous glucose monitoring for patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

FDA Approves Medtronic’s MiniMed System for Type 2 Diabetes

After experiencing tragedy in his personal life, Bil Schmidtknecht was led to join the community of independent pharmacists and industry advocates calling for PBM reform across both aisles.

How Real Patient Experiences Have Helped Bolster Advocacy for PBM Reform

Drug Topics connects pharmacists across retail, health system, and specialty practice with clinical updates, pharmacy trends, and regulatory news.

About

Advertise

Editorial

Editorial Board

Contact Us

Terms and Conditions

Privacy

Do Not Sell My Personal Information

Drug Topics – Pharmacy News and Multisetting Practice Insights

Facebook

LinkedIn

Spotlight

APhA Annual Meeting

AAP Annual Meeting

NCPDP Annual Conference

McKesson ideaShare

1rem

Authors

CVS and Walgreens will limit their offerings for the COVID-19 vaccine, even for those who meet the new criteria from the FDA, according to 

 The new criteria limit who can receive a COVID-19 vaccine, with 4 different vaccines having different indications on who can receive the immunization.

CVS will now offer COVID-19 vaccines in 13 of 16 states and the District of Columbia to those who have a prescription from their physician or other medical provider. The states include Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, North Carolina, New York, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia, and West Virginia. CVS will not offer COVID-19 vaccines in Massachusetts, Nevada, and New Mexico. According to 

, CVS will offer updated COVID-19 vaccines in the remaining states pending Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice (ACIP) guidelines. For Walgreens, patients need prescriptions for 16 states but not all of them overlap with CVS, and it is unclear which states include these 16, according to 

The FDA recently approved 4 updated COVID-19 vaccines: Pfizer and BioNTech’s Comirnaty, Novavax’s Nuvaxovid, and Moderna’s Spikevax and mNexspike. All have been approved for adults 65 years and older to prevent COVID-19. Other indications include

Nuvaxovid: for patients aged 12 years through 64 with at high risk of severe disease with least 1 underlying condition

Spikevax: for patients 6 months through 64 years at high risk of severe disease with at least 1 underlying condition

mNexspike: for patients aged 12 through 64 years at high risk of severe disease with at least 1 underlying condition

Comirnaty: for patients aged 5 through 64 years at high risk for severe disease with at least 1 underlying condition

Guidance and information on the upcoming 2025-2026 respiratory season have been met with confusion. Recommendations, which were once aligned across organizations, are now conflicting, which included government organizations, such as the CDC, as well as the health care organizations, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Pregnancy has been removed from the adult schedule, even though some health care providers consider it an underlying condition leading to severe disease.

“We need to take the politics out of immunizations and rely on medical experts with years of education, the experience, and the knowledge to interpret that data to provide evidence-based recommendations," Laura Knockel, PharmD, BCACP, clinical associate professor at the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy, said.

AAP published its annual immunization schedule, which covers guidance for influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, and COVID-19. Although recommendations from the organization typically follow ACIP guidelines, this year the schedule differs from the recent recommendations from the committee.

“[Patients are] understandably confused. The space around vaccines is changing so rapidly,” Knockel said.

 “There's so much misinformation and disinformation out there, so I really think the first step is to acknowledge that concern, and again, coming from the point of they want to do what's best for their child.”

Ready to impress your pharmacy colleagues with the latest drug information, industry trends, and patient care tips? Sign up today for our

1. Astor M, Blum D. CDC uncertainty upends COVID vaccine access at CVS and Walgreens. 

. August 28, 2025. Accessed September 2, 2025. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/28/well/cvs-pharmacy-covid-vaccine-16-states.html

2. Levy S. CVS, Walgreens limiting offerings of new COVID-19 vaccines. 

. September 2, 2025. Accessed September 2, 2025. https://drugstorenews.com/cvs-walgreens-limiting-offerings-new-covid-19-vaccines

3. Gallagher A. FDA approves COVID-19 vaccines for patients 65 years and older. 

. August 23, 2025. Accessed September 2, 2025. https://www.drugtopics.com/view/fda-approves-covid-19-vaccines-for-patients-65-years-and-older

4. Gallagher A. New COVID-19 vaccine recommendations cause confusion among public, health care providers. 

. June 10, 2025. Accessed September 2, 2025. https://www.drugtopics.com/view/new-covid-19-vaccine-recommendations-cause-confusion-among-public-health-care-providers

5. Gallagher A, Knockel L. Q&A: pharmacist advocates for evidence-based immunization guidelines for COVID-19 vaccines. 

. September 1, 2025. Accessed September 2, 2025. https://www.drugtopics.com/view/q-a-pharmacist-advocates-for-evidence-based-immunization-guidelines-for-covid-19-vaccines

6. Gallagher A. FDA approves updated 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine for patients 65 years and older. 

. August 27, 2025. Accessed September 2, 2025. https://www.drugtopics.com/view/fda-approves-updated-2025-2026-covid-19-vaccine-for-patients-65-years-and-older

CVS will not offer COVID-19 vaccines in Massachusetts, Nevada, and New Mexico.

Clinical

CVS, Walgreens Will Limit COVID-19 Vaccine Offerings in 16 States

journal explores issues within pharmacy, from the impact advocacy can have in community pharmacies to staffing shortages across multiple sectors within pharmacy. This month’s issue also explored the importance of disease awareness months and how they are opportunities to maximize valued care. Check out a preview of this month’s issue here.

download the PDF of the Total Pharmacy August 2024 issue here

Don’t get left behind: Sign up today for our 

 and get the latest drug information, industry trends, and patient care tips delivered straight to your inbox.

See what’s trending in pharmacy with a preview of the Total Pharmacy August issue.

Total Pharmacy

In This Issue: Total Pharmacy August 2024

Combining sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) may offer additional protection against cardiovascular and kidney disease in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), according to the results of a new meta-analysis published in 

 and presented at the 61st European Renal Association Congress in Stockholm, Sweden.

Separately, SGLT2is and GLP-1RAs have demonstrated cardiovascular benefits. However, little clinical literature has focused on outcomes associated with using the medicines together. Due to the growing prevalence of GLP-1RAs in the 

 and obesity landscape, accelerated by an increasing number of indications for the agent class, this is a crucial area for further study.

The SGLT2 Inhibitor Meta-analysis Cardio-Renal Trialists’ Consortium (SMART-C) is the largest assessment of outcomes for the combined therapeutic use of SGLT2is and GLP-1RAs. The study gathered data from 12 large-scale, placebo-controlled trials of SGLT2is involving 73,238 patients with diabetes. Of these, 3065 were already receiving GLP-1RAs.

Overall, SGLT2is lowered the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events by 11% and hospitalization for heart failure or cardiovascular death by 23% compared to placebo. Notably, this benefit was seen regardless of whether patients were also taking GLP-1RAs.

When used together with GLP-1RAs, SGLT2is reduced the risk of chronic kidney disease progression by 33% and slowed the annual loss of kidney function by nearly 60%.

The study found no additional safety concerns when SGLT2is were used in combination with GLP-1RAs.

Study Reveals Robust Benefits of Semaglutide in Protecting Against Kidney, CV Events in Patients With T2D

Current meta-analysis results build off positive results of the landmark FLOW trial (

). Published earlier in May, results of the international, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial spotlighted semaglutide’s effectiveness in lowering the risk of kidney failure, decelerating worsening kidney function, and protecting against the risk of cardiovascular events and death, in patients with T2D.

“SGLT2 inhibitors have clear protective effects against heart failure and chronic kidney disease, while GLP-1 receptor agonists can reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and also kidney disease—as recently demonstrated in the landmark FLOW trial,” said Brendon Neuen, lead author, clinical associate professor, senior research fellow at The George Institute for Global Health, and director of kidney trials at Sydney’s Royal North Shore Hospital, in a news release.

 “Our findings support using this combination to further improve outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes who meet guideline recommendations for both therapies.”

Elevated glucose from diabetes can damage blood vessels in the heart and kidneys, increasing the risk of 

 and kidney disease. In fact, diabetes is the most common cause of chronic kidney disease.

Moreover, estimates predicting that T2D prevalence will more than double in the next 30 years, surpassing 1 billion global cases by 2050, further strengthen the need for research into diabetes care.

 According to Neuen in an interview with 

 conducted over email, the current study offers valuable insights for developing global treatment strategies for the condition.

"These findings, which represent the largest and most comprehensive evaluation of the combined use of SGLT2i and GLP-1RA, provides the clearest evidence yet that combined use of both medicines can further reduce cardiovascular and kidney disease," said Neuen. "We anticipate that these findings will inform how people with diabetes are treated worldwide, including influencing major clinical practice guidelines.

Although current results suggest that using SGLT2is and GLP-1RAs in tandem may offer robust protection against cardiovascular and kidney disease, further research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of the combination therapy.

Pharmacy practice is always changing. Stay ahead of the curve: Sign up for our 

 and get the latest drug information, industry trends, and patient care tips, straight to your inbox.

1. Apperloo E, Neuen BL et al. Efficacy and safety of sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors with and without glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists: A SMART-C collaborative meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. 

. 2024. doi: 10.1016/S2213-8587(24)00183-9

2. Massaro L. Study reveals robust benefits of semaglutide in protecting against kidney, CV events in patients with T2D. 

https://www.drugtopics.com/view/study-reveals-robust-benefits-of-semaglutide-in-protecting-against-kidney-cv-events-in-patients-with-t2d

3. Combining popular diabetes drugs offers complementary heart and kidney benefits. News release. The George Institute for Global Health. July 9, 2024. Accessed July 10, 2024. 

https://www.georgeinstitute.org/media-releases/combining-popular-diabetes-drugs-offers-complementary-heart-and-kidney-benefits

4. Mayo Clinic Staff. Chronic kidney disease. Fact sheet. Accessed July 8, 2024. 

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-kidney-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20354521

5. Klein HE. Diabetes prevalence expected to double globally by 2050. 

https://www.ajmc.com/view/diabetes-prevalence-expected-to-double-globally-by-2050

When used together, sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) were able to lower the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events and kidney disease by 11% and 33%, respectively.

SGLT2i, GLP-1RA Combination Therapy Offers Robust Protection Against Cardiovascular, Kidney Disease

Health system pharmacies are no strangers to high drug prices and shortages. Yet these challenges are about to get even harder. This white paper will explain why price fluctuations and drug shortages will become even more costly and complex. Then, we’ll outline a strategy to mitigate the impact of these rising drug prices and shortages. We’ll also highlight how solutions like SureCost empower health system pharmacies to turn disruption into opportunity through smarter, tech-enabled purchasing. It takes the right approach and solutions for navigating drug shortages, but health system pharmacies can succeed amidst these issues.

Navigating Drug Shortages and Price Fluctuations

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination was found to be an effective prophylactic measure for young, sexually active women, despite showing no therapeutic effects for existing infections.

“HPV—one of the most common sexually transmitted infections, with an estimated 80% of sexually active individuals contracting the virus at least once—is causally associated with cervical cancer, which ranked in 2022 as the fourth most common cancer among women,” wrote authors of study findings published in 

 “Clinical trials assessing the efficacy, immunogenicity, and safety of HPV vaccination have consistently demonstrated that vaccination reduces the risk of new HPV infections…with the greatest protection observed in individuals who are vaccinated at younger ages and prior to the onset of sexual activity.”

According to CDC data, around 48,000 new cancer cases are discovered annually in regions of the body where HPV infections are often found. Of the 47,984 new reports each year, HPV is known to cause up to 37,800 of these new cases, or close to 79%.

 With previous evidence regarding the link between HPV infection and various cancers, experts agree that HPV vaccination at a young age is the best approach to reducing cancer risks in adulthood.

Communication Interventions Can Reduce Vaccine Hesitancy

For cervical cancer specifically, in 2020, the World Health Organization introduced the Global Strategy to Accelerate the Elimination of Cervical Cancer. In its plan, the organization committed to a 2030 target of ensuring that 90% of girls worldwide receive HPV vaccination by the age of 15. However, despite these commitments amid previous evidence regarding HPV infections and cancer, vaccination rates remain low.

While HPV vaccination is known to reduce a variety of long-term risks for patients, researchers believe more can be understood regarding vaccine efficacy, uptake, and how it works to clear or prevent HPV infection.

“Only randomized controlled trials have compared infection clearance based on HPV vaccination status,” continued the authors of the study.

 “In this context, the primary objective of this analysis was to assess the association between self-reported HPV vaccination and the incidence and clearance of vaginal HPV infections of vaccine-targeted types among young, sexually active women enrolled in the Carrageenan-gel Against Transmission of Cervical Human Papillomavirus (CATCH) trial, which was conducted in Montreal, Canada, between 2013 and 2021.”

To reach the primary objective in the current study, researchers used data from the CATCH randomized control trial, which explored the efficacy of a carrageenan-based gel in decreasing incidence and prevalence of vaginal HPV infections among young, sexually active women. Now exploring participants’ HPV vaccination status, researchers discontinued the study arms and conducted an observational cohort framework.

In addition to the CATCH trial data included in the current study, researchers also followed up with participants to collect their self-reported vaccination status, dates, number of doses, and brands. They then conducted estimates to determine the incidence and clearance of HPV infection.

The study included 461 participants, and 55.5% had received an HPV vaccination.

“We found that HPV vaccination—assessed through 3 different self-report sources—was protective against incident infection with vaccine-targeted HPV types but had no effect on the clearance of baseline infections,” they wrote.

Overall, among this cohort of sexually active young women, HPV vaccination was found to have significant efficacy in preventing vaccine-targeted HPV infections. However, it was unable to show significant improvement for patients experiencing HPV infections at the baseline period of the study. According to the researchers’ results, HPV vaccination was successful as a prophylactic but not in clearing patients’ existing HPV infections.

Although the HPV vaccine—whether the Gardasil or Cervarix formulation—is not recommended as a therapy to treat HPV-related infections, studies such as this further bolster support for the recommendations regarding HPV vaccination among younger women.

“In conclusion, our findings among young, sexually active women provide additional evidence of the real-world effectiveness of HPV vaccination in preventing incident infections with vaccine-targeted HPV types, with estimated vaccine effectiveness ranging between 59% and 80% (depending on vaccine status definition), while also reinforcing that HPV vaccination is strictly prophylactic and does not have therapeutic capabilities,” concluded the authors.

 and get the latest drug information, industry trends, and patient care tips straight to your inbox.

1. Kassam P, Laurie C, El-Zein M, et al. Impact of HPV vaccination on the incidence and clearance of HPV infections in sexually active young women. 

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2025.127632

Among participants in the CATCH trial, researchers explored the relationship between HPV vaccination and incidence of infection.

Alycia Gelinas

Articles

Latest Updated Articles