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

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 approval covers Pfizer and BioNTech’s LP.8.1-adapted monovalent COVID-19 vaccine, which is also indicated for patients aged 5 to 64 with at least 1 underlying condition.

FDA Approves Updated 2025-2026 COVID-19 Vaccine for Patients 65 Years and Older

Through considerations regarding cost, scalability, safety, and regulations, researchers provided an end-to-end perspective on microneedle-based vaccine strategies.

Microneedle-Based Vaccine Systems Emerging as Viable Future Option

Pharmacies face time, workload, and sustainability challenges when integrating social care, but support and reimbursement can make these efforts viable.

Q&A: Addressing Barriers to Social Care in Pharmacies

However, caution with empagliflozin use should be taken for patients who were previously on angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers.

Real-World Data Show Dapagliflozin, Empagliflozin Are Safe Options for Diabetes

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

DUAKLIR PRESSAIR (aclidinium bromide and formoterol fumarate) provides LAMA/LABA therapy.

FDA Approves New COPD Maintenance Treatment

Approved regulations allow for some flexibility for drugs that can be redistributed or qualify for manufacturer credit. 

EPA’s New Rules on Drug Disposal Begin in August

Erdafitinib is first targeted therapy for FGFR3 or FGFR2 genetic alteration.

Balversa Fast-Tracked for Bladder Cancer

Health systems employ Artifical Intelligence and integrated medication management to address diversion.

BD Unveils New Tool to Fight Opioid Crisis

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.

Clinical

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

A limited number of community pharmacies are providing nutrition-related services, despite an increase in pharmacies with registered dietitians, according to data in an article published in the 

Journal of Health, Population, and Nutrition

. The investigators of the study explore how to optimize the role of the pharmacist and registered dietitians to enhance patient outcomes through counseling efforts.

“We found that pharmacists and dietitians shared the same perspectives on the importance of screening, assessment, and intervention processes for both nutritional disorders and lifestyle-related diseases to facilitate nutritional interventions in community pharmacies,” the study authors said.

 “In addition, the following challenges in promoting nutritional interventions were identified: establishing nutritional intervention flow, educating health care providers, publicizing to patients, and implementing institutional reforms.”

, results showed that pharmacist-driven interventions improved anthropometric and clinical outcomes related to patients’ nutrition. Further, the interventions resulted in dietary behavior changes. The review authors stated that there is a need for interventions to address nutrition and dietary health goals, especially with holistic approaches to health and food.

In general, pharmacists are playing a bigger role in community-based care and patient outcomes, according to Wolters Kluwer. Pharmacies are highly accessible, and patients tend to trust community pharmacists beyond just dispensing, with 58% of Americans more likely to seek nonemergency care at pharmacies. Pharmacists are often on the front line to counsel and advocate for patients and mediate between patients, providers, and insurance companies.

In the current study, investigators aimed to determine ways to enhance nutritional interventions at the community pharmacy level. They conducted qualitative interviews, which included 15 respondents. Of the respondents, 5 pharmacists completed training related to health support, 5 were working with a registered dietitian, and 5 were registered dietitians employed at community pharmacies. Interviews were conducted between May and June 2022, lasted approximately 1 hour, and included 2 main categories: patients with malnutrition and patients with lifestyle-related diseases.

According to the results, pharmacists and dietitians acknowledged that older adults and patients have misconceptions about or poor knowledge of diet. Furthermore, patients who typically give up on dieting usually need interventions for lifestyle-related diseases. Interventions identified by investigators included correcting dietary misconceptions, providing guidance on a balanced diet, and offering advice on the importance of protein. Pharmacists in particular can help identify and assess at-risk patients during medication reconciliation, screen for malnutrition, and check meal frequency and food awareness. The investigators also found that pharmacists can help patients who have difficulties swallowing and have financial barriers regarding nutrition.

Interestingly, pharmacists viewed lifestyle modification similarly to medication adherence and preferred to refer patients with malnutrition to a registered dietitian, as it is more challenging to treat in comparison with lifestyle-related diseases. However, investigators acknowledged that incorporating nutrition into the workflow was difficult for pharmacists.

“To enhance the quality of nutritional interventions, both pharmacists and dietitians indicated the importance of the flow of screening, assessment, and educating patients who need nutritional interventions,” the study authors concluded.

 “Pharmacists need to focus on screening and assessing at-risk patients and collaborating with dietitians to improve their knowledge.”

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

1. Kumaki R, Hatamoto M, Iida R, Kishimoto K. Toward enhanced nutritional interventions in community pharmacies: personal attitude construct analysis. 

. 2025;44(1):287. doi:10.1186/s41043-025-01035-6

2. Acar G, Frost R, Kaur Bhamra S, Heinrich M. Community pharmacy-delivered interventions for nutrition and diet-related health promotion. 

. 2023;91(1):274. doi:10.3390/proceedings2023091274

3. Community-centric care: the pharmacist’s role in bridging health care gaps. Wolters Kluwer. April 15, 2025. Accessed August 15, 2025. https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/expert-insights/community-centric-care-the-pharmacists-role-bridging-healthcare-gaps

Pharmacists and dietitians acknowledge that older adults and patients with misconceptions about or poor knowledge of diet should be screened for interventions.

Community Pharmacies Can Provide Nutritional Services, but a Limited Number Have Them

As increased temperatures and sunny days draw people outside, patients turn to pharmacists for guidance on the best OTC sun protection. From broad-spectrum lotions to sprays, the sun care aisle can be overwhelming. Pharmacists play a key role in helping patients choose the right products for their skin type, lifestyle, and level of exposure. This guide breaks down top picks and offers tips to help your patients stay burn free.

Neutrogena Beach Defense Body Sunscreen Lotion With SPF 50

Avobenzone 3%, homosalate 15%, octisalate 5%, octocrylene 10%

Neutrogena Beach Defense Body Sunscreen Lotion with sun protection factor (SPF) 50 uses broad-spectrum chemical UV filters to absorb and dissipate harmful UV-A and UV-B rays before they damage the skin. Its water-resistant formula is designed to stay effective during swimming or sweating, making it ideal for outdoor and beach activities.

Neutrogena Beach Defense Body Sunscreen Lotion is water resistant for up to 80 minutes.

The lotion should be applied 15 minutes before sun exposure for best results.

Reapply every 2 hours, or immediately after swimming or towel drying, to maintain sun protection.

The formula is oil free and noncomedogenic, making it less likely to clog pores or cause breakouts.

It is fragrance-free, reducing the risk of irritation for sensitive skin.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Oil-Free Sunscreen SPF 60 

Avobenzone 3%, homosalate 15%, octisalate 5%, octocrylene 7%

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Oil-Free Sunscreen SPF 60 uses broad-spectrum UV-A/UV-B filters and Cell-Ox Shield technology to protect skin from sun damage. It absorbs excess oil, reduces shine, and resists sweat, making it ideal for acne-prone or oily skin. The lightweight, matte finish keeps skin protected without clogging pores.

The lightweight, noncomedogenic formula will not clog pores, making it suitable for daily use under other products.

It is water resistant for up to 80 minutes, offering reliable protection during outdoor activities and exercise.

It contains perlite and silica to absorb excess oil and sweat.

For best results, it should be applied 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapplied every 2 hours.

It is formulated without oxybenzone, making it safer for patients concerned about reef safety or potential hormone-disrupting ingredients.

Eucerin Advanced Repair Lotion for Sunburn

Glycerin, panthenol, tocopherol, dimethicone

Eucerin Advanced Repair Lotion helps soothe and restore sunburned skin by providing intense hydration with ingredients such as ceramides, glycerin, and urea. These ingredients work together to repair the skin’s moisture barrier, reduce dryness and flaking, and support healing. Its gentle, fragrance-free formula is suitable for sensitive, sun-damaged skin.

Eucerin Advanced Repair Lotion contains ceramides that help restore the skin’s natural barrier.

It is best applied after a cool shower, when skin is still slightly damp, to lock in moisture and enhance absorption.

Although it soothes sunburned skin, it does not contain SPF and should be paired with sunscreen for protection.

It can be safely used alongside aloe vera or hydrocortisone products to support healing from severe sunburn.

Pharmacists can help patients dodge sunburns and soak up summer fun with the best OTC sun care picks.

David Frabotta

Articles

Latest Updated Articles