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

Sit-to-stand transitions may lower diastolic blood pressure in postmenopausal women with overweight or obesity, offering a simple way to reduce cardiovascular risk.

Standing More May Improve Blood Pressure in Postmenopausal Women With Overweight, Obesity

Researchers gathered a group of adolescent-serving clinicians and asked them about their confidence in helping patients with abortion access.

Clinicians Lack Confidence in Navigating Patients’ Abortion Access

Fremanezumab-vfrm (Ajovy) receives FDA approval for the prevention of episodic migraine for patients aged 6 to 17 years. 

FDA Approves Fremanezumab as First Anti-CGRP Drug for Prevention of Pediatric Episodic Migraine

CPESN USA Launches “CPESN Leads” Initiative to Elevate Community Pharmacy Leadership

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

Kevin W. Cleveland, PharmD, urges evidence-based approaches to immunizations in an era of uncertainty.

Q&A: How ACIP Changes Could Reshape Patient Care

Kevin Cleveland, PharmD, discusses how pharmacists are uniquely positioned to directly interact with patients, making them vital in addressing vaccine misinformation.

Pharmacists Are Key in Navigating Vaccine Misinformation and Disinformation

Pharmacists stress that rebuilding trust is challenging and requires careful, empathetic communication.

ACIP Panel Removal Sparks Concerns, Pharmacists Warn of More Vaccine Distrust

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

Pharmacists are now seeking roles that offer better well-being, flexibility, and long-term satisfaction beyond traditional practice settings.

How Pharmacist Careers Are Shifting After COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic changed nearly everything about the way people work, and pharmacists were no exception. Although health care professionals across the board faced extraordinary demands, pharmacists were on the front lines managing patient care and medication access, staffing shortages, and the unprecedented rollout of COVID-19 vaccines.

According to findings from the 2024 National Pharmacist Workforce Study, a strong sense of purpose remains one of the most consistent drivers of satisfaction among pharmacists.

 Many entered the profession to help others, and that motivation carried them through the height of the pandemic. But for many, that sense of mission could only carry them so far. Burnout set in as the long hours, difficult patients, and constant pressure became unsustainable.

The pandemic also prompted a widespread reassessment of personal values. Pharmacists began prioritizing health, family time, flexibility, and mental well-being. As a result, more pharmacists are seeking roles with better work-life balance, remote work options, and environments that support their well-being.

One ongoing challenge is how to support pharmacists who want to pivot into new areas of practice, especially those without residency training. Residency remains a valuable path, but it can be difficult to pursue mid-career due to time, cost, and income loss. Alternative models, such as nontraditional or part-time residencies, could provide more accessible options. In addition, board certifications or structured learning programs may serve as alternative ways to upskill.

Looking ahead, the profession must also prepare for the impact of technology, including AI. Just as pharmacists once upskilled to provide immunizations, they will need similar support to transition into technology-driven roles.

 recently sat down with Brianne Bakken, PharmD, MHA, an associate professor at the University of Iowa College of Nursing and author of the National Pharmacist Workforce Study, to discuss how changes in the work environment since the COVID-19 pandemic have affected pharmacists' overall well-being and career satisfaction. Bakken also highlighted which resources or supports are most critical to helping pharmacists thrive professionally and personally.

Why More Pharmacists Are Exploring Nontraditional Roles

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

1. Mott DA, Bakken BK, Nadi S, et al. Final report of the National Pharmacist Workforce Survey 2024. American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy. Accessed August 6, 2025.  

https://www.aacp.org/article/national-pharmacist-workforce-studies

Currents in Pharmacy Teaching and Learning

, when exploring the factors that influence a pharmacist’s practice setting, the key decision pharmacy students make is whether to enter a patient-facing (PF) or non-PF role.

 Data from the study support the future development of approaches to attract and retain employees in PF and non-PF roles.

“Since the turn of the century, the pharmacy profession has undergone a significant evolution, with expansion of the profession prompted by growing global health demands, development of patient-centered care, and modernization of the wider health care system,” wrote the study authors. “The robust training needed to obtain a pharmacy degree, combining both a scientific and health care skill set, places graduates in an enviable position as they prepare to enter the employment marketplace.”

The pharmacy industry has increasingly given pharmacists the option to use their degrees in various ways. Recent rises in alternative pharmacy roles include regulators, academics, public bodies, consultants, and many more.

Pharmacy Schools Should Prepare Students for Workforce Challenges

However, as the potential for non-PF, nontraditional pharmacy jobs increases, PF roles have become significantly less attractive to incoming pharmacists. As non-PF, often more desirable, roles arise in today’s pharmacy profession, the need for pharmacists in PF roles is increasing. Amid an aging population and a growing prevalence of chronic diseases, industry experts are looking for new ways to increase and retain the PF workforce.

A previous study whose results were published in 

Currents in Pharmacy Teaching and Learning 

explored pharmacy students’ career choices from the last 15 years. Researchers found that students with non-PF roles had greater career path satisfaction than those who became community pharmacists.

While evidence supports non-PF roles as more desirable than their counterparts, researchers of the current study wanted to gain a deeper understanding of the factors that influence pharmacy students' decisions.

“Using a cross-sectional survey, this study aimed to provide an overview of the career intentions of pharmacy students at University College Cork (UCC),” wrote the authors.

 “Student motivations for studying pharmacy and their intended career paths were examined, and findings were compared to [those of] a recent study of graduate career trajectories from the same university over a 15-year period.”

They conducted a cross-sectional evaluation by administering online surveys to pharmacy students in Ireland. Many of the enrollees’ curricula required experiential work and placement in both non-PF and PF pharmacy roles toward the end of their time in pharmacy school. Students included in the study had to be over 18 years old and enrolled in the UCC program as of October 2023.

“The anonymous survey used a combination of multiple choice questions, yes/no questions, and Likert scale ratings, ranging from not important to very important,” they continued.

 “Sections of the survey included questions on demographics and course perceptions, influences on choosing to study pharmacy, career intentions, influences on career intentions, and influence of experiential learning placements.”

A total of 311 students (73.9% women, 23.8% in first year of pharmacy school) completed the survey, which constituted 90.1% of all students in the UCC program.

Regarding students’ desired pharmacy settings, 56.5% were planning for community pharmacy roles, 18.4% for industry roles, and 10.6% for hospital pharmacy roles. Students who preferred PF roles saw greater importance in patient contact and impacts on health and well-being. Those looking for non-PF roles, however, placed more emphasis on valued benefits, promotion, and training opportunities and less on pharmacy skills.

“This study reveals [that] a mixture of intrinsic and extrinsic factors are important to students when choosing between PF or non-PF settings,” the authors wrote. “As anticipated, the need to use pharmacy skills and the desire for direct patient contact differed across the sectors. In addition, students choosing a PF role appear to consider the impact of a job on their own health and well-being more than their non-PF counterparts.”

According to the survey results, students looking for PF roles were focused on interacting with patients while keeping their own health and well-being in check. Students seeking non-PF roles were focused mainly on work-related benefits. However, although pharmacy students' intentions and career paths varied, the researchers discovered that work placement was the single most important factor that influenced participants’ career desires.

“This study has successfully analyzed career intentions and factors affecting degree and career choice of pharmacy students,” they concluded.

 “Impacts of this research include the revelation that factors influencing practice setting can be differentiated between those choosing PF or non-PF roles. Consequentially, this methodology can be applied elsewhere and [the] data used by future employers and policymakers, particularly within PF settings.”

Q&A: Prioritizing Pharmacy Technician Well-Being

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

1. Hovenden A, O’Shea JP, Bennett-Lenane H. Factors affecting pharmacy student career intentions across patient-facing and non-patient facing settings: a cross-sectional evaluation. 

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cptl.2025.102408

2. Fitzpatrick KL, Allen EA, Griffin BT, et al. Exploring career choices of pharmacy graduates over 15 years: a cross-sectional evaluation. 

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cptl.2024.02.010

With an emphasis on the factors that differentiate the future roles of pharmacists, researchers sought to better understand the career intentions of pharmacy students.

Why Pharmacy Students Choose Patient-Facing, Non–Patient-Facing Roles

Investigators have identified 5 relevant prescription cascades, underscoring the importance of addressing polypharmacy for older adults with multimorbidity, according to data from a study published in 

. Prescription cascades refer to a medication being prescribed to prevent or treat an adverse drug reaction to another medication.

“Prescribing cascades are an underresearched area of potentially inappropriate prescribing,” the authors wrote.

 “Our study details the prevalence of 9 clinically relevant potential prescribing cascades, ThinkCascades, in a national prescription database.”

Pharmacists are essential in helping to identify patients at risk for inappropriate prescribing.

Kevin Cleveland, PharmD

Articles

Latest Updated Articles