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Articles

Joanna Lewis, PharmD, MBA, discusses effective strategies for managing menstrual pain, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and supplements to enhance comfort and quality of life.

Q&A: Pharmacist Discusses Counseling Considerations for Menstrual Pain

Among adults with type 1 diabetes, researchers explore how additional autoimmune diseases impacted patients’ physical and mental health burdens.

Autoimmune Diseases Are Frequent, Debilitating Among People with T1D

Approximately half of patients achieved a 50% or greater reduction from baseline monthly migraine days and sustained the response.

Data Show Sustained Improvement in Migraine Symptoms With Eptinezumab

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In a world of decreasing access to medications that are rising dramatically in price, Andrew Maiorini, PharmD, FAHM, reminds us of the power of patient engagement and communication.

Patient Engagement, Communication Paramount in Improving Medication Adherence

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Clinical

Pharmacists play a key role in guiding patients on GLP-1 and dual agonist therapies, supporting safe use, managing side effects, and promoting long-term treatment success.

Wicked Good Cardiometabolic Chat: Practical Counseling Tips for GLP-1, Dual Agonist Therapies

In Wicked Good Cardiometabolic Chat, a podcast offering from 

, hosts Jennifer Goldman, PharmD, CDCES, BC-ADM, FCCP, professor of pharmacy practice at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS); and Hailey Choi, PharmD, BCACP, CDCES, associate professor of pharmacy practice at MCPHS, aim to empower pharmacists with evidence-based insights on various cardiometabolic topics.

In this episode, Jen and Hailey explore practical counseling strategies for glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists, with a focus on how pharmacists can effectively support patients using these therapies. Medications such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, better known by brand names including Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound, are increasingly used in the management of type 2 diabetes and obesity, making pharmacist counseling more important than ever.

Key discussion points include proper injection technique, storage recommendations, and strategies to manage common adverse effects such as nausea, constipation, and diarrhea. They share practical tips for improving adherence, such as linking the weekly injection to a memorable routine or helping patients pay attention to signals of fullness.

The discussion also covers critical safety considerations, including rare but serious risks such as pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and vision changes. Other important counseling areas include contraceptive guidance, perioperative management, and strategies to maintain muscle health and overall nutrition. Patients should understand that these medications are intended for long-term therapy, and consistent pharmacist support is essential to achieving the best outcomes.

By equipping pharmacists with these practical tools and guidance, they can play a central role in patient success, helping patients safely use GLP-1 and dual agonist therapies while maximizing both short-term and long-term cardiometabolic benefits.

 for insightful conversations around different cardiometabolic topics that will help improve your practice and patient care. All episodes of Wicked Good Cardiometabolic Chat will be available in video via 

, with an audio version available through Spotify.

Interested in hearing a specific topic discussed? Send an email with your suggestion to kmeara@mjhlifesciences.com.

Are you ready to elevate your pharmacy practice? Sign up today for our

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

Pharmacists play a key role in guiding patients on GLP-1 and dual agonist therapies, supporting safe use, managing adverse effects, and promoting long-term treatment success.

Seven major clinical trials reveal semaglutide’s expanding benefits beyond glucose control, showing promise in kidney, heart, liver, vascular, and obesity-related outcomes.

Wicked Good Cardiometabolic Chat: Semaglutide’s Expanding Role in Chronic Disease

, hosts Jennifer Goldman, PharmD, CDCES, BC-ADM, FCCP, professor of pharmacy practice at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS); and Hailey Choi, PharmD, BCACP, CDCES, associate professor of pharmacy practice at MCPHS, aim to empower pharmacists with evidence-based insights on various cardiometabolic topics. In this episode, Jen and Hailey explore 7 major clinical trials that showcase the expanding benefits of semaglutide across a range of chronic conditions.

Originally developed to manage blood glucose in type 2 diabetes, semaglutide is now being studied in kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, heart failure, liver disease, peripheral artery disease, and obesity. Data from trials such as FLOW (

) revealed impressive reductions in major kidney and cardiovascular events, while findings from STEP-HFpEF (

) highlighted improvements in quality of life and heart failure symptoms. The ESSENCE (

) trial data demonstrated liver benefits in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), and evidence from the STRIDE (

) trial showed improved walking distance and vascular outcomes in people with peripheral artery disease.

) trial revealed that higher doses of semaglutide led to even greater weight loss, with a safety profile similar to that of lower doses. These studies reflect a broader shift in how semaglutide is viewed: not just as a glucose-lowering drug but as a potential cornerstone therapy in cardiometabolic care. Across trials, adverse effects were mostly gastrointestinal and generally mild. As evidence continues to grow, semaglutide may play a major role in how we manage chronic disease in the future.

 for insightful conversations around different cardiometabolic topics that will help improve your practice and patient care. All episodes of Wicked Good Cardiometabolic Chat will be available in video via 

In the first episode of the podcast, Jennifer Goldman and Hailey Choi discuss the latest FDA updates around compounded weight loss medications, clinical concerns and how pharmacists can protect their patients.

Wicked Good Cardiometabolic Chat: Compounded Weight Loss Medications

Introducing Wicked Good Cardiometabolic Chat, a new podcast offering from 

®. Hosted by Jennifer Goldman, PharmD, CDCES, BC-ADM, FCCP, professor of pharmacy practice at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS), and Hailey Choi, PharmD, BCACP, CDCES, associate professor of pharmacy practice at MCPHS, the podcast aims to empower pharmacists with evidence-based insights on various cardiometabolic topics.

In this episode of the podcast, Jennifer and Hailey discuss the surge in compounded weight loss medications, which has raised significant concerns among health care providers and public health experts. Over the past several years, the demand for glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists has surged. Data from KFF has shown that 1 in 8 US adults say they have ever used a GLP-1, with 4 in 10 saying they took them primarily to lose weight.

With the surge in demand for these medications, many unverified online sources have begun selling potentially dangerous alternatives. A recent study found that compared to genuine semaglutide (Ozempic) samples, which scored 22 points on a checklist created by the International Pharmaceutical Federation, test products purchased from online retailers had scores ranging from 8 to 9.

 Most of the online samples also had considerably lower purity levels.

Listen on to hear Jennifer and Hailey discuss the latest FDA updates around compounded weight loss medications, clinical concerns, legal risks, and how pharmacists can protect themselves, their practice, and their patients.

Be sure to tune in every month on Drug Topics for insightful conversations around different cardiometabolic topics that will help improve your practice and patient care. All episodes of Wicked Good Cardiometabolic Chat will be available in video via 

Interested in hearing a specific topic discussed? Send an email with your suggestion to kmeara@mjhlifesciences.com. 

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

1. KFF Health Tracking Poll May 2024: The Public’s Use and Views of GLP-1 Drugs. News Release. KFF. May 10, 2024. Accessed April 29, 2025. 

https://www.kff.org/health-costs/poll-finding/kff-health-tracking-poll-may-2024-the-publics-use-and-views-of-glp-1-drugs/

2. Ashraf AR, Mackey TK, Schmidt J, et al. Safety and Risk Assessment of No-Prescription Online Semaglutide Purchases. 

 2024;7(8):e2428280. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.28280

Amid a noticeable increase in the use of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications—namely to treat people with obesity and related comorbidities—it’s crucial for pharmacists to play a significant role in managing patients’ GLP-1 regimens.

“When anything new comes out, at first, there are some people that really jump on board and want to try it and then others who have some hesitancy,” said Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP, BC-ADM, CDCES, Endocrine Clinical Pharmacy Specialist with Cleveland Clinic Endocrinology & Metabolism Institute. “You hear sometimes people are very worried about the safety and the side effects, but the reality is we have 20 years now of use and data, and so we are seeing an increase in use.”

Indeed, GLP-1s have been approved since the early 2000s and have been mainly used to treat patients with diabetes, historically showing significant declines in their A

 levels. Many clinical pharmacists have been well aware of the positive GLP-1 effects for quite some time. However, with its continued success in treating obesity and a notable increase in marketing, this medication class has boomed in recent years, even leading to a drug shortage.

“I still remember back in 2005 when the first [GLP-1] was approved,” continued Isaacs. “At the time, that was just for type 2 diabetes. It’s been so exciting to see it evolve. Through all of these years—it’s been 20 years—we’ve seen how this medication class now has all of these other indications.”

In the most recent episode of Over the Counter, Isaacs joined 

 to explore this evolution within the GLP-1 space. She discussed pharmacists’ role in counseling patients on GLP-1s as well as the common trends, challenges, and successes she’s seen among the patient population Isaacs typically serves.

Stay tuned for weekly podcast episodes on 

 every Thursday afternoon. Check out our previous episode with 

, an expert on artificial intelligence in pharmacy practice. He sat down with Drug Topics to discuss AI’s potential role in medication therapy management and how pharmacists will be forced to navigate this technology as it becomes commonplace in health care.

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.

With expertise in the management and treatment of diabetes, Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP, BC-ADM, CDCES, shared her insights on counseling patients using GLP-1 medications.

The Pharmacist’s Role in Counseling Patients on GLP-1 Medications

As the most frontward facing providers within health care, pharmacists are constantly looking for more ways to expand their ability to treat patients and serve the greater community. With expertise in medication first, as well as a unique ability to manage patients and garner meaningful relationships that result in better health outcomes, pharmacists have served as a bridge between health care and the patients who receive it.

Pharmacists’ expertise in medication has given them the ability to manage various disease states, procuring medication management regimens that ensure successful health outcomes in patients with diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and so much more. But for individuals without comorbidities simply looking to improve their overall health and lifestyle, a certified nutritionist may be their best option for counsel.

However, pharmacists with a desire to become experts in nutrition—according to Sarah Gray, PharmD, GAICD, also known as 

—have the ability to stand out even more among other providers and be a crucial source of guidance for any patient looking to improve their lifestyle.

“The combination of pharmacy and nutrition is a match made in heaven. For me, pharmacists have such great skills across many areas,” she said. “I think the key [area] I've found that really matches well with nutrition is our great patient-interviewing skills and being able to really consider all factors of a patient's life; so what medications they're taking, what medical conditions [and] symptoms they have. Now, adding the nutrition side, I can get a really good picture of all the areas of the person's health.”

 to discuss her career journey, starting as a pharmacist and eventually pivoting to nutrition counseling and helping patients with their lifestyle journeys. She then explored overarching opportunities for pharmacists to expand their roles within health care. According to her, the opportunities are endless within pharmacy because of the profession’s wide range of continuously increasing knowledge.

“Don't be afraid to add things in that might seem a bit strange, but also, as a pharmacist itself, you don't need anything else, really. You can offer so much to people as a profession,” she said.

Known as “The Nutrition Pharmacist,” Sarah Gray, PharmD, GAICD, recently joined Drug Topics to discuss her dual profession within health care.

How Pharmacy Matches Perfectly With Nutrition

In hospitalized patients with obesity, researchers conduct a study detailing how electronic clinical support helps participants optimize their treatment regimens.

Digital Clinical Decision Support Improves Treatment for Patients With Obesity

Orforglipron shows results in weight loss and diabetes management, offering a new oral treatment option for patients.

Orforglipron Shows Significant Weight Loss in New Phase 3 Study

A real-world study found that semaglutide significantly reduced the risk of major cardiovascular events compared to tirzepatide.

Wegovy Outperforms Tirzepatide in Reducing Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events

Researchers explored the association of body mass index and all-cause mortality rates among older adults undergoing major elective surgery.

Higher BMI Associated With Lower All-Cause Mortality

Liraglutide is the first glucagon-like peptide-1 to have a generic equivalent for both type 2 diabetes and obesity indications.

FDA Approves First Generic GLP-1 Liraglutide for Weight Loss

GLP-1s Serving as the Intersection of Cost, Utilization

With the rise in glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) use and expenditures, this medication class has the potential to serve as the exemplified intersection of health care costs and utilization. Serving as an example of supply and demand in benefits management, health plans’ treatment of GLP-1s and whether or not they are covered has been a significant topic of discussion in recent history.

“Payers [are] divided on coverage of GLP-1s for obesity,” according to the Pharmaceutical Strategies Group (PSG). “While almost all payers cover GLP-1s for diabetes, just 2 in 5 cover GLP-1s for obesity, and nearly half who don’t currently cover these drugs for obesity wouldn’t do so at any price.”

 recently caught up with 2 representatives from PSG who contributed to the company’s 2025 Trends in Drug Benefit Design Report.

“GLP-1s really have been a once-in-a-lifetime moment for our payer clients,” said Scott Halperin, PharmD, senior pharmacy benefit clinical consultant of employer groups at PSG. “For years, the focus has been on specialty drug management, and now we're seeing a huge rise in non-specialty drug management and non-specialty drug costs. GLP-1s have really been the intersection of cost and utilization.”

Accompanied by Morgan Lee, PhD, MPH, CPH, PSG’s senior director of research and strategy, the duo explored the overall trends in GLP-1 use and how plan sponsors are acting on these trends. Watch the full video to see how drug benefits are adapting amid the rise in what many experts are calling life-saving medications.

Q&A: PBM Unbundling, New Pricing Models Create More Transparency

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.

2025 trends in drug benefit design report. Pharmaceutical Strategies Group. June 10, 2025. Accessed June 23, 2025. 

https://www.psgconsults.com/industry-report/2025-trends-in-drug-benefit-design-report/

Pharmaceutical Strategies Group experts joined Drug Topics to discuss the role GLP-1s play in drug benefit design.

Total Pharmacy

A conversation with Becky Davis, principal at Charles River Associates, at Asembia’s AXS25 Summit. 

Rising Demand, New Indications Put GLP-1s in the Spotlight | Asembia 2025

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are used mainly to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. However, these medications are poised for a significant expansion. Current research is exploring their potential in a wide range of conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s, osteoarthritis, substance use disorders, and longevity. As these indications grow, treating a patient solely for obesity will become increasingly rare, according to Becky Davis, principal at Charles River Associates.

Davis said that this evolution is expected to shift payer behavior. Broader indications and growing demand may move GLP-1s onto standard benefit plans, allowing more patients access through prescriptions. This increased access will also bring heightened pressure to control healthcare costs. As a result, the market for GLP-1s will likely become more competitive, pushing manufacturers and payers to adapt.

® sat down with Davis at Asembia’s AXS25 Summit, held April 27 to May 1 in Las Vegas, Nevada, to discuss the current disease states that investigators are researching for GLP-1s and how the expansion of indications for these medications will impact access and affordability for patients.

“We know that the comorbidity burden is significantly higher for patients with obesity,” Davis said. “As indications expand, it's going to be rare to just treat a patient for obesity. With this, I think we'll see payers move coverage of GLP-1s more to the standard benefit. That should translate into more patients receiving prescriptions. But with that comes the increased pressure to control costs, so it will likely make the category more competitive and payers [will] need to navigate their management.”

Obesity Management

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