In this episode, Thu and Saley dive deep into the drama surrounding GLP-1 receptor agonist medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro. They explore the meteoric rise of these drugs, fueled by celebrity use for weight loss, and the resulting shortages that have led to a clash between pharmaceutical companies, compounding pharmacies, and the FDA.The hosts examine the complex issues at play, including the high costs of these medications, the dangers of improper use and dosing, and the challenges patients face in accessing these potentially life-changing treatments. They also shine a light on the concerning trend of med spas prescribing these drugs for cosmetic purposes, putting patients at risk. With their signature blend of expertise, humor, and passion for healthcare, Thu and Celeste navigate the nuances of this evolving situation, offering insights and advice for both patients and providers. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of pharmacy, public health, and the ever-changing landscape of modern medicine.

Here are 5 key takeaways from the episode:

1. GLP-1 receptor agonists have become a social phenomenon, with celebrities fueling a surge in demand for these medications for weight loss, leading to drug shortages.

2. Compounding pharmacies have stepped in to fill the supply gap, but this has raised safety concerns from pharmaceutical companies about the quality and dosing of compounded versions.

3. The FDA has issued warnings about dosing errors and adverse events associated with compounded GLP-1 medications, highlighting the need for proper medical oversight and patient education.

4. The high cost of these drugs, coupled with limited insurance coverage for weight loss indications, has created an experimental situation, with patients seeking alternatives like sublingual formulations without sufficient evidence.

5. The fragility of the drug supply chain and the competing interests of pharmaceutical companies, compounding pharmacies, and regulatory bodies have created a complex situation that requires transparency, collaboration, and a focus on patient safety.

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Chapters

00:00 Intro

3:33 GLP1 background

16:29 Drama begins

22:24 Compounding pharmacy claps back

29:52 FDA enters the chat

41:43 Should you trust compounded GLP1?

56:32 Med spas and GLP1...

1:02:40 Drug shortage and its consequences

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▷Thu

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▷Saley:

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X: ReziPrep360

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Business inquiries: heyrxfriendswegotthis@gmail.com

Disclaimer: All opinions are our own.

In this chilling episode, we dive into the dark story of Robert Courtney - a trusted pharmacist who systematically diluted chemotherapy drugs for nearly a decade, putting countless cancer patients at risk. Hear how his greed and ambition led him to betray the very people he was sworn to protect, and learn how vigilant healthcare workers ultimately uncovered his sinister scheme. This cautionary tale serves as a stark reminder of the importance of integrity, accountability, and speaking up when something seems amiss in the medical field.

Here are 5 key takeaways from the episode:

1. Robert Courtney was a well-respected, long-time pharmacist who owned and operated his own independent pharmacy in Kansas City, Missouri.

2. Over the course of nearly a decade, Courtney systematically diluted expensive chemotherapy medications like Gemzar and Taxol, affecting over 98,000 prescriptions.

3. Courtney's motivation was purely financial - he wanted to increase his profit margins by stretching the medications he ordered and selling the diluted versions at full price.

4. Courtney's scheme went undetected for years due to the difficulty in distinguishing the effects of diluted chemotherapy from the natural progression of cancer in patients.

5. Courtney was ultimately caught and convicted on 20 felony counts, including tampering with consumer products and adulterating drugs. He was sentenced to 30 years in prison and ordered to pay $10.4 million in restitution.

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Follow us on social media

▷Hey Rx Friends, We Got This! https://linktr.ee/Heyrxfriends

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyrxfriendswgt

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heyrxfriendswgt

YouTube: Hey Friends We Got This

▷Thu

https://linktr.ee/empoweredpharmd

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empowered.pharmd/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tn-empowered-pharmd

Substack: https://drthurx.substack.com/

▷Saley:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reziprep360

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/straore1

TikTok: https://www.linkedin.com/in/straore1

X: ReziPrep360

YouTube: @ReziPrep360

Business inquiries: heyrxfriendswegotthis@gmail.com

Disclaimer: All opinions are our own.

In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with pharmacy owner and advocate Jeremy Counts to expose the predatory practices of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs). Jeremy pulls back the curtain on how these powerful middlemen have systematically exploited the pharmacy industry, leading to skyrocketing drug prices, unsustainable reimbursements for pharmacies, and a healthcare system prioritizing profits over patient care. From gag clauses that prevent pharmacists from informing patients about cheaper options, to vertical integration that allows PBMs to dominate the market, Jeremy lays bare the tactics used to line their own pockets. Listeners will come away with a newfound understanding of the urgent need for legislative action, as Jeremy outlines the Pharmacist Fight Back Act and calls on all pharmacists to get involved in the fight to save their profession. This is a must-listen episode for anyone who wants to understand the true cost of prescription drugs and the forces working against affordable healthcare. Key Takeaway: 1. PBMs use predatory tactics like gag clauses and vertical integration to dominate the pharmacy industry and maximize profits at the expense of patients and pharmacies. 2. The complex web of rebates, fees, and reimbursement practices employed by PBMs has led to artificially inflated drug prices and unsustainable reimbursements for pharmacies. 3. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the challenges faced by pharmacists, as PBMs took advantage of the situation to further cut reimbursements, despite pharmacists' increased workload and personal sacrifices. 4. The Pharmacist Fight Back Act (HR 9096) is a critical piece of legislation that aims to reform PBM practices and protect the pharmacy profession, but it requires widespread pharmacist involvement and advocacy. 5. Pharmacists must get educated, get involved in advocacy efforts like PUTT, and contact their representatives to support the Pharmacist Fought Back Act and fight back against the predatory practices of PBMs.

Abbreviations:

PBMs: Pharmacy Benefit Managers

MAC: Maximum Allowable Cost

AWP: Average Wholesale Pricing

ACA: Affordable Care Act

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••­­­••••••••••• GUEST: Jeremy Counts Podcast: PBM on the Rocks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hokiepharm/ Pharmacists United for Truth and Transparency (PUTT): https://www.truthrx.org/ ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••­­­••••••••••• Chapters 00:00 Intro 10:50 PBM breakdown 20:55 Vertical Integration and retaliations 35:42 Pharmacy reimbursement horror 46:22 PBMs taking advantage of the pandemic efforts 50:25 No transparency 59:45 Pharmacy Fight Back Act ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••­­­••••••••••• Follow us on social media ▷Hey Rx Friends, We Got This! https://linktr.ee/Heyrxfriends Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyrxfriendswgt TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heyrxfriendswgt YouTube: Hey Friends We Got This ▷Thu https://linktr.ee/empoweredpharmd Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empowered.pharmd/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tn-empowered-pharmd Substack: https://drthurx.substack.com/ ▷Saley: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reziprep360 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/straore1 TikTok: https://www.linkedin.com/in/straore1 X: ReziPrep360 YouTube: @ReziPrep360 Business inquiries: heyrxfriendswegotthis@gmail.com Disclaimer: All opinions are our own.