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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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 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.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••­­­•••••••••••

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.

In this special episode, Thu takes us behind the scenes of the ElevateHer women's health event, where she and co-host Saley recorded in person for the first time. Thu shares the excitement and challenges of this unique recording experience and introduces us to the pharmacist-turned-event-organizer Rajinder, who is empowering women through this glamorous yet impactful gathering. We also hear from pelvic health experts Dr. Lara and Dr. Laura, who are breaking down taboos and advocating for better women's healthcare. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the evolving roles of pharmacists and the importance of addressing underserved areas of women's health. Key Takeaways: 1. Pharmacists can leverage their expertise to create innovative experiences that go beyond traditional healthcare roles, as demonstrated by the ElevateHer event organizer Rajinder. 2. There is a significant need for more open discussions and education around women's pelvic health, sexual health, and intimate wellness, as highlighted by the pelvic health experts. 3. Women should be empowered to advocate for their own health and take an active role in understanding their bodies, rather than normalizing issues like incontinence or painful intercourse. 4. In-person podcast recordings can be valuable for building stronger connections between co-hosts and guests, but require careful planning to ensure optimal audio quality. 5. The pharmacy profession offers opportunities for creativity, entrepreneurship, and making a meaningful impact on underserved areas of healthcare, as exemplified by the speakers in this episode. ⭐️ We have MERCH coming soon⭐️ !!Stay TUNED!! ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••­­­••••••••••• Chapters: 00:00 Intro 08:08 Breaking out of the box with Rajinder Rai 25:41 Pelvic floor physical therapy with Dr. Laura C 34:22 Women's sexual health with Dr. Lara 45:41 Outro ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••­­­••••••••••• Our amazing guests: SunRais Health /Rajinder Rai, PharmD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunraishealth Website: https://www.sunraishealth.com/ Dr. Adrienne Lara, MD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celebratingwomencenter https://www.tiktok.com/@dradriennelara Dr. Lauren Currens, DPT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dynamicflowphysicaltherapy Website: https://www.dynamicflowpt.com/ Other guests that didn't make it into the episode due to audio issues: Dr. Monica Krishnan, PharmD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmonicapharmd Dr. Kumkum Patel, MD, MPH Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.gut_motility ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••­­­••••••••••• 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

In our one-year anniversary episode, Saley and Thu reflect on their journey in building the Hey Rx Friends, We Got This! podcast. They share personal growth, dreams for the future, and advice for pharmacy students. Also, there are BONUS Olympic highlights to breakdancing controversies, this episode is filled with emotion, inspiration, and the duo's signature humor and authenticity.

Key Takeaways: 1. Saley and Thu emphasize the importance of open and transparent communication when working as partners in different states, allowing them to make independent decisions while keeping each other informed.

2. They share how the podcast has helped them overcome the fear of rejection and become more comfortable with cold outreach, an essential skill for growing their platform.

3. The hosts provide advice for first-year pharmacy students, recommending they get organized, utilize online resources, and adopt a consistent daily study routine to succeed in the rigorous curriculum.

4. Saley and Thu reflect on how their personal growth over the past year has included becoming more confident in their voices and less afraid of public scrutiny or criticism.

5. In response to a question about future plans, the hosts reiterate their ambitious vision to expand the podcast into a premier media presence, connecting with and inspiring pharmacists globally.

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Chapters:

00:00 Intro

18:08 Olympics and Raygun

39:40 One year Q&A

1:09:06 Outro

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••­­­•••••••••••

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 Rx 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: partners@heyrxfriends.com

Disclaimer: All opinions are our own.

In this vulnerable and honest episode, Saley and Thu share their personal experiences with quitting jobs and making major career pivots. From navigating unsupportive work environments to finding fulfillment in new opportunities, they discuss the courage it takes to leave a role, even one you otherwise enjoy. Listeners will gain insights on recognizing when it's time for a change, managing the fear of the unknown, and the importance of finding workplaces that truly value and advocate for you. This episode is a must-listen for anyone grappling with career decisions or seeking inspiration to take the leap.Five Key Takeaway 1. It's important to be honest with yourself about what you truly want and need in a job, even if it means leaving a role you otherwise enjoy. 2. Having a supportive supervisor or advocate in the workplace can make a significant difference in one's career growth and satisfaction. 3. Quiet quitting, or doing the bare minimum at work, may not be enough to address deeper issues of lack of fulfillment or psychological safety. 4. The pharmacy profession can sometimes feel like a "small world", but this should not be used to discourage accountability or growth opportunities. 5. Those who are driven to constantly learn and take on new challenges may struggle with simply coasting or maintaining the status quo in their careers.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••­­­•••••••••••

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 Rx 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: partners@heyrxfriends.com

Disclaimer: All opinions are our own.

In this powerful episode, Thu and Saley tackle the sensitive topic of power dynamics and domestic violence, sharing a tragic true story from the 1980s. They explore the complex issues of professor-student relationships, manipulation, and the lasting impact of trauma. Through personal anecdotes and insightful analysis, the hosts highlight the importance of setting boundaries and recognizing the warning signs of abuse. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the nuances of power imbalances in professional and educational settings. Key Takeaways 1. Power dynamics in professional and educational settings can lead to exploitation and abuse if left unchecked. 2. Recognizing the warning signs of inappropriate behavior, such as favoritism and boundary-crossing, is crucial for protecting oneself and others. 3. University policies addressing romantic relationships between faculty and students aim to maintain a safe learning environment and prevent conflicts of interest. 4. Sharing personal experiences, even difficult ones, can help raise awareness and empower others to set boundaries and advocate for themselves. 5. Coping with the shame and guilt associated with trauma requires vulnerability, support, and a commitment to moving forward in a healthy way.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••­­­•••••••••••

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: partners@heyrxfriends.com

Disclaimer: All opinions are our own.

In this episode, Thu and Saley explore their personal identities and the challenges they've faced in navigating cultural expectations and societal pressures. They share vulnerable stories about their family dynamics, creative pursuits, and the courage required to stay true to themselves. The conversation touches on topics like belonging, authenticity, and the role of social media in shaping one's sense of self. Listeners will be inspired by Thu and Saley's journey of self-discovery and encouraged to embrace their own authentic paths in life. Key Takeaways: 1. Belonging is about being true to yourself, not just fitting in with a group. 2. Navigating cultural expectations and family dynamics can be a significant challenge in developing one's personal identity. 3. Courage is essential when exploring one's authentic self, even in the face of uncertainty and potential criticism. 4. Social media can contribute to feelings of inadequacy and the pressure to be "perfect," but embracing imperfection is part of the journey. 5. Sharing personal stories and experiences can help others feel less alone in their own identity crises and inspire them to pursue their authentic paths. ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••­­­••••••••••• Chapters 00:00 Intro 07:33 The trigger 17:19 Identity in chronic illnesses 20:09 Family dynamic 25:13 Taking over my life 28:27 Finding courage ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••­­­••••••••••• 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: partners@heyrxfriends.com Disclaimer: All opinions are our own.