In this special anniversary episode, Don and Steve throw it back to 1985—complete with mullets, mustaches, and popped collars—to celebrate 40 years of the Pharmacist’s Letter! Join them as they dig into the archives and revisit some of the earliest (and wildest) claims ever published.

They’ll reexamine research and insights into claims from yesteryear including:

• Whether topical minoxidil really works for hair regrowth (and why Steve looks like he joined the trial)
• The Vioxx scandal and how it reshaped FDA safety rules
• Why Darvocet disappeared from pharmacy shelves
• The truth about benzoyl peroxide and cancer risk (spoiler: it’s still safe!)
• How a drug from lizard spit became a blockbuster for weight loss.

This episode is packed with nostalgia, clinical pearls, and a few good laughs.

******

TRC Healthcare Editor Hosts:

• Stephen Small, PharmD, BCPS, BCPPS, BCCCP, CNSC
• Don Weinberger, PharmD, PMSP

******

The clinical resources mentioned are part of a subscription to Pharmacist’s Letter, Pharmacy Technician’s Letter, and Prescriber Insights:

• Article: See How Far We’ve Come in 40 Years
• Chart: Treatment and Prevention of Hair Loss
• Chart: Managing NSAID Risks
• Algorithm: Drug-Induced QT Prolongation: A Step-Wise Approach
• Chart: Pharmacotherapy of Acne
• Chart: Comparison of GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 Receptor Agonists

******

Get 10% off a new subscription with code podcast1025 at checkout.

Students: Access a free version of Pharmacist’s Letter.

Send us a text

If you’re not yet a subscriber, find out more about our product offerings at trchealthcare.com.

Follow, rate, and review this show in your favorite podcast app. Find the show on YouTube by searching for ‘TRC Healthcare’ or clicking here.

You can also reach out to provide feedback or make suggestions by emailing us at ContactUs@trchealthcare.com.

In this episode, hosts Don Weinberger and Steve Small separate fact from fiction about dyes in medications and food.

Why is the FDA banning certain artificial dyes, and what does it mean for your meds and favorite foods?

Can the color of your pills really affect how you feel about them?

Why do we talk so much about rats and sewers in this episode?

Folks are dye-ing to know the truth...let’s find out!

They’ll share research and insights into some interesting claims including:

• White tablets or clear solutions don’t have dyes.
• Certain dyes can cause adverse effects.
• Recent FDA mandates to remove artificial dyes only affect food products.
• Pill color can impact patients’ expectations about a medication’s effects.

******

TRC Healthcare Editor Hosts:

• Stephen Small, PharmD, BCPS, BCPPS, BCCCP, CNSC
• Don Weinberger, PharmD, PMSP

******

Guest:

• Gina Corely, PharmD (TRC Healthcare Editor)

******

The clinical resources mentioned during the podcast are part of a subscription to Pharmacist’s Letter, Pharmacy Technician’s Letter, and Prescriber Insights:

• Article: Be Aware of Adverse Reactions with Artificial Dyes
• Algorithm: Investigating Possible Drug Allergy or Sensitivity

******

Don’t miss out! Subscribe to Pharmacist’s Letter today to stay ahead with trusted insights and tools. If you're a student, good news—students can access a free version of Pharmacist’s Letter.

Rumor vs Truth is a production of TRC Healthcare.

Send us a text

If you’re not yet a subscriber, find out more about our product offerings at trchealthcare.com.

Follow, rate, and review this show in your favorite podcast app. Find the show on YouTube by searching for ‘TRC Healthcare’ or clicking here.

You can also reach out to provide feedback or make suggestions by emailing us at ContactUs@trchealthcare.com.

In this episode, hosts Don Weinberger and Steve Small separate fact from fiction about expired medications.

How are med expiration dates chosen? Is it science or just a guess?

Can a medication that’s older than the FDA itself… still work?

Are meds no longer effective after they expire?

It’s time to uncover the truth behind meds that are past their prime!

They’ll share research and insights into some interesting claims including:

• Med expiration dates are chosen at random.
• Meds are no longer good after their expiration date.
• Meds can be toxic after their expiration date.
• Expiration dates on meds can be extended.

******

TRC Healthcare Editor Hosts:

• Stephen Small, PharmD, BCPS, BCPPS, BCCCP, CNSC
• Don Weinberger, PharmD

******

The clinical resources mentioned during the podcast are part of a subscription to Pharmacist’s Letter, Pharmacy Technician’s Letter, and Prescriber Insights:

• Chart: Oral Meds to Keep in Original Containers
• Tech Tutorial: Medication Disposal in the Hospital

******

Don’t miss out! Subscribe to Pharmacist’s Letter today to stay ahead with trusted insights and tools. If you're a student, good news—students can access a free version of Pharmacist’s Letter.

Rumor vs Truth is a production of TRC Healthcare.

Send us a text

If you’re not yet a subscriber, find out more about our product offerings at trchealthcare.com.

Follow, rate, and review this show in your favorite podcast app. Find the show on YouTube by searching for ‘TRC Healthcare’ or clicking here.

You can also reach out to provide feedback or make suggestions by emailing us at ContactUs@trchealthcare.com.