Recently, there has been a lot of interest generated by a new FDA approval. Suzetrigine (Journavx) was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the management of pain. Although there is a lot of excitement about having a new tool in the toolbox, there are certain limitations that are important to consider. In this episode of Verified Rx, Dave Peterson, pharmacist and drug information specialist for the University of Utah Health joins us to discuss this exciting new non opioid medication.

Guest speakers:

Dave Peterson, PharmD, BCPS

Drug Information Specialist

University of Utah Drug Information Service

Host:

Kerry Schwarz, PharmD, MPH

Senior Clinical Manager, Evidence-Based Medicine and Outcomes

Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence (CPPE)

VerifiedRx Host

Show Notes:

[00:54-02:24] Information about Suzetrigine

[02:25-04:06] What distinguishes suzetrigine from other non-opioid analgesics

[04:07-05:09] What suzetrigine is indicated for

[05:10-06:14] How suzetrigine is being studied

[06:15-08:40] Surgical models and the endpoints that we commonly see in these studies

[08:41-10:25] Making sense of discordant study results

[10:26-12:02] Moving beyond the evidence to real world utilization of suzetrigine

[12:03-14:03] How cost factors into real-world utilization

[14:04-16:21] What Dave is keeping his eye on in terms of clinical concerns

[16:22-17:28] What Dave is excited about with the advent of suzetrigine

Links | Resources:

No pain, much gain?

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Traditional drug spending in the U.S. has surpassed specialty drug spending, and the primary force behind this trend is GLP-1 receptor agonists. These incretin-based therapies are transforming both the clinical and economic landscapes, from diabetes to obesity.

In this episode of the Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence’s VerifiedRx podcast, host Tori Richie, Senior Consulting Director of Intelligence at Sg2 is joined by Vizient colleagues Stacy Lauderdale, AVP of Evidence-Based Medicine, Heather Pace, Senior Clinical Manager of Ambulatory Care, and Emily Fitt, Intelligence Consultant at Sg2. They delve into a comprehensive discussion on GLP-1s, covering topics from telehealth services and patient management strategies to the unique attributes that set these therapies apart.

Grab your coffee and get comfortable. This isn’t just a conversation; it’s a front-row seat to how GLP-1s are reshaping the future of obesity management.

Guest speakers:

Stacy Lauderdale, Pharm.D, BCPS

Associate Vice President

Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

VerifiedRx Host

Heather Pace, Pharm.D

Sr. Clinical Manager of Ambulatory Care,

Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Emily Fitt, MHA, MPH

Consultant

Sg2

Host:

Tori Richie

Senior Consulting Director, Intelligence

Sg2

Sg2 Perspectives Host

Show Notes:

[02:24-04:50] How GLP-1 medications differ from traditional treatments and shift from use in diabetes to obesity management

[04:51-05:54] The most common side effects of GLP-1 therapies and how clinicians can effectively manage patients

[05:55-08:49] Treatment teams for obesity management and the role of the pharmacist in the management of GLP-1 medications

[08:50-10:51] Challenges providers face integrating GLP-1 medications into practice

[10:16-13:20] Quality or outcome concerns with individuals who receive GLP-1 medications from telehealth providers

[13:21-15:01] Trends shaping this landscape

[15:02-21:14] Best practices that providers should deploy

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Widespread vaccination efforts declared measles eliminated in the United States in 2000. However, recent outbreaks have reignited public health concerns. The country is experiencing a growing number of measles cases with clusters reported in several states. A highly contagious virus, measles, poses serious risks, especially to unvaccinated individuals and vulnerable patient populations. Dr. John Schoen, Senior Clinical Manager of Drug Information at the Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence, discusses the current outbreak, measles vaccine strategies, and answers questions about prevention and public health impact with Stacy Lauderdale, Associate Vice President at the Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence and your VerifiedRx program host.

Guest speakers:

John Schoen, Pharm.D, BCPS

Senior Clinical Manager of Drug Information

Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Host:

Stacy Lauderdale, Pharm.D, BCPS

Associate Vice President

Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[01:12-03:30] Are we in an unprecedented situation in the United States?

[03:31-05:49] A brief overview about measles

[05:50-08:03] Overview of the MMR vaccine

[08:04-10:15] MMR vaccination rate in the United States

[10:16-12:27] Is there a link between autism and MMR vaccine

[12:28-14:47] Does the MMR vaccine cause measles?

[14:48-18:04] 1 vs. 2 doses of the MMR vaccine in adults

[18:05-21:25] Measles postexposure prophylaxis

[21:26-23:40] Vitamin A and measles

Links | Resources:

Vizient Resources

Evidence Bites: 2025 Measles Outbreak

Resources

• Measles cases and outbreaks: https://www.cdc.gov/measles/data-research/index.html
• 2013 MMWR measles recommendations: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr6204a1.htm#Tab3
• CDC measles vaccine recommendations: https://www.cdc.gov/measles/hcp/vaccine-considerations/index.html#cdc_generic_section_5-post-exposure-prophylaxis-for-measles
• HAN alert 2025 outbreak: https://www.cdc.gov/han/2025/han00522.html
• American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations: https://publications.aap.org/redbook/book/755/chapter/14079321/Measles?autologincheck=redirected
• Information about the MMR vaccines: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/mmr/hcp/about.htm

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Prothrombin complex concentrates (PCCs) are frequently used off label for the management of factor Xa inhibitor-associated major bleeding.

In 2018, accelerated approval was granted for andexanet alfa, a specific factor Xa inhibitor reversal agent, for reversal of apixaban and rivaroxaban in the setting of life-threatening or uncontrolled bleeding.

Following accelerated approval, some clinical practice guidelines were updated to include recommendations for andexanet alfa preferentially over PCCs for reversal of life-threatening or uncontrolled bleeding due to rivaroxaban or apixaban. Other guidelines stated no preference of andexanet alfa over PCC.

In 2020, Vizient convened an expert panel to critically appraise the literature and provide consensus-based, expert opinions on the utilization of pharmacological reversal agents for factor Xa-related major bleeding. Since then, the body of literature evaluating these agents has expanded to include a randomized controlled trial, ANNEXa-I, the results of which were submitted to the US Food and Drug Administration to convert the approval of andexanet alfa from accelerated to full approval.

Dr. Lisa Baumann-Kreuziger, Associate Professor of Hematology and Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin and medical director of the Antithrombotic Therapy Management Program at Froedtert Health discusses the current status of management of factor Xa inhibitor-associated major bleeding with Dr. Kerry Schwarz, Senior Clinical Manager of Evidence-Based Medicine and Outcomes with the Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence, and your program host.

Guest speakers: Liza Baumann-Kreuziger, MD, MS Investigator, Blood Research Institute, Versiti Associate Professor of Hematology and Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin Medical Director, Antithrombotic Therapy Management Program at Froedtert Health

Host: Kerry Schwarz, Pharm.D, MPH Senior Clinical Manager of Evidence-Based Medicine and Outcomes Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[02:25-04:26] The current state of hemostatic management in the setting of factor Xa inhibitor-related major bleeding

[04:27- 05:35] Limitations of available evidence making clinical practice and formulary decision making so challenging

[05:35 – 10:52] Publication of the first randomized controlled trial, ANNEXa-I, comparing andexanet alfa to usual care

[10:52-14:49] Meeting of the FDA advisory committee and subsequent complete response letter

[14:50-16:45] How we can approach clinical management of patients and formulary decision-making in the current state

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Drug shortages continue to pose significant challenges for hospitals and health systems. While they gained national attention during the COVID-19 pandemic, pharmacy departments have managed them for decades. During high-profile shortages, institutions must rapidly establish command centers, engage stakeholders, and implement plans for frontline staff. Once resolved, shortages often recede from immediate focus until the next crisis emerges. However, pharmacy departments consistently manage shortages on a daily basis, often without recognition.

Dr. Kyle Hoelting, Sr. Clinical Manager of Drug Information and Drug Shortages at Vizient, Dr. Heather Warhurst, Director of Drug Use Policy, Quality Initiative and Regulatory at IU Health, and Dr. Chris Nagy, Medication Sourcing and Supply Pharmacist at Intermountain Health join us to discuss a Vizient workgroup project designed to measure the impact of drug shortages and highlight the crucial role of pharmacists in their management.

Guest speakers:

Heather Warhurst, Pharm.D, MHA

Director of Drug Use Policy, Quality Initiative and Regulatory

IU Health

Chris Nagy, Pharm.D, BCPS

Medication Sourcing and Supply Pharmacist

Intermountain Health

Kyle Holting, Pharm.D, BCPS

Senior Clinical Manager of Drug Information

Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Host:

Stacy Lauderdale, Pharm.D, BCPS

Associate Vice President

Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[01:18-02:29] Heather and Chris introductions

[02:30-04:00] Vizient drug shortage key performance indicators (KPI) workgroup series

[04:01-10:04] Labor and Inventory drug shortage KPIs

[07:50-16:56] Patient Safety and Stress to Front Line Staff drug shortage KPIs

[16:57-18:32] Call to Action

Links | Resources:

Key performance indicators for the management of drug shortages

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The widespread use of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) in children has dramatically lowered the incidence of pneumococcal disease through direct and indirect effects. Despite this progress, pneumococcal pneumonia still leads to more than 200,000 adult hospitalizations annually in the United States. Older adults, individuals with underlying health conditions, and certain racial groups continue to experience higher rates of pneumococcal disease. Dr. John Schoen, Senior Clinical Manager of Drug Information at the Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence, joins Program Host Stacy Lauderdale to discuss the newest adult pneumococcal vaccine, PCV21, and recent updates to age-based pneumococcal vaccine recommendations.

Guest speakers:

John Schoen, Pharm.D, BCPS

Senior Clinical Manager of Drug Information

Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Host:

Stacy Lauderdale, Pharm.D, BCPS

Associate Vice President

Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[01:25-02:53] Background on PCV21

[02:54-07:56] Difference between PCV20 and PCV21

[07:57-16:15] Discussing the new ACIP recommendation to move the universal age for pneumococcal vaccination from 65 years of age down to 50 years of age and older

[08:31-16:15] Why a healthy 50-year-old who has no risk factors for invasive pneumococcal disease should get a pneumococcal vaccination

[16:16-17:57] Summary of other changes in the most recent MMWR

[17:58-19:34] What organizations consider when selecting specific pneumococcal vaccines

[19:35-21:18] What’s in the pipeline for pneumococcal vaccines

Links | Resources:

Publicly available resources

Previous VerifiedRx podcasts on pneumococcal vaccines:

• What’s pneu with pneumococcal vaccines? – March 29, 2022
• What’s pneu part 2: pneumococcal vaccines update – February 13, 2024

January 2024 MMWR - ACIP recommendations for the use of PCV in adults ≥ 50 years of age

Vizient client exclusive resources

2025 pneumococcal vaccines side-by-side comparison

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Prescription opioids continue to be the most frequently misused prescription drugs in the United States, having caused nearly 300,000 deaths over the past two decades. Signed into law in 2022, the No Pain Act expands Medicare reimbursement for specific non-opioid pain management options. Carolyn Liptak, Pharmacy Executive Director in the Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence, and Dr. Phil Mentler, Senior Consulting Director at Vizient join Program Host Stacy Lauderdale to discuss the implications of the No Pain Act, which took effect on January 1, 2025.

Guest speakers:

Carolyn Liptak, MBA, RPh

Pharmacy Executive Director

Vizient

Phillipe Mentler, Pharm.D, BCPS

Senior Consulting Director

Vizient

Host:

Stacy Lauderdale, Pharm.D, BCPS

Associate Vice President

Vizient

Show Notes:

[01:49-03:48] Background on the No Pain Act

[03:49-05:03] What is new as of January 1, 2025

[05:04-05:37] The difference between a hospital outpatient department versus an ambulatory surgical center

[05:38-06:30] Other drugs and or devices that are on the list other than Exparel

[06:31-07:42] What specifically prevents multi modal drugs and therapy from being added to the list

[07:43-08:24] Specific language that needs to be included in the FDA labeling for non-opioids to be considered for reimbursement under the Act

[08:25-10:50] Reimbursement basics of the NO PAIN Act

[14:32-15:44] Reimbursement

[15:45-17:04] The importance of opioids in pain management

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Historically, Vizient has published the Pharmacy Market Outlook biannually. This year, we are introducing the Spend Management Outlook, which integrates the comprehensive insights from the Pharmacy Market Outlook with the Vizient Budget Impact Report. This new report enhances strategic planning by aligning pricing projections across the healthcare supply chain and providing key market insights. Dr. Carina Dolan, Associate Vice President of Clinical Oncology, Pharmacoeconomics, & Market Insights, and Jeff King, Director of Research and Intelligence at Vizient, join Program Host Carolyn Liptak to discuss the unique features and critical importance of the new Spend Management Outlook.

Guest speakers:

Carina Dolan, Pharm. D., MS Pharm, BCOP

Associate Vice President, Clinical Oncology, Pharmacoeconomics and Market Insights

Vizient

Jeff King

Research and Intelligence Director

Vizient

Host:

Carolyn Liptak, MBA, BS Pharm

Vizient

Show Notes:

[01:06-01:56] Jeff’s background and role

[01:57-02:50] The transition from Pharmacy Market Outlook and Budget Impact Report to Spend Management Outlook

[02:51-03:28] Defining spend management

[03:29-04:43] Key insights into spend management categories med-surg and laboratory

[04:44-06:01] Key insights into spend management categories Capital equipment and physician preferences insights

[06:02-07:23] Enhancements to pharmacy projections of this edition

[07:24-08:39] Spend management projection methodology

[08:40-09:34] The spend management projections

Links | Resources:

Spend Management Outlook

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