Is your favorite cold fix fact—or folklore? In this episode, hosts Don and Steve team up with special guest Jeff Langford, PharmD, from TRC’s NatMed team, to bust the biggest myths about natural remedies for cold and flu. Together, they dig into the roots of popular remedies—from pharmacy shelves to grandma’s kitchen—to uncover what’s backed by evidence.

🍯 Is honey for cough a sweet solution or just a sticky myth?
🫐 Elderberry syrup: flu fighter or fruity fad?
🌱 Are homeopathic flu remedies backed by science?

Get ready for the verdict on these popular claims:

• Vitamin C and zinc can shorten cold symptoms.
• Honey is effective for cough.
• Elderberry can treat the flu.
• Homeopathic products, such as oscillococcinum, can prevent or treat the flu.

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TRC Healthcare Editor Hosts:

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

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Guest:

• Jeff Langford, PharmD, BCPS, BCCP (Managing Clinical Editor at TRC Healthcare for NatMed)

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CE Information:

None of the speakers have anything to disclose.

TRC Healthcare offers CE credit for this podcast for subscribers at our platinum level or higher. Log in to your Pharmacist’s Letter, Pharmacy Technician’s Letter, or Prescriber Insights account and look for the title of this podcast in the list of available CE courses.

Claim Credit

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Clinical Resources:

• Chart: Managing Cough and Cold Symptoms
• Chart: Managing Seasonal Allergies
• NatMed Pro 

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🌿🎙New show from today's guest: Natural Medicines: Evidence in Practice🎙🌿

• ✅ Sign up here for updates
• 🎧 Trailer + Follow on Apple Podcasts
• 🎧 Trailer + Follow on Spotify

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10% off a new or upgraded subscription with code rvt1025 at checkout.

🎓 Student free version of Pharmacist’s Letter.

Send us a text

Email us: rumorvstruth@trchealthcare.com

The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Find the show on YouTube by searching for ‘TRC Healthcare’ or clicking here.

Learn more about our product offerings at trchealthcare.com.

We loved our conversation with Dr. Jayson Chalmers, DDS so much that we’re sharing the full, never‑before‑heard interview. It goes deeper than our last episode “Dental Dilemmas” on the history of fluoridation, chemistry, dosing, safety signals, and what clinicians should actually recommend. 

** No CE credit for this bonus episode. (CE returns with our next regular episode on cold & flu.) **

 What you’ll learn:

• How fluoride prevents cavities (the hydroxyapatite → fluorapatite story) 
• Where the 2025 JAMA Pediatrics metaanalysis on fluoride exposure and children’s IQ fits (signal vs causality; exposure thresholds; study bias).  
• Practical guidance on OTC (~900 ppm) vs prescription (5000 ppm) toothpaste and counseling tips for kids and high-risk adults.  
• Community water fluoridation: historical context (Grand Rapids), outcomes, and how programs are tuned to ~0.7 mg/L today. 

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TRC Healthcare Editor Hosts:  

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

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Guest:  

• Jayson Chalmers, DDS 

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

• Chart: Alcohol and Drug Interactions
• FAQ: Management of Opioid Use Disorder
• Chart: Analgesics for Acute Pain in Adults
• Toolbox: Antibiotic Stewardship

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Don’t miss out! Subscribe today to stay ahead with trusted insights and tools.  

Our listeners can get 10% off a new or upgraded subscription with code rvt1025 at checkout.  

If you're a student, good news—students can access a free version of Pharmacist’s Letter.  

Send us a text

Email us: rumorvstruth@trchealthcare.com

The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Find the show on YouTube by searching for ‘TRC Healthcare’ or clicking here.

Learn more about our product offerings at trchealthcare.com.

In this episode, Don and Steve separate fact from fiction about meds and oral health.

💊 Could your favorite mouthwash be more “spirited” than you think?
😬 Can a key medication for opioid use disorder quietly sabotage your smile?
🦷 What really happens when you put aspirin on a toothache—relief, or regret? 

Ready to brush up on the facts and drill down to the truth? No need to sugarcoat it, our myth-busting pharmacist duo (and a special dentist guest expert) are here to rinse away the rumors and polish up the evidence!

Claims:

• Fluoride toothpastes and mouthwashes are harmful. 
• Alcohol-based mouthwashes should be avoided with metronidazole. 
• Patients need prophylactic antibiotics before most dental visits. 
• Putting aspirin directly on a tooth can help cure a toothache. 
• Sublingual or buccal buprenorphine is linked to tooth decay and cavities. 

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TRC Healthcare Editor Hosts:  

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

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Guest:  

• Jayson Chalmers, DDS 

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CE Information: 

None of the speakers have anything to disclose. 

TRC Healthcare offers CE credit for this podcast for subscribers at our platinum level or higher. Log in to your Pharmacist’s Letter, Pharmacy Technician’s Letter, or Prescriber Insights account and look for the title of this podcast in the list of available CE courses.

Claim Credit 

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Clinical Resources:  

• Chart: Alcohol and Drug Interactions 
• FAQ: Management of Opioid Use Disorder 
• Chart: Analgesics for Acute Pain in Adults 
• Toolbox: Antibiotic Stewardship 

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10% off a new or upgraded subscription with code rvt1025 at checkout.

🎓 Student free version of Pharmacist’s Letter. 

Send us a text

Email us: rumorvstruth@trchealthcare.com

The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Find the show on YouTube by searching for ‘TRC Healthcare’ or clicking here.

Learn more about our product offerings at trchealthcare.com.

In this “Quick Verdicts” episode, hosts Don Weinberger and Steve Small separate fact from fiction about whether acetaminophen use during pregnancy increases the risk of neurologic disorders in kids.   

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TRC Healthcare Editor Hosts:  

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

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

• Chart: Glossary of Study Design and Statistical Terms 
• Chart: Analgesics in Pregnancy and Lactation 
• Chart: Topical Medications in Pregnancy and Lactation 
• Toolbox: Resources for Discussing Medical Misinformation 
• Article: Put New Acetaminophen Pregnancy Warnings in Perspective 

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Don’t miss out! Subscribe to Pharmacist’s Letter today to stay ahead with trusted insights and tools.  

Our listeners can get 10% off a new subscription with code rvt1025 at checkout.  

If you're a student, good news—students can access a free version of Pharmacist’s Letter.  

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The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 

Rumor vs Truth is a production of TRC Healthcare. 

Send us a text

Email us: rumorvstruth@trchealthcare.com

The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Find the show on YouTube by searching for ‘TRC Healthcare’ or clicking here.

Learn more about our product offerings at trchealthcare.com.

In this episode, Don and Steve flex their clinical muscles and bust myths about testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) - from supplements to safety risks.

🐶 Can topical testosterone transfer to pets and kids?
💊 Are supplements like ginseng and vitamin D legit testosterone boosters?
❤️ Does testosterone increase cardiovascular risk?

Stick around as our pharmacist duo breaks down the evidence and shares insights on these hot-button hormone claims:

• Testosterone should be considered for ALL men with low testosterone levels, or “low T”
• Topical testosterone can transfer to other people and pets
• Some vitamins and supplements are safe and effective for increasing testosterone levels
• Testosterone products increase cardiovascular risks
• Testosterone can cause prostate cancer

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TRC Healthcare Editor Hosts: 

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

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Guest: 

• Caitlin Prather, PharmD, BCACP, AAHIVP, TTS

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

• Article: Put Testosterone Replacement Claims to the Test
• Chart: Comparison of Testosterone Products
• Chart: Hormones for Transgender Patients
• NatMed

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Don’t miss out! Subscribe today to stay ahead with trusted insights and tools. 

Our listeners can get 10% off a new subscription with code rvt1025 at checkout. 

🎓 If you're a student, good news—students can access a free version of Pharmacist’s Letter.  

Send us a text

Email us: rumorvstruth@trchealthcare.com

The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Find the show on YouTube by searching for ‘TRC Healthcare’ or clicking here.

Learn more about our product offerings at trchealthcare.com.

In this episode, hosts Don and Steve tackle one of the most common (and commonly misunderstood) skin conditions: acne. Joined by dermatology expert Sara Klockars, PharmD, BCPS, the team breaks down the myths, meds, and marketing claims that surround acne treatment. 

💊Do doxycycline and minocycline treat acne the same way? 
🧼Is it possible to wash your face TOO much?  
🪥And can toothpaste really help banish blemishes? 

🤔Pop in as we clear up the evidence and face the facts! 

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

• Certain foods can cause or worsen acne. 
• All oral tetracycline antibiotics work the same when treating acne. 
• Off-label meds (spironolactone, birth control) are effective for acne treatment. 
• Washing your face can actually worsen acne. 
• Household items (toothpaste, etc) can clear acne.

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TRC Healthcare Editor Hosts: 

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

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Guest:  

• Sara Klockars, PharmD, BCPS (TRC Healthcare Editor, Dermatology Specialist) 

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

• Chart: Pharmacotherapy of Acne
• Toolbox: Antimicrobial Stewardship

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Don’t miss out! Subscribe to Pharmacist’s Letter today to stay ahead with trusted insights and tools.  

Our listeners can get 10% off a new or upgraded subscription with code rvt1025 at checkout.

If you're a student, good news—students can access a free version of Pharmacist’s Letter.  

Send us a text

Email us: rumorvstruth@trchealthcare.com

The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Find the show on YouTube by searching for ‘TRC Healthcare’ or clicking here.

Learn more about our product offerings at trchealthcare.com.

In this episode, hosts Don Weinberger and Steve Small throw some serious shade at common sunscreen myths—and yes, Steve may or may not be rocking a fake sunburn.🌞

🧴 Does a higher SPF really mean better protection?
🌤️ Can sunscreen mess with your vitamin D levels?
⚠️ Are sunscreen ingredients secretly harmful?

 🕶️ Grab your shades and join our myth-busting duo as they shine a light on the facts about these hot-button sunscreen claims:

• The higher the SPF, the better for most people.
• Sunscreens reduce vitamin D production.
• Sunscreen isn’t as important for people with darker skin tones.
• Sunscreen ingredients are harmful to humans.
• Chemical and mineral sunscreens work the same way.

Whether you're a sunscreen slatherer or a sprayer, this episode radiates with clinical pearls, practical tips, and plenty of puns to keep your summer skin safe.

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TRC Healthcare Editor Hosts: 

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

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

• FAQ: Calcium and Vitamin D
• Article: Shed Light on Sunscreen Rumors
• FAQ: Shedding Light on Questions About Sunscreens
• Chart: Drug-Induced Photosensitivity
• Podcast: Clinical Capsules: To Vitamin D or Not to Vitamin D?

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Our listeners can get 10% off a new or upgraded subscription with code rvt1025 at checkout. 

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

Got a sunburn horror story or a sunscreen myth you’ve heard? Text us or visit trchealthcare.com/contact-us—we might feature it in the next episode!

Send us a text

Email us: rumorvstruth@trchealthcare.com

The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Find the show on YouTube by searching for ‘TRC Healthcare’ or clicking here.

Learn more about our product offerings at trchealthcare.com.

🎉 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.

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TRC Healthcare Editor Hosts: 

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

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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

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Our listeners can get 10% off a new or upgraded subscription with code rvt1025 at checkout. 

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

Send us a text

Email us: rumorvstruth@trchealthcare.com

The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Find the show on YouTube by searching for ‘TRC Healthcare’ or clicking here.

Learn more about our product offerings at 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.

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TRC Healthcare Editor Hosts: 

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

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Guest: 

• Gina Corely, PharmD (TRC Healthcare Editor)

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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

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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

Email us: rumorvstruth@trchealthcare.com

The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Find the show on YouTube by searching for ‘TRC Healthcare’ or clicking here.

Learn more about our product offerings at 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.

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TRC Healthcare Editor Hosts: 

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

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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 

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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

Email us: rumorvstruth@trchealthcare.com

The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Find the show on YouTube by searching for ‘TRC Healthcare’ or clicking here.

Learn more about our product offerings at trchealthcare.com.

In this episode, hosts Don Weinberger and Steve Small separate fact from fiction when it comes to claims about tetracyclines. 

🦷 Will doxycycline stain children’s teeth? 
☠️ Is expired tetracycline truly deadly? 
🐱 What do cats have to do with all this? 

🚴‍♂️ Let’s cycle through the facts! 

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

• Doxycycline should never be used in young kids due to teeth concerns.
• Doxycycline monohydrate is better than the hyclate version.
• Minocycline can permanently pigment skin.
• Expired tetracyclines are toxic.
• Tetracyclines shouldn’t be used in pregnancy.
• Tetracyclines shouldn’t be combined with milk.

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TRC Healthcare Editor Hosts:

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

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Guest: 

• Michael Deaney, PharmD, AAHIVP (Clinical Pharmacist, Children’s Hospital Colorado)

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

• Article: Sort Out Tetracycline Safety in Pregnancy and Lactation
• Chart: Antibiotics in Pregnancy and Lactation

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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

Email us: rumorvstruth@trchealthcare.com

The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Find the show on YouTube by searching for ‘TRC Healthcare’ or clicking here.

Learn more about our product offerings at trchealthcare.com.

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

 💧 Does drinking water actually help prevent symptoms? 
 🤕 Is acetaminophen safe for hangover headaches? 

 🔨 Let’s hammer out the facts! 

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

• Consuming fluids before, during, or after drinking will curb hangovers.
• Having beer before switching to harder drinks can prevent hangovers.
• Acetaminophen should be avoided after drinking.
• Some natural products can be used for hangovers.
• “Hydration clinics” are a hangover cure.

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TRC Healthcare Editor Hosts: 

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

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

• Article: Address Rumors vs Truths About Hangover Remedies
• Chart: Alcohol and Drug Interactions

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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

Email us: rumorvstruth@trchealthcare.com

The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Find the show on YouTube by searching for ‘TRC Healthcare’ or clicking here.

Learn more about our product offerings at trchealthcare.com.

In this premiere episode, hosts Don Weinberger and Steve Small separate fact from fiction about medication interactions with fruit juices. 

 🍊 Does that morning grapefruit really matter with your medications? 
 👍 Are some juices beneficial? 

 🍹 Let's squeeze out the truth! 

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

• You shouldn’t drink grapefruit juice with certain statins.
• There are other meds that interact with fruit juices.
• Juices can affect the absorption of ADHD stimulants (Adderall, etc).
• Sildenafil may be affected by more “exotic” juices.
• Fruit juices are actually good for certain meds.

TRC Healthcare Editor Hosts: 

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

Guest: 

• Gina Corley, 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: CYP’n on Grapefruit Juice With Statins – Do We Still Avoid?
• Chart: Drug Interactions: Cytochrome P450 (CYP), P-glycoprotein, and More

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

Email us: rumorvstruth@trchealthcare.com

The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Find the show on YouTube by searching for ‘TRC Healthcare’ or clicking here.

Learn more about our product offerings at trchealthcare.com.