Updated COPD Guidelines: Strategies for Treatment and Management

Updated COPD Guidelines: Strategies for Treatment and Management

Updated COPD guidelines are reshaping how soon patients start daily inhalers—and what therapies make the most sense based on symptoms and risk. In this episode, TRC Healthcare Associate Editor and Clinical Pharmacist Don Weinberger, PharmD, PMSP, reviews practical, guideline-based strategies for treating and managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Don highlights common factors that increase exacerbation risk and explains how current recommendations aim to better match therapy to patient needs. He also clarifies key differences between COPD and asthma, walks through the main goals of COPD management, and reviews where short- and long-acting bronchodilators, as well as inhaled corticosteroids, fit into care. The discussion includes when to escalate treatment, common inhaler technique mistakes that limit effectiveness, and non-drug strategies that can help keep patients out of the hospital. In this episode, you’ll hear about: * How updated guidelines approach COPD treatment and escalation * When to use short-acting inhalers, dual bronchodilators, or triple therapy * Common inhaler technique errors that increase exacerbation risk * The role of smoking cessation, vaccinations, and adherence in improving outcomes This is an excerpt from our February 2026 Pharmacy Essential Updates continuing education webinar series. 🏷️ Use code cc1026 at checkout [https://trchealthcare.com/shop/?trc_promo=cc1026] for 10% off a new or upgraded subscription. ****** CE Information: TRC Healthcare offers CE credit for this podcast for pharmacist subscribers at our platinum level or higher and pharmacy technician subscribers. Log in [https://trchealthcare.com/login/] to your Pharmacist’s Letter or Pharmacy Technician’s Letter account and look for the title of this podcast in the list of available CE courses. None of the speakers have anything to disclose. Claim Credit [https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/course/view.php?idnumber=26-650] ****** Clinical Resources from Pharmacist’s Letter, Pharmacy Technician’s Letter, and Prescriber Insights:  * Article: Clear the Air With New COPD Guidelines [https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/local/trc_custom/trc_url_resolver.php?path=/Content/Articles/PL/2026/Feb/Clear-the-Air-With-New-COPD-Guidelines] * Chart: Inhaled Medications for COPD [https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/local/trc_custom/trc_url_resolver.php?path=/Content/Segments/PRL/2015/Jan/Inhaled-Medications-for-COPD-7969] * Algorithm: Improving COPD Care [https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/local/trc_custom/trc_url_resolver.php?path=/Content/Segments/PRL/2015/May/Improving-COPD-Care-8431] * Algorithm: Stepwise Treatment of Asthma (12 Years and Older) [https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/local/trc_custom/trc_url_resolver.php?path=/Content/Segments/PRL/2014/Dec/Stepwise-Treatment-of-Asthma-12-years-and-older-7836] * Algorithm: Stepwise Treatment of Asthma (Under 12 Years of Age) [https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/local/trc_custom/trc_url_resolver.php?path=/Content/Segments/PRL/2018/Apr/Stepwise-Treatment-of-Asthma-Under-12-years-of-Age-12123] Don’t miss out! Subscribe today to stay ahead with trusted insights and tools.  🎓 Are you a student? Great news—students can access a free version [https://login.therapeuticresearch.com/realms/trcSubscribers/protocol/openid-connect/registrations?client_id=ProfmanClient&response_type=code&scope=openid&code_challenge_method=S256&code_challenge=TLbI3CFp8snPD6CWEMGeBPhnjQBpQGNUxbqH3eJ-Asc&redirect_uri=https://account.therapeuticresearch.com/profile/account/new-student&response_mode=query&state=257d3831-d9bb-4863-8ec8-bb61b6914058&nonce=e216c68e-31cc-4c65-9144-ca806d84d5e1®_type=SPH] of Pharmacist’s Letter. 🗪 Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2442384/fan_mail/new] Email us: ContactUs@trchealthcare.com [ContactUs@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 [https://www.youtube.com/@trc.healthcare]. Learn more about our product offerings at trchealthcare.com [http://www.trchealthcare.com].

Beyond the Cuff: Measuring and Monitoring Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is one of the most commonly measured — and most commonly misread — vitals in healthcare. In this episode, TRC Healthcare Associate Editor and Clinical Pharmacist Vickie Danaher, PharmD, discusses how pharmacists and pharmacy technicians can help patients better manage hypertension. She goes over how to choose the right home blood pressure monitor, ways to use it correctly, and tips for getting the most accurate readings. This is an excerpt from our March 2026 Pharmacy Essential Updates continuing education webinar series. 🏷️ Use code cc1026 at checkout [https://trchealthcare.com/shop/?trc_promo=cc1026] for 10% off a new or upgraded subscription. ****** CE Information: TRC Healthcare offers CE credit for this podcast for pharmacist subscribers at our platinum level or higher and pharmacy technician subscribers. Log in [https://trchealthcare.com/login/] to your Pharmacist’s Letter or Pharmacy Technician’s Letter account and look for the title of this podcast in the list of available CE courses. None of the speakers have anything to disclose. Claim Credit [https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/course/view.php?idnumber=26-649] ****** Clinical Resources from Pharmacist’s Letter, Pharmacy Technician’s Letter, and Prescriber Insights:  * Article: Avoid Common Blood Pressure Measurement Errors [https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/local/trc_custom/trc_url_resolver.php?path=/Content/Articles/PL/2026/Mar/Avoid-Common-Blood-Pressure-Measurement-Errors] * Checklist: Measuring Blood Pressure [https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/local/trc_custom/trc_url_resolver.php?path=/Content/Segments/PRL/2018/Jan/Measuring-Blood-Pressure-Checklist-11821] Don’t miss out! Subscribe today to stay ahead with trusted insights and tools.  🎓 Are you a student? Great news—students can access a free version [https://login.therapeuticresearch.com/realms/trcSubscribers/protocol/openid-connect/registrations?client_id=ProfmanClient&response_type=code&scope=openid&code_challenge_method=S256&code_challenge=TLbI3CFp8snPD6CWEMGeBPhnjQBpQGNUxbqH3eJ-Asc&redirect_uri=https://account.therapeuticresearch.com/profile/account/new-student&response_mode=query&state=257d3831-d9bb-4863-8ec8-bb61b6914058&nonce=e216c68e-31cc-4c65-9144-ca806d84d5e1®_type=SPH] of Pharmacist’s Letter. 🗪 Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2442384/fan_mail/new] Email us: ContactUs@trchealthcare.com [ContactUs@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 [https://www.youtube.com/@trc.healthcare]. Learn more about our product offerings at trchealthcare.com [http://www.trchealthcare.com].

Hair Loss in Men: Treating Male Pattern Baldness

Male pattern baldness is more than a cosmetic concern – and patients often turn to the pharmacy first for answers. In this episode, TRC Healthcare Associate Editor and Clinical Pharmacist Don Weinberger, PharmD, PMSP, discusses treating male pattern baldness. He reviews the underlying mechanism of hair loss and compares evidence-based treatment options, including oral finasteride, topical minoxidil, and more. Don also provides practical counseling points, including adverse effects, expected timelines for hair regrowth, and why the effects are typically not permanent once treatment is stopped.  This is an excerpt from our January 2026 Pharmacy Essential Updates continuing education webinar series. 🏷️ Use code cc1026 at checkout [https://trchealthcare.com/shop/?trc_promo=cc1026] for 10% off a new or upgraded subscription.  ****** CE Information: TRC Healthcare offers CE credit for this podcast for pharmacist subscribers at our platinum level or higher and pharmacy technician subscribers. Log in [https://trchealthcare.com/login/] to your Pharmacist’s Letter or Pharmacy Technician’s Letter account and look for the title of this podcast in the list of available CE courses. None of the speakers have anything to disclose. Claim Credit [https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/course/view.php?idnumber=26-648] ****** Clinical Resources from Pharmacist’s Letter, Pharmacy Technician’s Letter, and Prescriber Insights:  * Article: Get to the Root of Male Pattern Baldness Treatments [https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/local/trc_custom/trc_url_resolver.php?path=/Content/Articles/PL/2026/Jan/Get-to-the-Root-of-Male-Pattern-Baldness-Treatments] * Chart: Treatment and Prevention of Hair Loss [https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/local/trc_custom/trc_url_resolver.php?path=/Content/Segments/PRL/2011/Feb/Treatment-and-Prevention-of-Hair-Loss-11588] * Podcast: Rumor vs Truth – Hair Loss Treatments [https://rumorvstruth.buzzsprout.com/episodes/18678265] Don’t miss out! Subscribe today to stay ahead with trusted insights and tools.  🎓 Are you a student? Great news—students can access a free version [https://login.therapeuticresearch.com/realms/trcSubscribers/protocol/openid-connect/registrations?client_id=ProfmanClient&response_type=code&scope=openid&code_challenge_method=S256&code_challenge=TLbI3CFp8snPD6CWEMGeBPhnjQBpQGNUxbqH3eJ-Asc&redirect_uri=https://account.therapeuticresearch.com/profile/account/new-student&response_mode=query&state=257d3831-d9bb-4863-8ec8-bb61b6914058&nonce=e216c68e-31cc-4c65-9144-ca806d84d5e1®_type=SPH] of Pharmacist’s Letter. 🗪 Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2442384/fan_mail/new] Email us: ContactUs@trchealthcare.com [ContactUs@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 [https://www.youtube.com/@trc.healthcare]. Learn more about our product offerings at trchealthcare.com [http://www.trchealthcare.com].

Semaglutide Becomes the First ORAL GLP-1 Approved for Weight Loss

A new oral option is changing the GLP-1 landscape for weight loss, along with raising questions about efficacy, dosing, and when switching products makes sense. In this episode, TRC Healthcare Associate Editor and Clinical Pharmacist Vickie Danaher, PharmD discusses how semaglutide became the first FDA-approved oral GLP-1 agonist for obesity. She breaks down how it works, how it compares to injectable options, and dosing considerations for patients. Vickie also walks through key counseling points around administration, side effects, cost, and product mix-ups, and offers practical guidance on when switching between injectable and oral semaglutide may or may not be the right choice. This is an excerpt from our February 2026 Pharmacy Essential Updates continuing education webinar series. 🏷️ Use code cc1026 at checkout [https://trchealthcare.com/shop/?trc_promo=cc1026] for 10% off a new or upgraded subscription.  ****** CE Information: TRC Healthcare offers CE credit for this podcast for pharmacist subscribers at our platinum level or higher and pharmacy technician subscribers. Log in [https://trchealthcare.com/login/] to your Pharmacist’s Letter or Pharmacy Technician’s Letter account and look for the title of this podcast in the list of available CE courses. None of the speakers have anything to disclose. Claim Credit [https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/course/view.php?idnumber=26-647] ****** Clinical Resources from Pharmacist’s Letter, Pharmacy Technician’s Letter, and Prescriber Insights:  * Article: Explain How New ORAL Semaglutide Stacks Up for Weight Loss [https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/local/trc_custom/trc_url_resolver.php?path=/Content/Articles/PL/2026/Feb/Explain-How-New-ORAL-Semaglutide-Stacks-Up-for-Weight-Loss] * Interactive Chart: GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Interactive Comparison Chart [https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/local/trc_custom/trc_url_resolver.php?path=/Content/Segments/PRL/2025/May/GLP-1-and-GIP-GLP-1-Receptor-Agonist-Interactive-Comparison-Chart-S2505002] * Resource: Comparison of Weight Loss Products [https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/local/trc_custom/trc_url_resolver.php?path=/Content/Segments/PRL/2017/Jan/Comparison-of-Weight-Loss-Products-10572] Don’t miss out! Subscribe today to stay ahead with trusted insights and tools.  🎓 Are you a student? Great news—students can access a free version [https://login.therapeuticresearch.com/realms/trcSubscribers/protocol/openid-connect/registrations?client_id=ProfmanClient&response_type=code&scope=openid&code_challenge_method=S256&code_challenge=TLbI3CFp8snPD6CWEMGeBPhnjQBpQGNUxbqH3eJ-Asc&redirect_uri=https://account.therapeuticresearch.com/profile/account/new-student&response_mode=query&state=257d3831-d9bb-4863-8ec8-bb61b6914058&nonce=e216c68e-31cc-4c65-9144-ca806d84d5e1®_type=SPH] of Pharmacist’s Letter. 🗪 Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2442384/fan_mail/new] Email us: ContactUs@trchealthcare.com [ContactUs@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 [https://www.youtube.com/@trc.healthcare]. Learn more about our product offerings at trchealthcare.com [http://www.trchealthcare.com].

Managing Opioid Overdose: Signs, Symptoms, and Reversal Agents

Opioid overdoses remain a leading cause of preventable death - and pharmacy teams are on the front lines of response. In this episode, TRC Healthcare Associate Editor and Clinical Pharmacist Don Weinberger, PharmD, PMSP, discusses how to recognize opioid overdose, compares naloxone and nalmefene options including the new nalmefene auto-injector, and shares tips for counseling patients and caregivers on using opioid reversal agents effectively. This is an excerpt from our December 2025 Pharmacy Essential Updates continuing education webinar series. ****** CE Information: TRC Healthcare offers CE credit for this podcast for pharmacist subscribers at our platinum level or higher and pharmacy technician subscribers. Log in [https://trchealthcare.com/login/] to your Pharmacist’s Letter or Pharmacy Technician’s Letter account and look for the title of this podcast in the list of available CE courses. None of the speakers have anything to disclose. Claim Credit [https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/course/view.php?idnumber=26-646] ****** Clinical Resources from Pharmacist’s Letter, Pharmacy Technician’s Letter, and Prescriber Insights:  * Article: Boost Access to Naloxone or Nalmefene [https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/local/trc_custom/trc_url_resolver.php?path=/Content/Articles/PL/2025/Dec/Boost-Access-to-Naloxone-or-Nalmefene] * FAQ: Meds for Opioid Overdose [https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/local/trc_custom/trc_url_resolver.php?path=/Content/Segments/PRL/2016/May/Meds-for-Opioid-Overdose-9754] * Toolbox: Appropriate Opioid Use [https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/local/trc_custom/trc_url_resolver.php?path=/Content/Segments/PRL/2016/May/Appropriate-Opioid-Use-9660] * Chart: Opioid Reversal Agents Quick Start Guide [https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/local/trc_custom/trc_url_resolver.php?path=/Content/Segments/PRL/2016/Aug/Opioid-Reversal-Agents-Quick-Start-Guide-10013] * FAQ: Management of Opioid Use Disorder [https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/local/trc_custom/trc_url_resolver.php?path=/Content/Segments/PRL/2015/Aug/Management-of-Opioid-Use-Disorder-8725] Don’t miss out! Subscribe today to stay ahead with trusted insights and tools.  🏷️ Use code cc1026 at checkout [https://trchealthcare.com/shop/?trc_promo=cc1026] for 10% off a new or upgraded subscription. 🎓 Are you a student? Great news—students can access a free version [https://login.therapeuticresearch.com/realms/trcSubscribers/protocol/openid-connect/registrations?client_id=ProfmanClient&response_type=code&scope=openid&code_challenge_method=S256&code_challenge=TLbI3CFp8snPD6CWEMGeBPhnjQBpQGNUxbqH3eJ-Asc&redirect_uri=https://account.therapeuticresearch.com/profile/account/new-student&response_mode=query&state=257d3831-d9bb-4863-8ec8-bb61b6914058&nonce=e216c68e-31cc-4c65-9144-ca806d84d5e1®_type=SPH] of Pharmacist’s Letter. 🗪 Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2442384/fan_mail/new] Email us: ContactUs@trchealthcare.com [ContactUs@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 [https://www.youtube.com/@trc.healthcare]. Learn more about our product offerings at trchealthcare.com [http://www.trchealthcare.com].