Rumor vs Truth - Evidence‑Based Mythbusting for Healthcare Professionals

Gabapentin

Gabapentin has become a go-to option across a wide range of clinical scenarios—but how well does it actually hold up under closer scrutiny? In this episode, Don Weinberger and Steve Small take a closer look at how gabapentin performs in real-world use—and where expectations may not match the data. * 🧠Does gabapentin meaningfully improve neuropathic pain outcomes—or are we overestimating its impact in everyday practice? * ⚠️ How should clinicians interpret safety concerns like dependence, cognitive effects, and mood changes when counseling patients? * 🔍 Are we using gabapentin for the right types of pain—or defaulting to it when evidence is limited? We’ll break down the data, challenge common assumptions, and follow the evidence wherever it leads—so you can separate clinical signal from background noise when evaluating gabapentin. Key claims explored in this episode include: * Gabapentin is modestly effective for neuropathic pain * Gabapentin is addictive * Gabapentin causes dementia * Gabapentin is associated with suicidal behavior You’ll also get quick clinical insights on: * Cardiovascular risk signals linked to gabapentin use * Whether gabapentin plays a role in treating anxiety disorders 🏷️ Our listeners can get 10% off a new or upgraded subscription with code rvt1026 at checkout [https://trchealthcare.com/shop/?trc_promo=rvt1026].  ****** TRC Healthcare Editor Hosts: * Stephen Small, PharmD, BCPS, BCPPS, BCCCP, CNSC  * Don Weinberger, PharmD, PMSP ****** Guest:  * Adam Kaye, PharmD, FASCP, FCPhA ****** 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 [https://trchealthcare.com/login/] 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 [https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/course/view.php?idnumber=26-669] ****** 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 Neuropathic Pain [https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/local/trc_custom/trc_url_resolver.php?path=/Content/Segments/PRL/2015/Nov/Pharmacotherapy-of-Neuropathic-Pain-9101] * FAQ: Treating Fibromyalgia [https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/local/trc_custom/trc_url_resolver.php?path=/Content/Segments/PRL/2017/Jun/Treating-Fibromyalgia-11179] * CE: Controlled Substance Prescription Validation [https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/course/view.php?id=7317] * Chart: Potentially Harmful Drugs: Beers Criteria [https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/local/trc_custom/trc_url_resolver.php?path=/Content/Segments/PRL/2015/Dec/Potentially-Harmful-Drugs-Beers-Criteria-9170] * Algorithm: Treatment of Hypertension [https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/local/trc_custom/trc_url_resolver.php?path=/Content/Segments/PRL/2014/Feb/Treatment-of-Hypertension-6595] * Chart: Pharmacotherapy of Anxiety Disorders [https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/local/trc_custom/trc_url_resolver.php?path=/Content/Segments/PRL/2014/Oct/Pharmacotherapy-of-Anxiety-Disorders-in-Adults-7553] ****** Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - Call or Text: 988 https://988lifeline.org/ [https://988lifeline.org/] ****** Don’t miss out! Subscribe today to stay ahead with trusted insights and tools.  🎓 If you're a student, good 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.   ****** Rumor vs Truth is a production of TRC Healthcare. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2442382/fan_mail/new] Email us: rumorvstruth@trchealthcare.com [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 [https://www.youtube.com/@trc.healthcare]. Learn more about our product offerings at trchealthcare.com [http://www.trchealthcare.com/].

BONUS: Mailbag - Should patients stop antibiotics early if they feel better?

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2442382/fan_mail/new]  Shorter antibiotic courses are becoming the norm—but that raises an important question we hear all the time: Can patients stop antibiotics early once they start feeling better? In this BONUS mailbag episode of Rumor vs Truth, we step outside our regular format to answer a single listener question submitted through our fan mail audio line. Hosts Don Weinberger, PharmD and Steve Small, PharmD revisit antimicrobial stewardship and bring back infectious‑diseases pharmacist Dr. Madeline King to break down what the evidence really tells us. Together, they discuss: * Why antibiotic durations have shortened over time * Whether stopping early increases the risk of resistance * Why “feeling better” doesn’t always mean the infection is resolved * When stopping early might be reasonable—and why that decision should still come from the prescriber * How pharmacists and clinicians can frame these conversations with patients No CE credit is available for this bonus episode. CE credit is available for our full episode on antimicrobial stewardship. ****** 🎧 Related Episode (CE Available) * Rumor vs Truth: Antimicrobial Stewardship (Are we overusing antibiotics?) 🎧Listen: https://rumorvstruth.buzzsprout.com/episodes/19034041 [https://rumorvstruth.buzzsprout.com/episodes/19034041] ▶️ Watch: https://youtu.be/L8m1g9Tq6Sw [https://youtu.be/L8m1g9Tq6Sw] ****** TRC Healthcare Editor Hosts * Steve Small, PharmD, BCPS, BCPPS, BCCCP, CNSC * Don Weinberger, PharmD, PMSP Guest * Madeline King, PharmD, BCIDP ****** Clinical Resources:  * Toolbox: Antimicrobial Stewardship [https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/local/trc_custom/trc_url_resolver.php?path=/Content/Segments/PRL/2015/Sep/Antimicrobial-Stewardship-8866] * FAQ: Antibiotic Therapy: When Are Shorter Courses Better? [https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/local/trc_custom/trc_url_resolver.php?path=/Content/Segments/PRL/2016/Nov/Antibiotic-Therapy-When-Are-Shorter-Courses-Better-10356] 🏷️ Our listeners can get 10% off a new or upgraded subscription with code rvt1026 at checkout [https://trchealthcare.com/shop/?trc_promo=rvt1026].   ******  Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2442382/fan_mail/new] Email us: rumorvstruth@trchealthcare.com [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 [https://www.youtube.com/@trc.healthcare]. Learn more about our product offerings at trchealthcare.com [http://www.trchealthcare.com/].

Antimicrobial Stewardship

Antimicrobial stewardship is everywhere—but best approaches are still debated. In this episode, Don and Steve separate fact from fiction around antimicrobial stewardship - taking a closer look at how antibiotics are used in everyday practice—and where common beliefs may fall short. * 🦠 Does antimicrobial stewardship actually reduce antibiotic resistance? * ⏱️ Are shorter outpatient antibiotic courses—like 5 days—enough for most common infections? * 💊 When does the choice of antibiotic, route, or mechanism really matter? To answer those questions, we’ll narrow the spectrum of rumors and uncover the truth about these claims: * Stewardship isn’t reducing overall antibiotic resistance * Most outpatient infections only need 5 days of antibiotics * IV antibiotics are better than oral options * Bactericidal antibiotics are better than bacteriostatic ones 🏷️ 10% off a new or upgraded subscription with code rvt1026 at checkout [https://trchealthcare.com/shop/?trc_promo=rvt1026]. ****** TRC Healthcare Editor Hosts: * Stephen Small, PharmD, BCPS, BCPPS, BCCCP, CNSC * Don Weinberger, PharmD, PMSP Guests:  * Madeline King, PharmD, BCIDP * John Turtle, PharmD, MBA ****** CE Information: For the purposes of disclosure, Dr. Madeline King reports a relevant financial relationship with Shionogi (speakers bureau for cefiderocol). The other speakers have nothing to disclose. All relevant financial relationships have been mitigated. TRC Healthcare offers CE credit for this podcast for subscribers at our platinum level or higher. Log in [https://trchealthcare.com/login/] 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 [https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/course/view.php?idnumber=26-668] Resources: * Toolbox: Antimicrobial Stewardship [https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/local/trc_custom/trc_url_resolver.php?path=/Content/Segments/PRL/2015/Sep/Antimicrobial-Stewardship-8866] * FAQ: Antibiotic Therapy: When Are Shorter Courses Better? [https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/local/trc_custom/trc_url_resolver.php?path=/Content/Segments/PRL/2016/Nov/Antibiotic-Therapy-When-Are-Shorter-Courses-Better-10356] * Chart: Urinary Tract Infections [https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/local/trc_custom/trc_url_resolver.php?path=/Content/Segments/PRL/2016/Jul/Urinary-Tract-Infections-9909] * Chart: Antibiotics in Pregnancy and Lactation [https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/local/trc_custom/trc_url_resolver.php?path=/Content/Segments/PRL/2009/Jun/Antibiotics-in-Pregnancy-and-Lactation-1547] * FAQ: Managing Beta-Lactam Allergies [https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/local/trc_custom/trc_url_resolver.php?path=/Content/Segments/PRL/2016/Mar/Managing-Beta-Lactam-Allergies-9512] * Chart: Considerations for IV-to-PO Conversions [https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/local/trc_custom/trc_url_resolver.php?path=/Content/Segments/PRL/2018/Jul/Considerations-for-IV-to-PO-Conversions-12535] Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2442382/fan_mail/new] Email us: rumorvstruth@trchealthcare.com [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 [https://www.youtube.com/@trc.healthcare]. Learn more about our product offerings at trchealthcare.com [http://www.trchealthcare.com/].

Artificial Intelligence

AI is fast. AI is fluent. AI is confident. But is it clinically trustworthy? 🤖 AI can generate answers in seconds. But good healthcare decisions require more than speed. As AI tools become more accessible across healthcare, the line between assistance and authority is starting to blur. Don and Steve put artificial intelligence under the microscope—cutting through hype to examine how AI is actually performing in healthcare today. They tackle the questions healthcare professionals are already facing: 🧠 Which clinical tasks can AI reliably support—and which still require human judgment?  ⚠️ Is it actually helping clinicians — or quietly creating new risks?  📋 When AI gives a medical answer, how often is it accurate… and how often is it confidently wrong?  🎓 How should AI be used (or limited) when training the next generation of clinicians? Then they put the evidence behind these claims to the test: * AI will fully replace healthcare professionals * Using AI improves patient safety * AI generated medical answers are more accurate than humans * Healthcare students should use AI 🏷️ Our listeners can get 10% off a new or upgraded subscription with code rvt1026 at checkout [https://trchealthcare.com/shop/?trc_promo=rvt1026].  ****** TRC Healthcare Editor Hosts:  * Stephen Small, PharmD, BCPS, BCPPS, BCCCP, CNSC  * Don Weinberger, PharmD, PMSP Guests: * Vickie Danaher, PharmD * John Turtle, PharmD, MBA ****** 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 [https://trchealthcare.com/login/] 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 [https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/course/view.php?idnumber=26-667] ****** Clinical resources: * FAQ: Artificial Intelligence in Pharmacy Practice [https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/local/trc_custom/trc_url_resolver.php?path=/Content/Segments/PRL/2025/Oct/Artificial-Intelligence-in-Pharmacy-Practice-S2510010] * Checklist: Responding to Med Errors [https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/local/trc_custom/trc_url_resolver.php?path=/Content/Segments/PRL/2021/Nov/Responding-to-Med-Errors-S2111005] * Toolbox: Resources for Discussing Medical Misinformation [https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/local/trc_custom/trc_url_resolver.php?path=/Content/Segments/PRL/2025/Jul/Resources-for-Discussing-Medical-Misinformation-S2507003] * Article: Weave AI Into Your Plan for Precepting Learners [https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/local/trc_custom/trc_url_resolver.php?path=/Content/Articles/PL/2026/Jan/Weave-AI-Into-Your-Plan-for-Precepting-Learners] * Toolbox: Preceptor’s Guide [https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/local/trc_custom/trc_url_resolver.php?path=/Content/Segments/PRL/2019/Aug/Preceptor-s-Guide-S1908008] ****** Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2442382/fan_mail/new] Email us: rumorvstruth@trchealthcare.com [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 [https://www.youtube.com/@trc.healthcare]. Learn more about our product offerings at trchealthcare.com [http://www.trchealthcare.com/].

Hair Loss Treatments

Hair today… gone tomorrow? Don and Steve are combing through the claims to find out what really works. In this episode, they separate fact from fiction about hair loss treatments, tackling everything from minoxidil and finasteride to natural remedies and trending techniques. 💊Does oral minoxidil really outperform topical versions? 🧴Is topical finasteride genuinely a safer workaround, or do the same systemic side effects still sneak through? 🌿Are “natural” options like rosemary oil and saw palmetto actually regrowing hair… or just regrowing rumors? Bad hair days meet bold claims — and our hosts are on the case. Strands, studies, and “so‑called solutions”… they pull out the magnifying glass to uncover the clinical truth. They’ll share research and insights into some eyebrow‑raising claims, including: * Oral minoxidil is more effective than topical versions for hair loss. * Topical finasteride doesn’t have systemic side effects seen with oral tablets. * Combining topical minoxidil with oral finasteride may be more effective than using them alone. * Saw palmetto and rosemary oil are effective for hair loss Plus, they tackle a trio of quick-hit myths—from family “in-hair‑itance” to grooming habits...and even a surprising pet danger. Our listeners can get 10% off a new or upgraded subscription with code rvt1026 at checkout [https://trchealthcare.com/shop/?trc_promo=rvt1026].  ****** TRC Healthcare Editor Hosts:  * Stephen Small, PharmD, BCPS, BCPPS, BCCCP, CNSC  * Don Weinberger, PharmD, PMSP Guest:  * Jeff Langford, PharmD, BCPS, BCCP (Managing Clinical Editor at TRC Healthcare for NatMed) ****** 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 [https://trchealthcare.com/login/] 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 [https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/course/view.php?idnumber=26-666] ****** The clinical resources mentioned during the podcast are part of a subscription to Pharmacist’s Letter, Pharmacy Technician’s Letter, and Prescriber Insights:  * 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] * 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] ****** Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2442382/fan_mail/new] ***** 📣 New Podcast!📣 🌱Natural Medicines: Evidence in Practice [https://naturalmedicines.buzzsprout.com/]  Evidence, not hype. Concise, clinician‑ready guidance on natural medicines and integrative care. Episode 1: GLP‑1s & Nutrition is live now! ***** Email us: rumorvstruth@trchealthcare.com [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 [https://www.youtube.com/@trc.healthcare]. Learn more about our product offerings at trchealthcare.com [http://www.trchealthcare.com/].