This reduction is mainly due to a decline in high school e-cigarette use, while middle school usage remained stable. The number of youth using e- cigarettes is now about one-third of the peak level in 2019. The survey also noted a decrease in the use of Elf Bar products, attributed to FDA enforcement actions. Despite these positive trends, concerns remain about any youth tobacco use, including nicotine pouches, and ongoing public health efforts are essential.
The Global Asthma Initiative (GINA) has updated its guidelines for 2025. Some ofthe key changes include looking at additional biomarkers for Type 2 inflammation,additional risk factors for severe exacerbation in adults, including environmentalfactors and air quality that they are exposed to, and the impact of extreme weather.The diagnosis criteria have also been updated for clarity because variability insymptoms and expiratory airflow are two distinct characteristics of Asthma.Additionally, a reference to a calculator of peak expiratory flow variability was alsoadded.
Treatment recommendations for adults are in two treatment tracks for better clarity,and due to poor access to some preferred combination inhaled products. The mainkey difference is the medication that is used for symptom relief. Track one maintainsan"as needed" inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) - formoterol combination product such asSymbicort or Dulera as the preferred treatment approach. Formoterol substantiallyreduces the risk of severe exacerbations and systemic corticosteroid exposure ascompared to short-acting beta agonists (SABA) based regimens. Also, thecombination products provide a simpler regimen and better overall compliance.
Track 2 uses the alternative approach of “as needed” SABA or as needed ICS-SABA(ie, Airsupra -combo product or albuterol and a steroid inhaler separately), which maybe a good option for patients with controlled stable asthma and no exacerbations. Itis recommended to ensure the patient is good with medication adherence beforeusing one of these suggested products.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Department of Defense alsoreleased updated clinical practice guidelines for Asthma in March 2025. Like the GINAguidelines, the VA also makes strong recommendations for the use of ICS incombination with a long-acting beta agonist (LABA) such as formoterol as both acontroller and reliever for those with uncontrolled asthma.
Lastly, the latest studies show that the use of Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI) has beenassociated with increased asthma incidence. While PPIs are used to manage GERD,which itself can also worsen symptoms of asthma, the use of PPIs may not be thebest option in asthma patients. If there are residents who are on PPIs and seem tocontinue having asthma that is uncontrolled, consider switching to an H2-receptorantagonist such as famotidine or ranitidine.
Asthma is a chronic condition that can affect many residents in the nursing homesetting. Proper management by identifying triggers, educating residents and staff,and having up-to-date knowledge of new and preferred treatment options can begreatly beneficial in better controlling and reducing asthma exacerbations in theelderly.
The vaccine manufacturers (Pfizer, Moderna) expect the new vaccine will be available mid to late August, while Novavax anticipates a slightly later release in September but still in time to begin the fall vaccine administrations once the final approval is received by the FDA. The current COVID-19 2023-24 vaccine is still approved for administration, likely for the remainder of the summer, however, production of the 2023-24 formulation has stopped as manufacturers gear for the new formulation.
Currently, Pfizer has stopped shipping all 2023-24 from Pfizer direct. Going forward, additional doses of Pfizer and Moderna may be obtained through regular wholesalers or vendors IF they have any more stock remaining. Once the 2023-24 is completely depleted from all Vendors, facilities should wait until the new formulation is available early fall.
Facilities are encouraged to review all patients who did not receive any vaccine or dose of the 2023-24 formula and administer it as a priority for those patients. For all others who have already received at least one dose of the 2023-24 formula in recent months, it may be beneficial to wait for the new formulation at the discretion of the healthcare provider and facility protocol.
The ACIP and CDC advisory group made official recommendations on June 27, 2024, for who should get the new vaccine in the fall. They continue to support vaccination against Covid-19 with one dose of the new 2024-25 formulation in all individuals ages 6 months and older irrespective of whether they were previously vaccinated for COVID-19.
Medications such as prednisone or methylprednisolone are some of the most commonly known offenders of affecting glycemic control in diabetics and even causing new onset diabetes or steroid induced diabetes. Management of glucose depends on duration of glucocorticoid therapy, and how well the patient’s glucose was controlled prior to initiating therapy.
Many drugs in this class can cause weight gain as a common side effect. As we know, obesity is a risk factor in contributing to or developing diabetes. Antipsychotics can also lead to insulin resistance. Some antipsychotics that more commonly affect glucose are Clozapine, Olanzapine, and Haloperidol. Alternatively, Ziprasidone is known to have less effects on glucose.
Specifically, thiazide diuretics are a common first line therapy and adjunct in the management of high blood pressure. Some thiazide diuretics are Metolazone and Hydrochlorothiazide. Thiazide diuretics can also cause increased glucose levels in addition to affecting electrolyte levels such as potassium (hypokalemia). Studies show that hypokalemia due to thiazide diuretics can cause diabetes and reduce insulin sensitivity.
It is likely that your diabetic resident has other comorbidities such as high cholesterol which require treatment with statins. Statins are also on the list of medications that can reduce insulin secretion and sensitivity. In diabetics, statins may increase the hemoglobin A1C slightly. However, if you look at the risk vs benefit of statin therapy vs the development of diabetes, statin therapy should be initiated as the benefit to prevent cardiovascular disease and can outweigh risks with hyperglycemia.
Beta blockers are commonly used for high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and heart failure. Metoprolol and atenolol are associated with increasing hemoglobin A1C but also associated with increased risk of hypoglycemia. It is also important to keep in mind that beta blockers can mask the symptoms of hypoglycemia.
This reduction is mainly due to a decline in high school e-cigarette use, while middle school usage remained stable. The number of youth using e- cigarettes is now about one-third of the peak level in 2019. The survey also noted a decrease in the use of Elf Bar products, attributed to FDA enforcement actions. Despite these positive trends, concerns remain about any youth tobacco use, including nicotine pouches, and ongoing public health efforts are essential.
Common examples include:
Prevention strategies include robust error identification, limiting access to these medications, staff and patient education, and ensuring rapid access to antidotes or reversal agents in case of errors. Vigilance and adherence to protocols are essential to mitigate risks associated with these medications.
Flu CPT/CVS Codes Product List
Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (VIS)
Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (VIS)
Pneumococcal Vaccine Timing for Adults
Here are five core ways we lead the industry in preventing medication errors:
Medication safety begins with how medications are packaged. At SpecialtyRx, we utilize blister packaging (bingo cards) featuring detailed drug information and unique barcodes on every unit. Most medications are pre-packaged and pre-verified by our licensed pharmacists before they even hit the pharmacy shelves—providing an early checkpoint for identifying potential errors.
Each medication dispensed goes through a two-tier verification process:
This rigorous process ensures accuracy and minimizes the risk of human error.
SpecialtyRx’s direct integration with facility Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems allows us to automatically populate prescriptions using the exact data entered at the point of care. This minimizes manual input and virtually eliminates transcription errors.
In addition, our secure EHR access means our pharmacists can log in to verify patient details, clarify questions, or confirm directions without delay—supporting faster, safer decision- making.
Our clinical pharmacists go beyond simple order processing—they provide a thorough review of every prescription to detect potential drug-drug interactions, allergy risks, and dosing concerns.
By utilizing tools like the Specialty 365 Dashboard, our team maintains close communication with facility staff to foster a collaborative, transparent, and highly responsive care environment.
Safety isn't static—it evolves. Our Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement (QA/QI) teams are dedicated to tracking trends, auditing processes, and analyzing occurrences to identify potential risks before they become issues.
Led by our compliance department, this continuous feedback loop allows us to develop proactive solutions, revise protocols, and implement best practices that drive industry-wide improvements in safety.
People are the heart of safety. That’s why our team is constantly learning and growing. From new hire onboarding to ongoing training and retraining, our training department works hand-in-hand with our compliance team to ensure every team member is equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to perform at the highest standard.
Weekly huddles, department meetings, and hands-on education keep our staff informed, engaged, and prepared to uphold the highest safety standards in every role.
Our focus is clear: to preserve medication integrity and support uninterrupted patient care, regardless of the forecast.
At SpecialtyRx, we begin preparing for the summer heat well in advance. Our pharmacy and logistics teams review and reinforce best practices for cold chain management and delivery protocols to ensure the protection of temperature-sensitive medications.
Here's how we ensure medications stay within the proper range during transport:
Temperature fluctuations can compromise the efficacy of medications and lead to waste. That’s why we remain vigilant — because patient safety is non-negotiable.
Summer weather can bring hurricanes, flash floods, and other natural disasters — especially in the southern regions we serve. SpecialtyRx maintains comprehensive emergency preparedness plans to ensure timely medication delivery and operational continuity in the event of any crisis.
Above all, we prioritize clear and proactive communication with facility teams to ensure that everyone is aligned and supported.
To help our partners stay prepared, we recommend the following actions:
Stay ahead – and in the know – in our rapidly evolving industry.
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Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Tropical Paradise Cruise Connect!
From engaging CE sessions to meaningful conversations (and maybe a few dance moves), it was an unforgettable day spent connecting with industry leaders and partners who share our commitment to advancing long-term care pharmacy.
We’re grateful for the opportunity to learn, grow, and cruise together — and we’re just getting started.
A special thank you to our friends at The Açaí Co. NJ, Pizza Biza, The Drip Bar, Hookahman Events, and Tovia Roth for their support in making this event a success!
#TBT We were honored to be invited as a vendor for the Gem City Grand Opening in Dayton, Ohio!
At SpecialtyRx, we’re proud to support our facility partners and show up where it counts. Thank you for the opportunity to be part of such a meaningful day; we’re excited to grow together in the Dayton community.
It's been a great few days at Florida Health Care Association's Annual Conference & Trade Show!
A huge thank you to everyone who stopped by the SpecialtyRx booth to connect, learn, and share. We loved meeting so many dedicated professionals who are passionate about advancing long-term care.
Shoutout to Zack Ilarraza, Herman Freilich, Rivka Serruya, Yonina Pomper, and our entire team for representing SpecialtyRx with energy, knowledge, and heart. Your commitment to service and partnership truly shines.
We’re excited to be attending the 2025 Ohio Health Care Association Convention & Expo! 🎉
Stop by booth #325 to meet our team and learn how we’re redefining long-term care pharmacy services.
A huge shoutout to Purple Exhibits for our stunning new booth design — come see it in person! 💜
A big thank you to our incredible
SpecialtyRxFamily in Harrisburg, PA, for their amazing support at the recent Career Fair & Hiring Event! Your energy, professionalism, and passion for LTC care made a lasting impression on future healthcare heroes. We’re proud to have such dedicated partners on our team!
𝗦𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟𝗧𝗬𝗥𝗫 𝗜𝗦 𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗡 𝗜𝗡 𝗧𝗘𝗫𝗔𝗦!
We are grateful to our incredible team that’s been working around the clock to get operations at our newest pharmacy in Austin, Texas off the ground!
Thanks to their dedication and hard work, we’re able to deliver world-class pharmacy services that the facilities and patients we serve have come to know and expect.
We are proud to be putting the SpecialtyRx mission into action in the lonestar state!
Thank you to everyone who made yesterday's Career Open House at our pharmacy in Harrisburg, PA, a success! We love networking and sharing why SpecialtyRx is the leader in long-term pharmacy care and a great place to work.
If you missed our event, you can still apply for open positions on our website srxltc.com or contact Yoamna M. directly.
Exciting News from Sweet Home Alabama! 🎉
We’re thrilled to have celebrated the official grand opening of our long-term care pharmacy in Cullman, Alabama! This milestone expands our world-class pharmacy services to approximately 2,500 people across Alabama and beyond.
At SpecialtyRx, we’re committed to providing personalized care and innovative solutions to improve the well-being and health of our community.
Thank you to Vice President of Operations Zack Ilarraza, Pharmacist in Charge Jennifer Conway and our incredible
SpecialtyRxFamily for making this goal a reality. Your dedication is the heart of our mission. And a special thank you to City of Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs for joining us at our ribbon-cutting event!
Our team had a wonderful time at Ky. Assoc. of Health Care Facilities/Ky. Center for Assisted Living/Ky. Senior Living Assoc. Convention & Expo in Louisville!
Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth to connect and learn more about SpecialtyRx's mission to provide world-class pharmacy services. We're excited to bring back new relationships and continue our commitment to excellence in patient care.
SpecialtyRx is out in full force at the Health Care Association of New Jersey (HCANJ) Annual Convention & Expo! We love getting together with other healthcare professionals to network and learn.
Be sure to visit us at booth 426!
What an amazing turnout at our Fall Kick-Off Job Event! It was a pleasure to meet so many candidates and showcase why SpecialtyRx is a great place to work! A special thank you to Pamela Armistead, Yoamna M. and the rest of our SpecialtyRxFamily in Ohio for helping to make this event a success!
If you missed the hiring event - you can apply for open positions on our website srxltc.com/#Careers
🎉🏥 Exciting News from the Heart of America! 🏥🎉
We are thrilled to announce the official grand opening of our long-term care pharmacy in the beautiful Commonwealth of Kentucky! This milestone is a testament to our commitment to delivering world-class pharmacy services, and we’re proud to expand our reach to help over 3,000 people across Kentucky and beyond.
At#SpecialtyRx, we’re dedicated to providing personalized care and innovative solutions to meet the unique needs of our community. Our goal is to ensure the well-being and health of every individual we serve and make a positive impact on their lives.
A special thank you goes out to Director of Operations Kyrillos Elsobky, Pharmacist in Charge Jason Newton, and the rest of our incredible hashtag#SpecialtyRxFamily whose tireless work and leadership have made this milestone a reality. You are the heart and soul of our mission, and we are grateful for each and every one of you. We couldn’t be prouder to celebrate this achievement together.
Here’s to a brighter, healthier future for all!
It was great to see everyone at PHCA's Annual Conference & Expo for in-person education and networking at Wind Creek Casino & Resort in Bethlehem, PA. hashtag#SpecialtyRx is proud to be a part of Pennsylvania's long-term care continuum, helping to improve patients' lives by providing top-notch pharmacy services.
Pennsylvania Health Care Association SpecialtyRx, Inc
