Rumor vs Truth - Evidence‑Based Mythbusting for Healthcare Professionals

TRC Healthcare
TRC Healthcare
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Medicine
  • Updated Monthly

Your trusted source for facts... where we dissect the evidence behind risky rumors and reveal clinical truths.This podcast series from TRC Healthcare, the team behind Pharmacist’s Letter, Pharmacy Technician’s Letter, and Prescriber Insights products, is designed to help pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, prescribers, and even patients navigate some of the claims they might see about medication therapy. Find the video version of this show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@trc.healthcare  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.

  1. 2d ago ·  Bonus Video

    BONUS: Mailbag – Does Naloxone Increase Opioid Misuse?

    Naloxone and nalmefene are reaching more hands than ever—through bystander programs, pharmacy dispensing protocols, and over-the-counter sales. But as access expands, one question keeps coming up: Does easier access to naloxone or nalmefene actually make opioid misuse worse? In this BONUS mailbag episode of Rumor vs Truth, we answer a listener question about whether increasing naloxone and nalmefene access encourages opioid misuse or overdose. Hosts Don Weinberger, PharmD, and Steve Small, PharmD, bring in addiction medicine specialist Dr. Nicole Gastala, MD, to unpack what the evidence actually shows. Together, they discuss: Whether increasing naloxone or nalmefene access actually encourages riskier opioid useWhat a large systematic review and 2025 American Heart Association guidance say about public-access naloxoneWhy carrying naloxone is more like carrying an EpiPen than a “permission slip” for riskThe one real risk to watch for after a reversal: precipitated withdrawalWhy OTC naloxone and statewide pharmacy dispensing protocols matter for practiceNo CE credit is available for this bonus episode. Want the full breakdown? CE credit is available for our full episode on opioids. ****** 🎧 Related Episode (CE Available) Rumor vs Truth: Laxatives (Opioid FACTS OR FEARS?) 🎧Listen: https://rumorvstruth.buzzsprout.com/episodes/19647733 ▶️ Watch: https://youtu.be/sl3upSCxfwM ****** TRC Healthcare Editor Hosts Steve Small, PharmD, BCPS, BCPPS, BCCCP, CNSCDon Weinberger, PharmD, PMSPGuest Dr. Nicole Gastala, MD****** Clinical Resources:  FAQ: Meds for Opioid OverdoseChecklist: Opioid Reversal Agents Quick Start Guide🏷️ Our listeners can get 10% off a new or upgraded subscription with code rvt1026 at checkout.  ****** Send us Fan Mail 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.

    BONUS: Mailbag – Does Naloxone Increase Opioid Misuse?

  2. Aug 18 ·  Video

    Opioids

    Opioid Rules of Thumb Are Sticky—Even When the Evidence Moves On.  From how quickly dependence risk starts to whether the newest non-opioid really replaces an opioid, a lot of advice is still running on assumptions learned years ago.  In this episode, Don and Steve separate opioid fact from folklore by challenging long-held assumptions with the latest evidence.    💊 How fast can dependence risk start after a first prescription? 🆕 Does suzetrigine (Journavx) give opioids a run for their money with safety? 🩹 Do antihistamines actually touch opioid-induced itching? 🧩 And why is 'never use opioids' the wrong rule for patients with OUD? We'll titrate the puns and press on a few pain points to get to the truth behind these claims:  Dependence risk can increase soon after initiating opioids. Suzetrigine is safer than opioids. Antihistamines are very effective for opioid-induced pruritus (itching). Patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) cannot be treated with opioids for pain. 🏷️ Our listeners can get 10% off a new or upgraded subscription with code rvt1026 at checkout.   ******  TRC Healthcare Editor Hosts:   Stephen Small, PharmD, BCPS, BCPPS, BCCCP, CNSC  Don Weinberger, PharmD, PMSP ******  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  ******  The clinical resources mentioned during the podcast are part of a subscription to Pharmacist’s Letter, Pharmacy Technician’s Letter, and Prescriber Insights:   Article: Take the Pain out of Debunking Opioid-Related Rumors Checklist: Opioid Stewardship Checklist  Chart: Analgesics for Acute Pain in Adults Algorithm: Investigating Possible Drug Allergy Checklist: Opioid Reversal Agents Quick Start Guide FAQ: Meds for Opioid Overdose Chart: Equianalgesic Dosing of Opioids for Pain Management Chart: Managing Cough and Cold Symptoms FAQ: Treatment of Acute Pain in Opioid Use Disorder ******  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 of Pharmacist’s Letter.   Send us Fan Mail 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.

    Opioids

  3. Aug 6 ·  Bonus Video

    BONUS: Mailbag - Do Patients Need to Separate Miralax From Other Medications?

    Send us Fan Mail Can polyethylene glycol (PEG 3350, Miralax) affect the absorption of other medications? In this BONUS mailbag episode of Rumor vs Truth, we answer a listener question about whether polyethylene glycol (PEG 3350) should be separated from other medications and, if so, by how long. Hosts Don Weinberger, PharmD and Steve Small, PharmD break down what the evidence actually shows about laxatives, intestinal transit time, and medication absorption. Together, they discuss: Can PEG 3350 reduce the absorption of certain medications?Which medications might warrant extra caution when taken with PEG 3350?When spacing PEG 3350 doses may be reasonable...and when it may be unnecessaryPractical counseling tips to balance adherence with potential interaction concernsNo CE credit is available for this bonus episode. Want the full breakdown? CE credit is available for our full episode on laxatives. ****** 🎧 Related Episode (CE Available) Rumor vs Truth: Laxatives (Effective… or Hard Pass?) 🎧Listen: https://rumorvstruth.buzzsprout.com/episodes/19520800 ▶️ Watch: https://youtu.be/o3GlBngiaag ****** TRC Healthcare Editor Hosts Steve Small, PharmD, BCPS, BCPPS, BCCCP, CNSCDon Weinberger, PharmD, PMSP****** Clinical Resources:   FAQ: Management of Constipation🏷️ Our listeners can get 10% off a new or upgraded subscription with code rvt1026 at checkout.  ****** Send us Fan Mail 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.

    BONUS: Mailbag - Do Patients Need to Separate Miralax From Other Medications?

  4. Jul 21 ·  Video

    Laxatives

    The Constipation Conversation Has Been Backed Up for Years. From fears about laxative dependence to questions about pediatric safety, some laxative myths are still stuck in the system… despite growing evidence to the contrary. In this episode, Don and Steve tackle some of the most common claims healthcare professionals hear about constipation treatment—and explore what the research really says.  💩 Why does docusate remain so popular if the evidence is questionable?⚠️ Should patients worry about becoming dependent on stimulant laxatives?🧩 What's behind the PEG 3350 autism controversy?🤰 Are magnesium-based laxatives really unsafe during pregnancy?We’ll leave no stool unturned as we get to the bottom of these claims: Oral docusate isn’t an effective laxative.Chronic stimulant laxatives damage the gut.PEG 3350 causes autism and behavioral changes in kids.Magnesium-based laxatives aren’t safe to use in pregnancy.🏷️ Our listeners can get 10% off a new or upgraded subscription with code rvt1026 at checkout.  ****** TRC Healthcare Editor Hosts:  Stephen Small, PharmD, BCPS, BCPPS, BCCCP, CNSC Don Weinberger, PharmD, PMSP****** Guest:  Nina Pascua, MD, PharmD, MSCE, 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 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 ****** The clinical resources mentioned during the podcast are part of a subscription to Pharmacist’s Letter, Pharmacy Technician’s Letter, and Prescriber Insights:  FAQ: Management of ConstipationWebsite: Eating Disorders (National Institutes of Health)Toolbox: Resources for Discussing Medication MisinformationChart: GI Med Use in Pregnancy and Lactation****** 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 of Pharmacist’s Letter.   Send us Fan Mail 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.

    Laxatives

  5. Jul 9 ·  Bonus Video

    BONUS: Mailbag - Can Ivermectin be used in all kids?

    Send us Fan Mail Ivermectin continues to come up in patient conversations—and not just for adults. Can ivermectin now be used safely in all kids after the recent KIDs List update? In this BONUS mailbag episode of Rumor vs Truth, we answer a listener question about ivermectin use in kids. Hosts Don Weinberger, PharmD and Steve Small, PharmD break down what actually changed with ivermectin in the 2025 update to the KIDs List—and what it does (and doesn’t) mean for clinical practice. This “kid-sized” question packs a bigger clinical punch than you might expect. Together, they discuss: What actually drove the KIDs List changeWhere the supporting evidence is strong—and where it’s limitedWhy “removed from the list” ≠ “safe for all kids”How to apply this update in real-world pediatric decisionsNo CE credit is available for this bonus episode. Want the full breakdown? CE credit is available for our full episode on ivermectin. ****** 🎧 Related Episode (CE Available) Rumor vs Truth: Ivermectin (Over the Counter or Out of Control?) 🎧Listen: https://rumorvstruth.buzzsprout.com/episodes/19333230 ▶️ Watch: https://youtu.be/-ehs0ucbaTQ ****** TRC Healthcare Editor Hosts Steve Small, PharmD, BCPS, BCPPS, BCCCP, CNSCDon Weinberger, PharmD, PMSP****** Clinical Resource:  Chart: Potentially Harmful Drugs in Children🏷️ Our listeners can get 10% off a new or upgraded subscription with code rvt1026 at checkout.  ****** Send us Fan Mail 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.

    BONUS: Mailbag - Can Ivermectin be used in all kids?

  6. Jun 16 ·  Video

    Ivermectin

    Ivermectin Is Back in the Conversation—But What Should Healthcare Teams Know? From expanded OTC access in some states to persistent online claims, ivermectin is once again popping up in patient conversations—and bringing plenty of confusion with it. In this episode, Don and Steve dig into what’s driving the buzz and what the evidence actually shows across a surprisingly wide range of uses. From viral misinformation to emerging global health research, they explore where ivermectin fits… and where it doesn’t. Along the way, they tackle one of the biggest challenges in practice: how to respond when patients ask about therapies fueled more by headlines than high-quality data—and how to keep those conversations grounded, practical, and patient-centered. Plus, they feature insights from an oncology specialist on real-world patient scenarios. 🦠 Is ivermectin still being used for COVID-19—and what does the latest evidence really show?🧬 How should healthcare professionals respond to patients asking about ivermectin for cancer?💊 When might oral ivermectin make sense for certain conditions, like rosacea?🌍 Could ivermectin help reduce malaria transmission—and why does context matter?Let’s worm through the data and track down what holds up—and what doesn’t. They put these claims under the microscope: Ivermectin prevents and cures COVID-19.Ivermectin prevents and cures cancer.Oral ivermectin may improve rosacea.Ivermectin can reduce malaria transmission.🏷️ Our listeners can get 10% off a new or upgraded subscription with code rvt1026 at checkout.  ****** TRC Healthcare Editor Hosts:  Stephen Small, PharmD, BCPS, BCPPS, BCCCP, CNSC Don Weinberger, PharmD, PMSP****** Guest:  Leslie Gingo, PharmD, BCPS****** 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 The clinical resources mentioned during the podcast are part of a subscription to Pharmacist’s Letter, Pharmacy Technician’s Letter, and Prescriber Insights:  Chart: COVID-19 VaccinesChart: Managing Cough and Cold SymptomsCE Course: Supplements During Cancer TreatmentCE Course: Lifestyle and Cancer RiskChart: Treatments for RosaceaCE Course: Managing Common Travel-Related IllnessesToolbox: Resources for Discussing Medical Misinformation****** 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 of Pharmacist’s Letter.   ****** Rumor vs Truth is a production of TRC Healthcare. Send us Fan Mail 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.

    Ivermectin

  7. Jun 4 ·  Bonus Video

    BONUS: Mailbag - Is gabapentin toxic in pets?

    Send us Fan Mail Gabapentin is showing up more often in veterinary care —but that raises an important question: Is gabapentin toxic in animals? In this BONUS mailbag episode of Rumor vs Truth, we answer a listener question about gabapentin use in pets. Hosts Don Weinberger, PharmD and Steve Small, PharmD dig into what’s really behind concerns about toxicity—and bring in veterinary toxicology expert Dr. Tina Wismer to help clarify the risks. Together, they discuss: Why gabapentin is used in dogs and catsWhere these toxicity concerns come fromThe role of xylitol in certain liquid formulations—and why this mattersWhy dogs, but not cats, are affected by xylitolWhat pharmacists and clinical teams should watch for when dispensingWhat pet owners should do if exposure is suspectedNo CE credit is available for this bonus episode. CE credit is available for our full gabapentin episode. ****** 🎧 Related Episode (CE Available) Rumor vs Truth: Gabapentin (The nerve of gabapentin, is it really as safe as we assumed?) 🎧Listen: https://rumorvstruth.buzzsprout.com/episodes/19192704 ▶️ Watch: https://youtu.be/0G9FU99me48 ****** TRC Healthcare Editor Hosts Steve Small, PharmD, BCPS, BCPPS, BCCCP, CNSCDon Weinberger, PharmD, PMSPGuest Tina Wismer, DVM, MS, DABVT, DABT Senior Director, ASPCA Poison Control****** Clinical Resources:  FAQ: Med Considerations for Cats and Dogs🏷️ Our listeners can get 10% off a new or upgraded subscription with code rvt1026 at checkout.  ****** Send us Fan Mail 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.

    BONUS: Mailbag - Is gabapentin toxic in pets?

  8. May 19 ·  Video

    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 painGabapentin is addictiveGabapentin causes dementiaGabapentin is associated with suicidal behaviorYou’ll also get quick clinical insights on: Cardiovascular risk signals linked to gabapentin useWhether gabapentin plays a role in treating anxiety disorders🏷️ Our listeners can get 10% off a new or upgraded subscription with code rvt1026 at checkout.  ****** 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 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 ****** 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 PainFAQ: Treating FibromyalgiaCE: Controlled Substance Prescription ValidationChart: Potentially Harmful Drugs: Beers CriteriaAlgorithm: Treatment of HypertensionChart: Pharmacotherapy of Anxiety Disorders****** Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - Call or Text: 988 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 of Pharmacist’s Letter.   ****** Rumor vs Truth is a production of TRC Healthcare. Send us Fan Mail 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.

    Gabapentin
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Your trusted source for facts... where we dissect the evidence behind risky rumors and reveal clinical truths.This podcast series from TRC Healthcare, the team behind Pharmacist’s Letter, Pharmacy Technician’s Letter, and Prescriber Insights products, is designed to help pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, prescribers, and even patients navigate some of the claims they might see about medication therapy. Find the video version of this show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@trc.healthcare  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.

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