Making Sense of Hepatic Encephalopathy
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is one of the most challenging complications of cirrhosis, affecting patients’ cognitive function and quality of life while driving frequent hospital readmissions. For clinicians managing these complex patients, understanding HE’s presentation, diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment approaches is essential to improving outcomes. What is HE? HE is a neuropsychiatric complication of liver dysfunction. […]
IMD Can Strike Fast—Here’s Why MenACWY Vaccines Matter
Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is rare but extremely fast-moving and potentially fatal, often striking within 24–48 hours of symptom onset. Early signs, like fever, irritability, headache, or flu-like symptoms, can easily be dismissed, especially in adolescents and adults. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms emerge: hemorrhagic rash, neck stiffness, photophobia, delirium, or even sudden […]
Understanding Women’s Hormonal Health—And Why It Deserves a Bigger Spotlight
Hormones influence nearly every aspect of a woman’s health, including skin, hair, mood, cognition, reproductive function, and overall well-being. And changes in hormone levels occur at every stage of life and can present with a wide range of symptoms that clinicians need to recognize and manage. Across a woman’s lifespan: Understanding the physiological mechanisms behind […]
Optimizing Acute Pain Management: What Every Clinician Should Know
If you’re treating patients with acute pain, you know how tricky it can be to balance effective relief with medication safety. Despite how common pain presentations are in primary care, acute pain management often falls short. Many patients rely only on over-the-counter (OTC) products without understanding the risks, while others are over- or undertreated due […]
GSM in Menopausal Women: What to Know
If you’re seeing patients with vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, or recurrent UTIs, there’s a good chance GSM is in the picture, even if it’s not making it into your notes. Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) affects up to 80% of postmenopausal women, yet it remains one of the most underdiagnosed conditions in primary care and […]
Navigating Vaccine Fatigue: Strategies for Pharmacists to Boost COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake
As we approach the Fall 2025-2026 immunization season, pharmacists across Canada face a crucial challenge: navigating vaccine fatigue to ensure robust COVID-19 vaccine uptake. Despite the proven effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in reducing severe outcomes, uptake for subsequent doses has been significantly lower compared to initial doses. This presents a vital opportunity for pharmacists to […]
CKD and Cardiovascular Risk in T2D: What Pharmacists Need to Know
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are among the most serious complications faced by people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Not only do these conditions significantly increase morbidity and mortality, they also amplify the complexity of diabetes management. For pharmacists, staying updated on the latest evidence-based interventions and recommendations is essential to optimize […]
Beyond the Annual Shot: Why Enhanced Flu Vaccines are a Game-Changer for Older Adults
Influenza continues to pose a significant health threat, particularly for older adults. This vulnerable population faces a disproportionately higher risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and mortality from influenza infection. Understanding the unique challenges and the most effective strategies for prevention and control is crucial for pharmacists, who are at the forefront of patient care during […]
A New Era for Pharmacist Learning Begins Now
Pharmacists are making an even greater impact in healthcare today. With growing physician shortages and extended emergency room (ER) wait times, the demand for accessible, high-quality patient care continues to rise. Right now, more than six million Canadians don’t have regular access to a family doctor, and nearly 1 in 7 ER visits are for […]