Rumor vs Truth

In this episode, Don and Steve flex their clinical muscles and bust myths about testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) - from supplements to safety risks. 🐶 Can topical testosterone transfer to pets and kids? 💊 Are supplements like ginseng and vitamin D legit testosterone boosters? ❤️ Does testosterone increase cardiovascular risk? Stick around as our pharmacist duo breaks down the evidence and shares insights on these hot-button hormone claims: Testosterone should be considered for ALL men w...

In this episode, hosts Don and Steve tackle one of the most common (and commonly misunderstood) skin conditions: acne. Joined by dermatology expert Sara Klockars, PharmD, BCPS, the team breaks down the myths, meds, and marketing claims that surround acne treatment. 💊Do doxycycline and minocycline treat acne the same way? 🧼Is it possible to wash your face TOO much? 🪥And can toothpaste really help banish blemishes? 🤔Pop in as we clear up the evidence and face the facts!...

In this episode, hosts Don Weinberger and Steve Small throw some serious shade at common sunscreen myths—and yes, Steve may or may not be rocking a fake sunburn.🌞 🧴 Does a higher SPF really mean better protection? 🌤️ Can sunscreen mess with your vitamin D levels? ⚠️ Are sunscreen ingredients secretly harmful? 🕶️ Grab your shades and join our myth-busting duo as they shine a light on the facts about these hot-button sunscreen claims: The higher the SPF, the better for most people.Sunscre...

In this special anniversary episode, Don and Steve throw it back to 1985—complete with mullets, mustaches, and popped collars—to celebrate 40 years of the Pharmacist’s Letter! Join them as they dig into the archives and revisit some of the earliest (and wildest) claims ever published. They’ll reexamine research and insights into claims from yesteryear including: Whether topical minoxidil really works for hair regrowth (and why Steve looks like he joined the trial)The Vioxx scandal and how it ...

In this episode, hosts Don Weinberger and Steve Small separate fact from fiction about dyes in medications and food. Why is the FDA banning certain artificial dyes, and what does it mean for your meds and favorite foods? Can the color of your pills really affect how you feel about them? Why do we talk so much about rats and sewers in this episode? Folks are dye-ing to know the truth...let’s find out! They’ll share research and insights into some interesting claims including: Whit...

In this episode, hosts Don Weinberger and Steve Small separate fact from fiction about expired medications. How are med expiration dates chosen? Is it science or just a guess? Can a medication that’s older than the FDA itself… still work? Are meds no longer effective after they expire? It’s time to uncover the truth behind meds that are past their prime! They’ll share research and insights into some interesting claims including: Med expiration dates are chosen at random.Meds are no lon...

In this episode, hosts Don Weinberger and Steve Small separate fact from fiction when it comes to claims about tetracyclines. Will doxycycline stain children’s teeth? Is expired tetracycline truly deadly? What do cats have to do with all this? Let’s cycle through the facts! They’ll share research and insights into some interesting claims including: Doxycycline should never be used in young kids due to teeth concerns.Doxycycline monohydrate is better than the hycl...

In this episode, hosts Don Weinberger and Steve Small separate fact from fiction about hangover remedies. Does drinking water actually help prevent symptoms? Is acetaminophen safe for hangover headaches? Let’s hammer out the facts! They’ll share research and insights into some interesting claims including: Consuming fluids before, during, or after drinking will curb hangovers.Having beer before switching to harder drinks can prevent hangovers.Acetaminophen should be av...

In this premiere episode, hosts Don Weinberger and Steve Small separate fact from fiction about medication interactions with fruit juices. Does that morning grapefruit really matter with your medications? Are some juices beneficial? Let's squeeze out the truth! They’ll share research and insights into some interesting claims including: You shouldn’t drink grapefruit juice with certain statins.There are other meds that interact with fruit juices.Juices can affect the ab...