Better Prescribing, Better Treatment Podcast
Episode 25 – Variants and Novel Drugs
Dr. Schlicher sits down with Sasha Kaiser, MD, Associate Medical Director of Washington Poison Center, who discusses current trends in drug overdose deaths, highlighting the impact of synthetic opioids, adulterants, and novel substances, as well as the clinical risks of contaminated or counterfeit drugs and when to involve poison control. Learners will also learn patient-centered communication strategies to build trust, explore substance use nonjudgmentally, and support harm reduction efforts.
Learning Objectives
- Explain current trends in drug overdose deaths, including the role of synthetic opioids, adulterants, and novel substances.
- Identify the clinical implications of contaminated or counterfeit drugs and appropriate responses, including when to consult poison control.
- Use patient-centered communication strategies to build trust, explore substance use nonjudgmentally, and support harm reduction efforts.
Release date: June 2, 2025
Expiration date: June 1, 2028
Audio-only Versions
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | MP3
Resources
Variants and Novel Drugs slides
WA Poison Control Center Reach the Poison Center at 800.222.1222
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