PodcastRx

With the approval of oral Wegovy making headlines in the new year, it was timely to catch up with Chris on this and many other exciting developments in the realm of GLP-1s. In our main discussion, Chris talks about the immediate impact of oral Wegovy and some small but important differences from its injectable predecessors. He also gets into the application of GLP-1s outside of weight loss, the promise of new agents currently in development, the impact of GLP-1s in corrections healthcare and addresses growing concerns over safety, side-effects, and availability.For Into the Clinic, Chris shares some important updates involving gonorrhea treatments, functional seizure guidelines, ADA diabetes guidelines, and the GOLD COPD guidelines.And in our Trivia Capsule segment, we look back at some spectacular failures in the history of weight loss medications and why these drug did not live up to the weight of expectations.See full show notes with links to reference material.Sponsor Links:www.opticsclinical.comwww.sapphire-health.comMusic in this Episode:The Retro Synth by Art HaizVitals & Headlines (Suno AI)Breezy Thoughts (Suno AI) Trivia Time Ticker (Suno AI)

We apologize for the hiatus! Things have been busy the last few months, both personally and professionally.Now that everything is slowing down for the holidays, it's a perfect time to touch base and let you all know that we're still here and that we have new episodes in the works for 2026.Speaking of the new year, Chris takes a moment to share his personal pharmacist wish list for 2026. (New GLP1 approvals! Interchangable biologics! No more drug shortages! And more!)And if you're a fan of "It's a Wonderful Life", you'll definitely want to hear about the pharmacy trivia tidbit that Chris discovered in this all-time Christmas classic. What was the "poison" that Mr. Gower almost gave to a patient?Thanks for listening! Wishing all a most Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!Link to full show notes.

After two jam packed episodes dedicated to disease states, we’re back for a corrections-focused look at medication non-adherence. While the failure to take medication as prescribed affects patient outcomes across every healthcare setting, Chris zeroes in on the unique “societal” factors that drive non-adherence behind bars. He gives us a rundown of clinical pharmacist strategies to promote adherence, from basic regimen changes to more in-depth counseling and education for patients and providers alike.All this plus the usual grab bag of medication news and some trivia about the very first long-acting injectable medications!Link to full show notes with references.Sponsor Links:SapphireHealth- https://www.sapphire-health.com/OPTICS- www.diamondpharmacy.com/clincal-servicesMusic Heard in Today's Episode:The Retro Synth by Art HaizMedical Logo (5 Versions) by SoulProdMusicMedical by PaulYudinAmbient Relax Background by PaulYudinFun & Quirky Upbeat Retro

In this episode, we’re diving into a condition that affects over 10 million Americans but often flies under the radar—osteoporosis. Following up on last month’s discussion on insomnia, we’re once again tackling a silent, underdiagnosed condition that has major implications for older adults.Chris breaks down the basics of bone biology, the surprising impact of fractures—especially hip fractures—and the risk factors that contribute to osteoporosis. From screening guidelines and supplement strategies to the most common pharmacologic treatments, this episode is packed with practical insights for healthcare providers.All this plus medication news, trivia, and an appearance from Chris' dog.Link to full show notes with references.Sponsor Links:SapphireHealth- https://www.sapphire-health.com/OPTICS- www.diamondpharmacy.com/clincal-servicesMusic Heard in Today's Episode:The Retro Synth by Art HaizMedical Logo (5 Versions) by SoulProdMusicMedical by PaulYudinAmbient Relax Background by PaulYudinFun & Quirky Upbeat Retro

For this episode, Chris takes an eyes wide open look at insomnia, particularly as it affects older adults. We talk about causes, the first line importance of non-pharmacologic treatments, and of course, the primary medications used for sleep onset and sleep maintenance and their clinical and cost considerations. We also digress briefly into insomnia management in the corrections environment and explore natural and OTC remedies. All this plus the latest medication news and a brief history of hypnotics.Link to the full show notes.Sponsor Links:SapphireHealth- https://www.sapphire-health.com/OPTICS- www.diamondpharmacy.com/clincal-servicesMusic Heard in Today's Episode:The Retro Synth by Art HaizMedical Logo (5 Versions) by SoulProdMusicMedical by PaulYudinAmbient Relax Background by PaulYudinFun & Quirky Upbeat Retro by yourtunes

When it comes to managing hypertension and reducing adverse cardiovascular events, what is the ideal blood pressure figure clinicians should target? OPTICS pharmacist Henry So joins Chris for some back and forth around this question. They look at the evolution (and proliferation) of blood pressure guidelines, examine controversies around certain studies, share some of their own personal experiences with hypertension, and ultimately whether they think a lower number is necessarily better.Before that, Chris shares some quick drug approval and guideline updates, and afterwards, we end things with a look at back at how the death of a US President 80 years ago sounded the alarm on the dangers of untreated hypertension.Link to the full show notes.Sponsor Links:SapphireHealth- https://www.sapphire-health.com/OPTICS- www.diamondpharmacy.com/clincal-servicesMusic Heard in Today's Episode:The Retro Synth by Art HaizMedical Logo (5 Versions) by SoulProdMusicMedical by PaulYudinAmbient Relax Background by PaulYudinFun & Quirky Upbeat Retro by yourtunes

Chris is heading to the Spring NCCHC Conference in Louisville, KY to rep Diamond/OPTICS and give a presentation on overweight and obesity management in the correctional setting. As revolutionary weight loss treatments take hold in the community and in the popular consciousness, Chris is seizing on the moment not to just to talk about GLP-1s, but to review weight management as a whole, pharmocologic and non-pharmacologic treatments, special considerations for the corrections environment, and much more. We take a sneak peak at his presentation and talk about what he hopes attendees will take away from it.Elsewhere, we discuss:The recent approval of Journavx for painExpanded Ozempic indicationRSV and Meningococcal vaccine updatesRapid initiation approval for SublocadeThe elimination of the clozapine REMS programAnd in our final trivia capsule segment, Chris highlights how venom from some very nasty beasties has been utilized to treat everything from hypetension to severe chronic pain.Thanks for listening!Visit Chris (and Diamond Pharmacy) at the NCCHC Conference- Booth 500!Link to the full show notes.Sponsor Links:SapphireHealth- https://www.sapphire-health.com/OPTICS- www.diamondpharmacy.com/clincal-servicesMusic Heard in Today's Episode:The Retro Synth by Art HaizMedical Logo (5 Versions) by SoulProdMusicMedical by PaulYudinAmbient Relax Background by PaulYudinFun & Quirky Upbeat Retro by yourtunes

For the first #PodcastRx episode of 2025, Chris - in the spirit of New Year's resolutions- explores some common sense but effective tenets for improved clinical decision making.Ahead of that, he details a few noteworthy expanded drug approvals (Vtama, Nemluvio, Zepbound) and revised treament guidelines (diabetes, metformin, borderline personaility disorder). And to close things out, he looks back at the ancient origins of the pharmacy profession.Please rate and/or review where you listen to podcasts!See the expanded show notes here.Sponsor Links:SapphireHealth- https://www.sapphire-health.com/OPTICS- www.diamondpharmacy.com/clincal-servicesMusic Heard in Today's Episode:The Retro Synth by Art HaizMedical Logo (5 Versions) by SoulProdMusicMedical by PaulYudinAmbient Relax Background by PaulYudinFun & Quirky Upbeat Retro by yourtunes

With our hosts in a holiday mood and 2024 hurtling to a close, Chris reflects on the clinical, professional, and regulatory wants and wishes he'd like to see come true in 2025. We cover:Potential drug approvalsProvider status for pharmacistsBiosimilar substitutionRelieving drug shortagesA brief digression on Wegovy vs. ZepboundBefore that, Chris highlights the expanded approval of Bimzelx for hideranitis supportiva and breaks down updated guidelines related to COPD and Restless Leg Syndrome.And for the ending Trivia Capsule segment, Chris makes a light-hearted (if tenuous) connection between the "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and the medicinal benefits of the two most precious metals (medals?).See you in 2025!Please rate and/or review where you listen to podcasts!See the expanded show notes here.Sponsor Links:SapphireHealth- https://www.sapphire-health.com/OPTICS- www.diamondpharmacy.com/clincal-servicesMusic Heard in Today's Episode:The Retro Synth by Art HaizMedical Logo (5 Versions) by SoulProdMusicMedical by PaulYudinAmbient Relax Background by PaulYudinChristmas Holidays by Angelika728Fun & Quirky Upbeat Retro by yourtunes

There's no better occasion than American Diabetes Month to dive into practical treatment recommendations for Type 2 diabetes. Using the ADA's Pharmacologic Approaches to Glycemic Treatement as a roadmap, Chris breaks down his clinical approach to 8 of the most common glucose-lowering medications. We also discuss the pharmacist recommendation process, correctional environment concerns, and benchmarks for patient success.Elsewhere in the show, we hear about:Vlaylev and Orlynvah approvals for Parkinson's Disease and UTI treatments, respectivelyExpanded Dupixent approvalNew CDC COVID and pneumococcal vaccine recommendationsRybelsus FLOW Trial resultsThe "Doggone" Discovery of InsulinClick here to see full show notes and references.Sponsor Links:SapphireHealth- https://www.sapphire-health.com/OPTICS- www.diamondpharmacy.com/clincal-servicesMusic Heard in Today's Episode:The Retro Synth by Art HaizMedical Logo (5 Versions) by SoulProdMusicMedical by PaulYudinAmbient Relax Background by PaulYudinFun & Quirky Upbeat Retro by yourtunes

October is American Pharmacist Month, and to help recognize the many ways pharmacists care for communities, we talk to Chris about the influence and increasing importance of the clinical pharmacist in correctional and institutional healthcare settings. Chris details the primary strategies he and the OPTICS team use to impact patient care, reflects on the evolution of the clinical pharmacist role, explains how providers can better take advantage of pharmacist knowledge, and more.We also go “Into the Clinic” to talk medication news (including the recent approval of Cobenfy for schizophrenia), and, in anticipation of Halloween, look at the real connections between pharmacy and witchcraft in our Trivia Capsule segment.Links to material informing this episode's discussions.Sponsor Links:SapphireHealth- https://www.sapphire-health.com/OPTICS- www.diamondpharmacy.com/clincal-servicesMusic Heard in Today's Episode:The Retro Synth by Art HaizMedical Logo (5 Versions) by SoulProdMusicMedical by PaulYudinAmbient Relax Background by PaulYudinFun & Quirky Upbeat Retro by yourtunes

Just one episode into the new PodcastRx with Chris Bender and we already have a special bonus for you! Chris breaks down must-know information surrounding COVID-19, influenza, RSV, and pneumonia vaccines ahead of respiratory disease season! And we learn some fun pharmacy trivia about the historical (and kinda gross) precursor to vaccination, variolation.Please rate and review where you listen to podcasts!Link to material cited in episode.Music used in this episode:The Retro Synth by Art HaizAmbient Relax Background by PaulYudinFun & Quirky Upbeat Retro by yourtunesSponsor Links:OPTICS - www.diamondpharmacy.com/clincal-services

It's the debut episode of PodcastRx with Chris Bender! Regular listeners know Chris is a clinical pharmacist with Diamond's Office of Pharmacy Therapeutics and Integrated Clinical Services (OPTICS) team and a repeat guest many times over on PodcastRx. We liked his appearances so much that we asked him to stay permanently- and he accepted! We're pleased to bring you a more segment driven-show centered around one of Diamond's most enthusiastic pharmacy nerds (his term, not ours :-)In our first segment, which we've dubbed "Into the Clinic", Chris delves into some recent medication headlines and recent studies of note, including:-Kisunla Approval-PSA Levels in Transgender Women-Saline Nasal Sprays and Sick DaysThen we shift into our main discussion block around some "mature" topics, as September is Healthy Aging Month. We explore:-Effectiveness of Multivitamins-Ways to Prevent Falls-Advancements in Alzheimer's MedicationAnd in our final segment, we take a somewhat lighthearted (but serious) look at some crazy contaminants found in OTC vitamins and supplements.Thanks so much for listening. Please rate, review, and share!Links to supporting material found in today's episode.Music Heard in Today's Episode:The Retro Synth by Art HaizMedical Logo (5 Versions) by SoulProdMusicMedical by PaulYudinAmbient Relax Background by PaulYudinQuiz Countdown by PaoloArgento

Nancy Chia from the OPTICS team is back for another psychiatric pharmacy care conversation. This time we focus in on the role of benzodiazepines for treating anxiety disorders. We touch briefly on the characteristics of some common anxiety disorders and then take a closer look at the reasons why benzodiazepines are a preferred treatment option for their acute symptoms. We also examine the downsides of benzodiazepine use, special concerns in the corrections environment, ideal therapeutic timeframes, treatment alternatives and more. For More About the OPTICS Clinical Pharmacy Team: www.diamondpharmacy.com/clinical-services

As a young girl in West Africa, Nancy Chia was fascinated by the seemingly “magical” properties of medication to treat everyday illness. Now as a clinical pharmacist with Diamond’s OPTICS team, Nancy continues to parlay her childhood curiosities around medication into making a difference for vulnerable patients, especially regarding mental health care in the corrections environment. Nancy joins us to talk about her recent professional focus on psychiatric medications, her first impressions of correctional pharmacy practice, the overrepresentation of mental illness in corrections, shortages of mental health care professionals, and how ultimately pharmacists can help to ease an overburdened mental health care system. For more on the OPTICS clinical pharmacy team: www.diamondpharmacy.com/clinical-services

On this episode, Chris Bender from the OPTICS clinical pharmacy team stops by to preview his upcoming NCCHC spring conference presentation on proper inhaler use. With some 38 possible inhaler therapies available for asthma and COPD, providers can be easily overwhelmed and out of breath with the choices. I talk with Chris about demystifying inhaler therapies for better patient and cost outcomes, along with the factors behind higher asthma/COPD rates in the correctional patient population, the mechanics of inhalers, inmate security considerations, and more. If you're going to NCCHC at the end of April, be sure to check out Chris's entire presentation. Mentioned in the Show: NCCHC Conference Info: https://events.ncchc.org/spring-conference/HOME Allergy & Asthma Network Respiratory Treatments Poster: https://store.allergyasthmanetwork.org/digital-downloads/respiratory-treatments-digital-english-version-11-x-8-1-2

In November of 2023, Diamond's sister company InnovaScript became the official pharmacy partner to the Victoria's Voice Foundation, a non-profit drug education and addiction prevention support organization founded in memory of Victoria Siegel, a young woman who tragically lost her life to an accidental drug overdose. At the heart of this new partnership is the #GetGiveSave campaign, a national effort to increase the access to and the awareness of naloxone. On this episode, we welcome Mark Cady-Archilla, corporate partnerships director for the Victoria’s Voice Foundation; Jason Baker, director of strategic initiatives for Diamond; and Chris Bender, pharmacist with Diamond's OPTICS team for a deeper discussion of this partnership and what it’s doing to put naloxone in more lifesaving locations. Along the way, Mark gives us a greater introduction to Victoria’s Voice (and shares his deeply personal connection to the foundation’s work), we recap the efficacy and life-saving simplicity of naloxone, and we discuss the barriers of naloxone stigma and access, among many other areas of discussion. It’s a longer conversation, but there’s no shortage of powerful moments to be heard. Resources Referenced in the Discussion: The Victoria's Voice Foundation www.victoriasvoice.foundation www.getgivesave.org Joint InnovaScript/Victoria's Voice Foundation Website: vvf.innovascript.com WFTV Investgates:"Hidden in Plain Sight: The Fentanyl Crisis" https://www.wftv.com/news/watch-hidden-plain-sight-fentanyl-crisis/b939d91c-dd6d-45fe-ac7b-fd5586b170cf/

On this episode, we welcome (for the first time) executive consultant pharmacist Tim Welsh. As a youngster growing up in the eastern suburbs of Pittsburgh, Tim’s fascination with drug stores and his admiration for a local pharmacist set him on a career path that made stops at Duquesne University, retail chains, and ultimately Diamond. With almost 26 years at Diamond now under his belt, Tim looks back at his formative pharmacy experiences and sheds light on the unique challenges and rewards of being a consultant pharmacist for correctional and long-term care facilities. If you have little understanding of the role of pharmacists beyond the retail and hospital settings (as Tim himself once did), then you’ll definitely want to listen to our conversation.

For this final episode of 2023, we welcome back regular contributor Chris Bender from the OPTICS clinical team to pick up our conversation about GLP-1 weight loss medications. With the FDA approval of Zepbound (or tirzepatide) for weight loss in November, the profile of these potent and high-profile medications only continues to rise. We take a closer look at tirzepatide- how it compares to semaglutide, what the clinical data shows for its potency, and what promise it shows for obese and overweight patients. We also discuss some exciting new weight loss medications in development and what all this new drug development and approval could mean for the future of bariatric surgery. Referenced in Show/Further Reading: PodcastRx Episode 36: GLP-1 Agonists and Weight Loss: A Closer Look with Chris Bender, Pharm. D., BCACP "Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038 "Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

On this episode, Diamond nurse practitioner and infection control coordinator Debi Yackuboskey returns to discuss the outlook for the 2023-24 respiratory disease season. We talk about all three "tripledemic" respiratory diseases - influenza, COVID, and RSV- and what's new and/or noteworthy about each in terms of basic virology, prevention, and treatment. With the debut of the RSV vaccines and newly updated COVID vaccines in the mix, there was a lot for us to cover. CDC Respiratory Disease Outlook: https://ow.ly/iPVo50Q6wbA