PodcastRx

Diamond Pharmacy Services
  • 3.7 (3)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY

The PodcastRx show is a production of Diamond Pharmacy Services, the nation's largest correctional pharmacy services provider and one of Pennsylvania's largest independent long-term care pharmacies. In 2024, clinical pharmacist Christopher Bender from Diamond's Office of Pharmacy Therapeutics and Integrated Clinical Services (OPTICS) became the chief contributor to the show, adding a new layer of credibility and expertise.

  1. All Things Anticonvulsant

    APR 1

    All Things Anticonvulsant

    This March episode might be a day late, but it's definitely not short on content. In addition to last month's heartburn and gastric reflux discussion, Chris's provider friend/friend of the show wanted to hear an episode devoted to anticonvulsants. Anticonvulsants sit at the intersection of several challenging issues in the corrections environment, including medical necessity, mental health, and diversion risk. And though Chris was a bit wary of this topic, he stepped up and delivered a sprawling but practical discussion that any correctional provider could benefit from. Chris breaks down the essentials of antiepileptic drugs: how they work, when to use them, and the critical safety risks that can’t be overlooked. He also looks at lab monitoring, drug interactions, cost considerations, and their use as mood stabilizers. Chris also spends some time on gabapentin misuse in correctional settings and a common clinical pitfall: why anticonvulsants don’t work for functional (non-epileptic) seizures—and what actually does. To follow up on this heavy meal of anticonvulsant information, we finish with a light, airy dessert of fun anticonvulsant trivia. As usual, we get started with indispensable medication news with the Into the Clinic segment, including: -New drug approvals for schizophrenia and atopic dermatitis -New AHA/ACC guideline for acute pulmonary embolism severity -Follow-up info on SMART efficacy -Updated labeling for menopausal hormone therapy products Full show notes with references here. Sponsor Links: www.opticsclinical.com www.sapphire-health.com Music in this Episode: The Retro Synth by Art Haiz Vitals & Headlines (Suno AI) Breezy Thoughts (Suno AI) Trivia Time Ticker (Suno AI)

    53 min
  2. Ep. 66 - Heartburn and Gastric Reflux- Answering a Provider's "Burning" Questions

    FEB 25

    Ep. 66 - Heartburn and Gastric Reflux- Answering a Provider's "Burning" Questions

    For the first time on PodcastRx, we're (finally) addressing some listener feedback! One of Chris's correctional provider contacts wanted to hear a show devoted to "all things heartburn and gastric reflux", and we were more than happy to oblige. For the main discussion, Chris covers the differences among treatment classes for heartburn and reflux medications, the latest treatment guidelines, whether proton pump inhibitors deserve a bad reputation, concerns about antacid overuse, and non-pharmacologic considerations. Before that, Chris shares a few updates related to -New motion sickness drug approval -Updated refractory constipation guidelines -Upadacitinib vs. adalimumab trial for rheumatoid arthritis -Treating scabies with ivermectin vs. permethrin -Bismuth quadruple therapy for H. pylori -GLP-1 suicide warnings And though we missed Valentine's Day, we close out the show with a look at the fascinating pharmacy origins of a chalky, but clever Valentine's Day confection. Full show notes here. Sponsor Links: www.opticsclinical.com www.sapphire-health.com Music in this Episode: The Retro Synth by Art Haiz Vitals & Headlines (Suno AI) Breezy Thoughts (Suno AI) Trivia Time Ticker (Suno AI)

    43 min
  3. Ep. 65 - Oral GLP-1s for Weight Loss: The Wait (Weight?) is Over

    JAN 26

    Ep. 65 - Oral GLP-1s for Weight Loss: The Wait (Weight?) is Over

    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.com www.sapphire-health.com Music in this Episode: The Retro Synth by Art Haiz Vitals & Headlines (Suno AI) Breezy Thoughts (Suno AI) Trivia Time Ticker (Suno AI)

    53 min
  4. Ep. 64 - Holiday Check-In and Pharmacist Wishes for 2026

    12/23/2025

    Ep. 64 - Holiday Check-In and Pharmacist Wishes for 2026

    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.

    24 min
  5. Ep. 63 - Medication Non-Adherence: Meeting Patients Where They Are

    08/13/2025

    Ep. 63 - Medication Non-Adherence: Meeting Patients Where They Are

    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-services Music Heard in Today's Episode: The Retro Synth by Art Haiz Medical Logo (5 Versions) by SoulProdMusic Medical by PaulYudin Ambient Relax Background by PaulYudin Fun & Quirky Upbeat Retro

    38 min
  6. Ep. 62 - Understanding Osteoporosis: A Bare Bones Overview

    07/09/2025

    Ep. 62 - Understanding Osteoporosis: A Bare Bones Overview

    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-services Music Heard in Today's Episode: The Retro Synth by Art Haiz Medical Logo (5 Versions) by SoulProdMusic Medical by PaulYudin Ambient Relax Background by PaulYudin Fun & Quirky Upbeat Retro

    41 min
  7. Ep. 61 - Understanding Insomnia: Sleep, Safety, and Stewardship

    06/04/2025

    Ep. 61 - Understanding Insomnia: Sleep, Safety, and Stewardship

    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-services Music Heard in Today's Episode: The Retro Synth by Art Haiz Medical Logo (5 Versions) by SoulProdMusic Medical by PaulYudin Ambient Relax Background by PaulYudin Fun & Quirky Upbeat Retro by yourtunes

    47 min
  8. Ep. 60- Blood Pressure Goals- What's the "Right" Number? With special guest Henry So, PharmD, BCACP, BCPS

    04/23/2025

    Ep. 60- Blood Pressure Goals- What's the "Right" Number? With special guest Henry So, PharmD, BCACP, BCPS

    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-services Music Heard in Today's Episode: The Retro Synth by Art Haiz Medical Logo (5 Versions) by SoulProdMusic Medical by PaulYudin Ambient Relax Background by PaulYudin Fun & Quirky Upbeat Retro by yourtunes

    1h 9m
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Ratings & Reviews

3.7
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

The PodcastRx show is a production of Diamond Pharmacy Services, the nation's largest correctional pharmacy services provider and one of Pennsylvania's largest independent long-term care pharmacies. In 2024, clinical pharmacist Christopher Bender from Diamond's Office of Pharmacy Therapeutics and Integrated Clinical Services (OPTICS) became the chief contributor to the show, adding a new layer of credibility and expertise.

Information

  • Creator
    Diamond Pharmacy Services
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    74
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    PodcastRx