Author
RxCe.com, LLC is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education.
- Pharmacist
- 1.0
- 9/5/2022
- 9/5/2025
- Knowledge
- 0669-0000-22-029-H08-P
- Pain Management/Opioids
- 20-943186
Course Summary
Fibromyalgia is a common and chronic disorder characterized by widespread pain, diffuse tenderness, and a number of other symptoms. Diagnosis and treatment of fibromyalgia require clinicians to have an understanding of the risks and causes of the disease. Research indicates pain pathways function abnormally, which leads to an enhanced pain experience in affected individuals. Treatment includes medication and lifestyle changes to reduce the level of pain felt. Pharmacists play a role in educating patients on pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments for fibromyalgia that may be integrated with a patient’s prescribed medications.
Course Objectives
- Identify the diffused symptoms that may be associated with fibromyalgia
- Describe the role central and peripheral sensitization has in the onset and symptoms of fibromyalgia
- Compare the benefits and adverse effects of pharmacological treatments for fibromyalgia
- Describe the pharmacist’s role in educating patients on non-pharmacological treatments for fibromyalgia
I. Introduction
II. Epidemiology of Fibromyalgia
1. Prevalence
2. Defining Fibromyalgia
3. Economic Burden of Fibromyalgia
4. Onset of Symptoms and Symptom Severity
III. Pathophysiology of Fibromyalgia
1. Central and Peripheral Sensitization
2. Dysfunctional Pain Inhibitory Mechanisms
3. Neurotransmitters
4. Endocrine Dysfunctions
5. Autoimmunity, Neuroinflammation, and Small Fiber Neuropathy
IV. Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
1. Pain
2. Fatigue
3. Sleep Problems
4. Psychiatric Symptoms
5. Cognitive Dysfunction
6. Other Symptoms or Overlapping Conditions
V. Risk Factors for Fibromyalgia
VI. Diagnosis of Fibromyalgia
VII. Treatment of Fibromyalgia
1. Pharmacological Treatments
2. Non-Pharmacological Treatments
VIII. The Pharmacist’s Role in Fibromyalgia Treatments
IX. Fibromyalgia Research
X. Summary
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Faculty Planner Disclosure
The following individuals were involved in the development of
this activity: Marilyn Lajoie, MD, DC, CCSP, Susan DePasquale, MSN, PMHNPBC, and Steve Malen, PharmD. There are no financial relationships relevant to
this activity to report or disclose by any of the individuals involved in the
development of this activity.
Unlabeled Use Disclosures
The information provided in this course is general in nature and it is solely designed to provide participants with continuing education credit(s). This course and materials are not meant to substitute for the independent, professional judgment of any participant regarding that participant’s professional practice, including but not limited to patient assessment, diagnosis, treatment and/or health management. Medical and pharmacy practices, rules, and laws vary from state to state, and this course does not cover the laws of each state; therefore, participants must consult the laws of their state as they relate to their professional practice.
Healthcare professionals, including pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, must consult with their employer, healthcare facility, hospital, or other organization, for guidelines, protocols, and procedures they are to follow. The information provided in this course does not replace those guidelines, protocols, and procedures but is for academic purposes only, and this course’s limited purpose is for the completion of continuing education credits.
Participants are advised and acknowledge that information related to medications, their administration, dosing, contraindications, adverse reactions, interactions, warnings, precautions, or accepted uses are constantly changing, and any person taking this course understands that such person must make an independent review of medication information prior to any patient assessment, diagnosis, treatment and/or health management. Any discussion of off-label use of any medication, device, or procedure is informational only and such uses are not endorsed hereby.
Nothing contained in this course represents the opinions, views, judgments, or conclusions of RxCe.com LLC. RxCe.com LLC is not liable or responsible to any person for any inaccuracy, error, or omission with respect to this course, or course material.