Ritlecitinib as a Treatment for Severe Alopecia Areata
Target Audience: Pharmacist
Course Overview
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that is characterized by limited, moderate, or severe hair loss in patients. No treatment for patients as young as 12 with moderate to severe alopecia areata had been approved by the Food and Drug Administration prior to its approval of ritlecitinib to treat severe alopecia areata. This course will briefly discuss alopecia areata and its epidemiology, definition, prevalence, and risk factors. In addition, ritlecitinib will be reviewed as an option to treat patients with severe alopecia areata, and counseling and coping tips will be mentioned. This discussion will include a review of the role of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians within an interdisciplinary approach to treating severe alopecia areata.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this educational activity, participants should be able to:
- Recognize the signs and characteristics of alopecia areata
- Identify adverse effects associated with ritlecitinib use
- Identify special populations who require a cautious approach when prescribing ritlecitinib
- Review recommended dosing and monitoring guidelines for ritlecitinib
Faculty
I. Introduction
II. Etiology of Alopecia Areata
III. Prevalence of Alopecia Areata
IV. Risk Factors of Alopecia Areata
V. Management and Treatment Options for Alopecia Areata
VI. Ritlecitinib as a Treatment Option for Severe Alopecia Areata
1. Mechanism of Action
2. Clinical Studies
3. Indications
4. Dosing and Administration
5. Contraindications, Warnings, and Precautions
6. Adverse Reactions
7. Drug Interactions
8. Special Populations
9. Overdosage
10. Storage and Handling
VII. Interdisciplinary Approach and Collaboration
VIII. Summary
From January 24, 2024 through January 24, 2027, participants must:
- Read the "learning objectives" and "author and planning team disclosures"
- Study the section entitled "educational activity"
- Complete the Course Test and Evaluation form. The Course Test will be graded automatically. Following successful completion of the Course Test with a score of 70% or higher, a statement of participation will be made available immediately. (No partial credit will be given.)
Credit for this course will be automatically uploaded to CPE Monitor®.
Faculty Planner Disclosure
The following individuals were involved in developing this activity: Steven Malen, PharmD, MBA, and Pamela Sardo, PharmD, BS. Pamela Sardo, Pharm.D., B.S., was an employee of Rhythm Pharmaceuticals until March 2022 and has no conflicts of interest or relationships regarding the subject matter discussed. 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 Disclosure
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.
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Accreditation
In support of improving patient care, RxCE.com is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.