The Multiple Facets of Multiple Sclerosis
Target Audience: Pharmacist
Course Overview
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, inflammatory, demyelinating, progressive central nervous system (CNS) disease that leads to irreversible disability. MS affects people of all ages, is commonly diagnosed in early adulthood, and is the leading cause of non-traumatic neurological disability in young adults. An abnormal immune response causes inflammation in MS. As knowledge of the disease has evolved, treatment options and approaches have shifted and improved. Disease modifying therapies (DMTs) modify disease course by reducing relapse rate and disability progression. Differing mechanisms of action, administration avenues, dosing, and DMT safety concerns offer healthcare providers and patients many treatment options. A knowledgeable, informed pharmacy team is prepared to educate and counsel patients about MS management.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this educational activity, participants should be able to:
- Describe the different treatment approaches for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis
- Identify mechanisms of action associated with current and emerging disease-modifying therapies
- Recall common safety considerations associated with treatments for multiple sclerosis
- Discuss counseling opportunities for people with multiple sclerosis
Faculty
I. Introduction
II. Prevalence of Multiple Sclerosis
III. Pathophysiology of Multiple Sclerosis
A. Presentation
B. Diagnosis
IV. RRMS Treatment
A. Efficacy Measurements
B. Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy
C. Disease Modifying Therapies (DMTs)
D. Interferons and Glatiramer
E. Sphingosine-1-phosphate Receptor Modulators (S1PRM)
F. Fumarates
G. Teriflunomide
H. Cladribine
I. Monoclonal Antibodies
J. Symptom Management, Supportive Care, and Lifestyle Modifications
V. Front Line Support from the Pharmacy Team
VI. Summary
From May 25, 2024 through May 25, 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: Jennifer Salvon, RPh, and Pamela Sardo, PharmD, BS. Pamela Sardo and Jennifer Salvon have no conflicts of interest or financial relationships regarding the subject matter. There are no financial relationships or commercial or financial support relevant to this activity to report or disclose by RxCe.com or 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.