More Than the Blues: The Role of Zuranolone in the Treatment of Postpartum Depression
Target Audience: Pharmacy Tech
Course Overview
The birth of a child is a momentous occasion for the mother and family; however, for most mothers, it can be exhausting and accompanied by mood changes, apprehension, and unhappiness. When this experience is mild, it is referred to as the “baby blues.” Beginning a few days after birth, baby blues typically last a couple of weeks. Sometimes, symptoms persist and worsen, developing into postpartum depression, a more severe condition. Untreated postpartum depression can adversely affect maternal and newborn well-being. Treatment of postpartum depression involves lifestyle changes, psychotherapy, and treatment with antidepressants. Zuranolone is the first FDA-approved oral medication indicated for postpartum depression. It has a rapid onset and may be an effective therapeutic option for mothers experiencing postpartum depression. This course discusses the benefits and risks of zuranolone so that the pharmacy team may provide effective patient counseling and contribute to a positive patient outcome.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this educational activity, participants should be able to:
- Discuss the prevalence and risk factors for postpartum depression
- Review available postpartum depression treatment options
- Describe the use of zuranolone to treat postpartum depression
- Review effective counseling techniques to improve patient outcomes
Faculty
I. Introduction
II. Mental Health Changes After Childbirth
III. Pathophysiology of Postpartum Depression
IV. Treatment of Postpartum Depression
V. Zuranolone as a Treatment Option for PPD
1. Clinical Trials
2. Contraindications and Warnings
3. Controlled Substance
4. Dosing
5. Drug-Drug Interactions
6. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
7. Supply, Handling, and Storage
VI. Zuranolone’s Place in Therapy
VII. The Pharmacy Team: Front-line Support
VIII. Summary
From December 21, 2023 through December 21, 2026, 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 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.
PTCB Recognition
RxCe.com, LLC, offers pharmacy technician continuing education courses for PTCB recertification. Pharmacy technician courses are indicated both in the Target Audience description and the ACPE UAN which will end with a "T".