A Review of Novel Antifungal Therapies for Vulvovaginal Candidiasis to Improve Patient Outcomes and Prevent Recurrent Infections (Pharmacist Credit)

Program Description
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), frequently called a yeast infection, is among the most common attributors to vulvovaginal itching, inflammation, and discharge. As nearly 75% of women will experience at least 1 incidence of VVC in their lifetimes and up to 45% experience recurrent infections, it is important that pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are familiar with this condition and effective strategies for its management. While patients may seek over-the-counter treatment options, an intimate understanding of prescription agents including novel therapies for the management of VVC is essential to combat VVC. Pharmacists should be able to assist patients presenting with symptoms of VVC with navigating the wide variety of potential antifungal treatment options, and pharmacy technicians should be aware of the importance of referring individuals to the pharmacist as necessary. This activity will outline current and emerging antifungals for treatment of VVC and equip pharmacists with knowledge of how to properly assess, recommend, and manage VVC drug therapy to treat bothersome infections, as well as limit recurrent infections and optimize care of their patients.

Target audience: Pharmacists
Type of activity: Application
Release date: November 30, 2021
Expiration date: December 15, 2022
Time to complete activity: 2.0 hours
Fee: Free

Educational Objectives

At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

● Determine the pathophysiology, epidemiology, risk factors, and clinical presentation associated with vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC)

● Compare the mechanisms of action, dosing, administration, potential adverse effects, and challenges associated with standard -azole therapies including available over-the-counter and prescription agents for VVC

● Examine the newly approved and emerging antifungals for VVC including mechanisms of action, dosing, administration, efficacy and safety data, and clinical benefits

● Identify the role of the pharmacist in counseling patients at risk for or with VVC about novel therapies to reduce recurrent infections, and improving patient adherence and clinical outcomes

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. This activity is approved for 2.0 contact hours (0.20 CEU) under the ACPE universal activity number 0290-0000-21-390-H01-P. The activity is available for CE credit through December 15, 2022.

Instructions for Completing the Activity and Receiving CPE Credit

To receive CPE credit, participants must complete the pretest, read the article in its entirety, complete the posttest, and complete the online activity evaluation. After successful completion of the online activity evaluation, you can submit your credit to CPE Monitor. You may view your credit within 48 hours at www.mycpemonitor.net. All participants must request credit before the activity expiration date. CE credit will not be issued after this date.

Disclosures

The following contributors have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose:

Faculty

Brooke Fidler, PharmD, CHSE

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ Planning Staff—Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Maryjo Dixon, RPh; Dipti Desai, PharmD, CHCP; Liza Patel, PharmD, RPh; Liz Rauh; Susan Pordon; Brianna Winters; and Chloe Taccetta

Pharmacy Times^® Editorial Staff—Davy James

An anonymous peer reviewer was part of the content validation and conflict resolution and has no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.

Educational Disclaimer
CPE activities are offered solely for educational purposes and do not constitute any form of professional advice or referral. Discussions concerning drugs, dosages, and procedures may reflect the clinical experience of the author(s) or they may be derived from the professional literature or other sources and may suggest uses that are investigational in nature and not approved labeling or indications. Participants are encouraged to refer to primary references or full prescribing information resources.

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