Advancements in the Management of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Review for Specialty Pharmacists

This activity was originally broadcast live at the 2022 Asembia Specialty Pharmacy Summit.

Program Description

Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) experience shortness of breath and fatigue stemming from fibrosis impacting the lungs’ ability to transport oxygen to the bloodstream. In addition to causing a reduction in quality of life, IPF imparts a significant economic burden on patients, caregivers, and the health care system. Much of this stems from gaps in treatment, including underdiagnosis and underutilization of effective drug therapies for this progressive condition. Currently, 2 drugs are approved for management of IPF symptoms, nintedanib and pirfenidone, though additional emerging therapies for IPF are in late-stage clinical trials. Despite the significant evidence base establishing their efficacy and safety in IPF treatment, studies regarding the prescribing patterns of nintedanib and pirfenidone in real-world settings indicate that these agents are underutilized in the United States. This activity will investigate the real-world data supporting the use of nintedanib and pirfenidone and address ways that specialty pharmacists can optimize treatment for patients, including addressing barriers related to access, providing patient education, and monitoring therapy.

Target audience: Specialty pharmacists and managed care pharmacists

Type of activity: Application
Release date: May 10, 2022
Expiration date: May 10, 2023

Time to complete activity: 1.5 hours
Fee: Free

Educational Objectives

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

• Examine the pathogenesis, prevalence, clinical presentation, risk factors, and impact of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) on patient health-related quality of life
• Analyze the efficacy and safety data associated with available therapies for IPF including real-world data, mechanisms of action, dosing, administration, monitoring parameters, and potential adverse effects as well as agents under investigation
• Demonstrate the role of the pharmacist in making clinical recommendations and in educating patients about IPF and potential disease-modifying treatments

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 1.5 contact hours (0.15 CEU) under the ACPE universal activity number 0290-0000-22-235-H01-P. The activity is available for CE credit through May 10, 2023.

Instructions for Completing the Activity and Receiving CPE Credit

To receive CPE credit, participants must complete the pretest, review the activity 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

Faculty

Barbie Courtney, PharmD, BCACP, CSP, AAHIVP, has no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.

Lisa H. Lancaster, MD, has the following relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose:

Grant/Research Support: Fibrogen, Pliant, Celgene, Biogen, Novartis, Boehringer Ingelheim, Galecto, Inc., Galapagos

Consultant: Bristol Myers Squibb, DevPro BioPharma, AstraZeneca, Pliant, Pieris, Galapagos

Speaker’s Bureau: Boehringer Ingelheim, Genentech

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ Planning Staff: Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Maryjo Dixon, RPh, MBA; Dipti Desai, PharmD, CHCP; Crissy Wilson; Susan Pordon; Brianna Winters; and Chloe Taccetta have no financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.

Anonymous peer reviewers have been used as part of content validation and conflict resolution. The peer reviewers have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.

The content of this activity may include information regarding the use of products that may be inconsistent with, or outside the approved labeling for, these products in the United States. Pharmacists should note that the use of these products outside current approved labeling is considered experimental and are advised to consult the prescribing information for these products.

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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