Advances and Best Practices for Managed Care Pharmacists and the Treatment of Patients with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency

Program Description

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is an autosomal recessive loss of function condition caused by a mutation in the SERPINA1 gene that ultimately causes degenerative pulmonary and hepatic disease leading to death in middle life. The current goal of treatment is to prevent or slow down the progressive nature of this pulmonary condition and involves cessation of smoking, preventive vaccinations, bronchodilators, supplemental oxygen, as well as augmentation therapy with alpha-1 antitrypsin. However, despite proven available treatments, ATTD remains under-recognized; less than 10% of Americans who experience ATTD are diagnosed. Managed care pharmacists should be knowledgeable of the prevalence and progressive nature of AATD, risk factors, possible etiologies, recommended guidelines, the efficacy and safety of alpha-1 proteinase inhibitors, and their role in supporting patients with AATD to improve identification and treatment. This activity will provide managed care pharmacists with the information needed to make accurate clinical recommendations, monitor treatment regimens, and ease the burdens associated with AATD.

Target audience: Managed care pharmacists
Type of activity: Application
Release date: July 13, 2023
Expiration date: July 13, 2024
Time to complete activity: 1.0 hour
Learner level: Foundational
Fee: Free

Educational Objectives

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

• Explore the incidence, pathophysiology, risk factors, clinical presentation, and prognosis associated with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
• Analyze the current recommendations and clinical data exploring augmentation therapy, including the safety and efficacy of the alpha-1 proteinase inhibitors
• Examine the role of the managed care pharmacist in easing the financial burden and increasing access to treatments for patients with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency

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 1.0 contact hour (0.10 CEU) under the ACPE universal activity number 0290-0000-23-298-H01-P. The activity is available for CE credit through July 13, 2024.

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

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

Faculty

Mark A Malesker, PharmD, FCCP, FCCM, FASHP, BCPS

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

An anonymous peer reviewer was used as part of content validation and conflict resolution. The peer reviewer 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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