Beta Thalassemia: Healthcare Utilization and Managed Care Implications
Celgene Corporation, a Bristol Myers Squibb company.
Faculty Presenters
Clarence Moore, PharmD, BCPS, BCOP
Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice
Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy
Shenandoah University
Fairfax, Virginia
Peter J. Bryan, PharmD
Specialty Clinical Pharmacist
Prime Therapeutics
Eagan, Minnesota
Program Description
Thalassemia describes a hematologic genetic disorder that includes both deletions and mutations of genes involved in hemoglobin production. Hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells, is responsible for binding to oxygen in the lungs and delivering it to tissues in the body. The hemoglobin protein comprises various chains, including α and β globin chains, which both play an integral role in the proper oxygenation of the body. Chromosome 11 contains genes involved in β production, and chromosome 16 contains genes related to α production. Severity of thalassemia is dependent upon the extent of genetic changes. Some patients may be asymptomatic carriers, and others may require lifelong blood transfusions to treat chronic anemia along with other comorbidities. If left untreated, transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) may lead to life-threatening anemia. Red blood cell transfusions are the cornerstone of current therapy to maintain adequate hemoglobin levels. Lifelong transfusions are usually required every 2-5 weeks and include significant risks, such as blood-borne infection (primarily hepatitis B and C in developing countries) and iron overload. Acute reactions from transfusion may include hemolytic (intravascular) reactions, anaphylactic reactions, febrile non-hemolytic reactions, allergic (urticarial) reactions, and transfusion related acute lung injury. Delayed reactions may include alloimmune reactions, hemolytic (extravascular) reactions, and graft-versus-host disease. As new treatments enter the therapy landscape and fulfil unmet medical needs, there is a need for managed care professionals, pharmacists, and payers to be well-informed regarding β thalassemia complications, treatment, and management.
Target audience: Specialty and managed care pharmacists, managed care payers, pharmacy directors, pharmacy benefit managers, specialty pharmacy directors, and any other pharmacist and/or healthcare professional interested in the healthcare utilization and managed care implications of or involved in the care of patients with β thalassemia.
Type of activity: Application
Release date: October 30, 2020
Expiration date: April 30, 2022
Time to complete activity: 1.5 hours
Fee: Free
Educational Objectives
At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:
- Examine the pathophysiology of β thalassemia and associated complications
- Explore current and emerging disease-modifying treatments including mechanisms of action and safety and efficacy data
- Discuss healthcare utilization and long-term economic costs of β thalassemia
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 0290-0000-20-326-H01-P. The activity is available for CE credit through April 30, 2022.
Instructions for Completing the Activity and Receiving CPE Credit
To receive CPE credit, participants must complete the pretest, view the webcast 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
Clarence Moore, PharmD, BCPS, BCOP, and Peter J. Bryan, PharmD, have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.
Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ Planning Staff – Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Maryjo Dixon, RPh; Kim Simpson, PharmD; Crissy Wilson; Susan Pordon; and Brianna Winters have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.
An anonymous peer reviewer is 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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