Chemoprophylaxis and Treatment of the Influenza Virus: The Expanding Role of Novel Antivirals in High-Risk Patient Populations

Chemoprophylaxis and Treatment of the Influenza Virus: The Expanding Role of Novel Antivirals in High-Risk Patient Populations

Faculty Presenters

Allana J. Sucher, PharmD, BCPS, BCIDP
Professor of Pharmacy Practice
Regis University School of Pharmacy
Denver, Colorado

Elias B. Chahine, PharmD, FCCP, FASCP, FFSHP, BSCP, BCIDP
Professor of Pharmacy Practice
Palm Beach Atlantic University Gregory School of Pharmacy

Clinical Pharmacy Specialist
Wellington Regional Medical Center
West Palm Beach, Florida
 
Program Description
The influenza virus is one of the most common infectious diseases, and its severity and impact can vary extensively between seasons. Despite its yearly resurgence, evidence from previous seasons suggests that antiviral drugs for treatment of influenza remain underutilized. Health-system pharmacists are in optimal positions to provide appropriate recommendations for proper clinician prescribing and use of antiviral drugs in patients with influenza. To do so effectively, pharmacists must be able to recognize signs and symptoms of influenza, especially as they present in individuals who are at higher risk for developing complications and increased mortality. Guideline recommendations, diagnostic and treatment pathways, and clinical pearls related to use of FDA-approved antivirals for the treatment and prevention of influenza in high-risk populations will be presented. 

Target audience: Health-system pharmacists
Type of activity: Application
Release date: December 18, 2020
Expiration date: December 18, 2021
Time to complete activity: 1.5 hours
Fee: Free

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

• Identify the pathogenesis, modes of transmission, and factors contributing to augmented risk of influenza-related complications in certain patient populations
• Differentiate the clinical benefits, mechanisms of action, dosing, and adverse effects associated with the antivirals recommended by the CDC for the 2020-2021 influenza season
• Explain the role of health-system pharmacists, pharmacy directors, and formulary decision makers in making clinical recommendations and in improving patient access to safe and effective antivirals for the prevention and treatment of the influenza virus

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 0290-0000-20-399-H01-P. The activity is available for CE credit through December 18, 2021.


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.
 

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Disclosures

Faculty
Elias B. Chahine, PharmD, FCCP, FASCP, FFSHP, BSCP, BCIDP, has the following relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose:
Consultant: Theratechnologies
Speakers Bureau: Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. and Paratek

Allana J. Sucher, PharmD, BCPS, BCIDP, has no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ Planning Staff – Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Maryjo Dixon, RPh; Rose Namissa, PharmD, BCPS; 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.

For questions about this CPE activity, please contact:
[email protected]
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