Evaluating the Role of Pharmacists in Utilizing Potassium-Competitive Acid Blockers for Acid Peptic Disorders

This activity was originally presented at Directions in Pharmacy 2025.

Program Description

Gastric acid-related disorders, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), its subtypes, and related conditions like erosive esophagitis (EE), are becoming increasingly common in the United States. However, limitations of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy have left patients with refractory disease and uncontrolled symptoms. Advances in therapy include the novel potassium-competitive acid blockers (PCABs) class, which have demonstrated efficacy and safety in acid-related disorders. Recent clinical trial results leading to the approval of and expanded indications for PCAB therapies will be discussed. Topics will include selecting appropriate therapies based on patient-specific factors, utilizing strategies for improving treatment adherence, and addressing adverse effects. The session will conclude by emphasizing the critical role of pharmacists across various practice settings.

Target audience: Community, retail, and health system pharmacists

Type of activity: Application
Release date: June 16, 2025
Expiration date: June 16, 2026

Time to complete activity: 1.0 hours

Learner level: Foundational
Fee: Free

Educational Objectives

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

• Compare the pharmacologic mechanisms of proton pump inhibitors and potassium-competitive acid blockers (PCABs) in treating acid-related gastrointestinal conditions
• Analyze real-world treatment and clinical data to guide the selection and integration of PCABs into individualized treatment plans for acid-related disorders
• Identify best practices for pharmacists in optimizing the use of PCABs to improve patient outcomes in acid-related disease management

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 0290-0000-25-196-H01-P. The activity is available for CE credit through June 16, 2026.

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

Gina N. Manzi, PharmD, CSP has the following relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose: Advisory Board – Bristol Myers Squibb, Janssen Pharmaceuticals

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

Faculty

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education^™ Planning Staff—Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Maryjo Dixon, RPh, MBA; Dipti Desai, PharmD, MBA, CHCP; Kylie Ferrentino; Susan Pordon; Brianna Winters; Chloe Taccetta; and Rebecca Green have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.

At least one 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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