Expanded Options to Improve the Care of Patients With Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps: The Informed Pharmacist

Program Description
Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is an upper airway disorder associated with severe sinonasal symptoms, including obstruction, sleep disturbance, and nasal discharge. Treatment options for patients with CRSwNP are generally limited to use of intranasal and systemic corticosteroids, leaving symptoms largely uncontrolled, with up to 80% of patients experiencing recurrence and needing repeated interventions. Specialty pharmacists can have vital roles in integrating the use of newly approved biologic therapies for treatment of CRSwNP into clinical practice. Recognizing symptomatology of CRSwNP can help pharmacists identify patients who may benefit from biologic therapy. This activity will review ways pharmacists can assist with access to biologic therapy as well as cover educational points for both patients and providers regarding use of these agents for the treatment of CRSwNP.

Target audience: Specialty pharmacists

Type of activity: Application

Release date: October 8, 2021

Expiration date: October 8, 2022

Time to complete activity: 1.0 hour

Fee: Free

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

• Express the pathoimmunology, diagnostic, comorbidity, and quality of life challenges associated with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP)
• Classify standard and emerging treatments for CRSwNP including their mechanisms of action, efficacy, and safety data
• Distinguish the pharmacist’s role in identifying, managing, and counseling patients with CRSwNP

Faculty Presenter

Shannon Rotolo, PharmD, BCPS

Clinical Pharmacy Specialist

University of Chicago Medicine

Chicago, Illinois

Medical Writer for Simulation

Jeannette Y. Wick, RPh, MBA, FASCP

Assistant Director, Office of Pharmacy Professional Development

University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy

Storrs, Connecticut

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 hours (0.10 CEU) under the ACPE universal activity number 0290-0000-21-363-H01-P The activity is available for CE credit through October 8, 2022.

Instructions for Completing the Activity and Receiving CPE Credit

To receive CPE credit, participants must complete the pretest, view the virtual symposium 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.

Shannon Rotolo, PharmD, BCPS, has the following relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose:

Stock/ Shareholder: CVS Health

Spouse is an employee of CVS Health.

Jeannette Y. Wick, RPh, MBA, FASCP 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; Kelly McCormick; Susan Pordon; Brianna Winters; and Chloe Taccetta 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.

Activity Disclaimer

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ (PTCE) strives to provide the highest level of service. However, unforeseen circumstances may necessitate the rescheduling or cancellation of live events, including, but not limited to, webinars hosted by PTCE. PTCE reserves the right to cancel an event without notice. PTCE will not be responsible for any expenditure incurred due to the cancellation.

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.