Program Description
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is the second most common cause of vaginal infections in the United States, resulting in about 1.4 million outpatient visits each year. Estimates indicate that 50% of all women experience at least 1 episode of VVC by 25 years of age, and approximately 75% of women will experience a VVC episode in their lifetime, with 2 or more episodes occurring in 40% to 45% of women. Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians can assist with identifying patients that would benefit from counseling to help decrease the burden of VVC. The CDC’s Sexually Transmitted Infections guidelines provide diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Pharmacists are in a unique position to counsel patients on prevention and treatment of VVC and recurrent VVC, as well as the appropriate use of various treatments and importance of adherence to therapy. This activity will review newer treatment options for VVC, including appropriate methods of dosing and administration, potential drug interactions, and adverse effects. Patient counseling video vignettes will accompany this webinar to highlight different counseling scenarios pharmacists may encounter when educating patients about treatment and management of VVC.
Target audience: Health-system pharmacists, retail pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians
Type of activity: Application for pharmacists; Knowledge for pharmacy technicians
Release date: January 23, 2022
Expiration date: April 22, 2023
Time to complete activity: 1.0 hour
Fee: Free
Educational Objectives for Pharmacists
At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:
- Examine the prevalence, risk factors, and clinical manifestations of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), with a focus on its burden and management challenges
- Analyze current guideline recommendations as well as new and emerging treatments for VVC, including their efficacy and safety profiles
- Identify strategies for improving outcomes in VVC by recognizing key risk factors and providing effective patient education
Educational Objectives for Pharmacy Technicians
At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:
- Review the prevalence, risk factors, and symptoms of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), with a focus on its burden
- Recognize current recommendations as well as new and emerging treatments for VVC, including information on their safe and effectiveness use
- Recall strategies to assist the pharmacist in improving results in the management of VVC by recognizing key risk factors and identifying patients at risk
Brooke Fidler, PharmD, CHSE
Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice
Director of Co-Curricular Affairs and Patient Simulation
LIU Pharmacy (Arnold and Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences)
Brooklyn, New York
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 numbers 0290-0000-22-482-L01-P and 0290-0000-22-483-L01-T. The activity is available for CE credit through April 22, 2023.
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
Brooke Fidler, PharmD, CHSE
Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ Planning Staff—Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Maryjo Dixon, RPh; Liza Patel, PharmD, RPh; Abigail Dill; 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.
For questions about this internet CPE activity, please contact:
[email protected]
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