Lowering LDL Cholesterol With Nonstatin Treatments

Lowering LDL Cholesterol With Nonstatin Treatments

Faculty

Craig J. Beavers, PharmD, FACC, FAHA, FCCP, BCCP, BCPS-AQ Cardiology, CACP
Director, Cardiovascular Services
Baptist Health Paducah
Paducah, Kentucky

Cardiovascular Clinical Pharmacist
University of Kentucky HealthCare
Lexington, Kentucky

Adjunct Assistant Professor
University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy
Lexington, Kentucky
 
Program Description
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. Among the 28.2 million patients diagnosed with heart disease in the United States, 1 in 4 deaths is due to CVD. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) plays a key role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and CVD, and it is important for pharmacists to understand current treatment guidelines and the importance of reducing CVD risk. Statins are considered first-line treatment for lowering LDL, but optimal dosing may not be achieved due to adverse effects and patients may continue to have an elevated LDL on maximally tolerated doses. As the most accessible health care professionals, community pharmacists play a pivotal role in helping patients achieve treatment goals. This activity will focus on the emerging and available treatment options when statin therapy alone does not achieve LDL goals, including their mechanisms of action, dosing, and counseling considerations.

Target audience: Retail pharmacists
Type of activity: Application
Release date: November 16, 2020
Expiration date: November 16, 2021
Time to complete activity: 2.0 hours
Fee: Free

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

• Examine the most recent cholesterol guidelines and the ongoing cardiovascular disease burden, particularly with patients on maximally tolerated statins
• Investigate the nonstatin options currently available including emerging therapies
• Identify appropriate patients who may require an additional reduction in LDL cholesterol
• Integrate the novel LDL-lowering medications into clinical decision making for at-risk patients

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 2.0 contact hours (0.20 CEU) under the ACPE universal activity number 0290-0000-20-317-H01-P. The activity is available for CE credit through November 16, 2021.


Instructions for Completing the Activity and Receiving CPE Credit
To receive CPE credit, participants must complete the pretest, read the article 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

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

Faculty
Craig J. Beavers, PharmD, FACC, FAHA, FCCP, BCCP, BCPS-AQ Cardiology, CACP

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ Planning Staff— Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Maryjo Dixon, RPh; Dipti Desai, PharmD, CHCP; Rose Namissa, PharmD, BCPS; Kelly McCormick; Susan Pordon; Brianna Winters

Pharmacy Times^® Editorial Staff—Davy James

Anonymous peer reviewers were part of the content validation and conflict resolution and have 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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