Management Considerations for Hidradenitis Suppurativa and the Emerging Role of Biologics in Treatment

Program Description

Also known as acne inversus, hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a skin condition that presents with painful inflammatory pimples or nodules, abscesses, and lesions that create tunneling sinus tracts and cause scarring. The common body areas affected are the axillary, groin, perianal, perineal, and inframammary crease. In addition to the physical presentation of this disease, there are a number of challenges and complications that impact individuals with HS. Some patients experience extended physical complications due to chronic inflammation as well as systemic and mental health complications. The IL-17/IL-23 pathway has been identified in the inflammatory response involved in HS, and this article will examine biologics targeting IL-17 or IL-23 with emerging evidence for potential effective treatment for HS. Management of HS is often complex, requiring several pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions to address the comorbidities. Opportunities exist for pharmacists within the multidisciplinary care team to provide specific counseling information regarding biologic therapy to patients living with HS.

Target audience: Specialty pharmacists

Type of activity: Application
Release date: December 21, 2022
Expiration date: January 31, 2024

Time to complete activity: 2.0 hours
Fee: Free

Educational Objectives

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

• Explain the etiology and associated complications of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) as well as the burden and impact on quality of life for patients
• Examine current recommendations for treatment and emerging data for the evolving role of biologics in the management of HS
• Identify opportunities for pharmacists on the multidisciplinary care team to educate patients and manage disease complications, adverse effects, and treatment adherence to optimize outcomes for patients with HS

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 0290-9999-22-607-H01-P. The activity is available for CE credit through January 31, 2024.

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:

Timothy D. Gladwell, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ Planning Staff—Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Maryjo Dixon, RPh; Dipti Desai, PharmD, MBA, CHCP; Liza Patel, PharmD, RPh; Kylie Ferrentino; Susan Pordon; Brianna Winters; and Chloe Taccetta.

Planning Staff

The University of Connecticut

Planning Staff—Jeannette Y. Wick, RPh, MBA, FASCP; and Joanne W. Nault

Pharmacy Times® Editorial Staff

Davy James

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]
Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Information:
www.pharmacytimes.org/terms