Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) occurs when iron deficiency is severe enough to diminish erythropoiesis and cause the development of anemia. Management of IDA includes identification and treatment of the underlying cause, if feasible, and iron supplementation. Patients with IDA have been found to have longer hospital stays along with a greater number of adverse effects including higher rates of mortality and more cardiovascular events. Considerations for treating IDA include improving symptoms, replenishing iron stores to maintain acceptable hemoglobin concentration, and enhancing the patient’s overall health-related quality of life. Though some patients with IDA can be treated with oral iron replacement agents, patients may have an intolerance or experience an inadequate response; the development of additional intravenous (IV) iron therapies has expanded the treatment options and offers potential solutions to previous concerns with the management of these patients. This activity will present efficacy and safety data for high-dose IV iron therapies, as well as the role of early initiation of IV iron in certain clinical situations and important considerations for protocols. Additionally, this activity will assist pharmacists involved in the care of patient populations at greater risk for complications associated with IDA by reviewing challenges associated with identifying, treating, and assessing patients with IDA. As integral members of the health care team, it is imperative for pharmacists to be knowledgeable about how IV iron therapies fit into the treatment paradigm for patients with IDA and the nuances of available IV iron therapies, including dosing and monitoring.
Target Audience: Health-system pharmacists and retail pharmacists
Type of Activity: Application
Release date: November 09, 2021
Expiration date: November 09, 2022
Time to complete activity: 1.0 hour
Fee: Free
Educational Objectives
At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:
⦁ Examine the causes, risks factors, and comorbidities associated with a greater risk for iron deficiency anemia (IDA)
⦁ Explore the incidence of IDA and the health-related complications associated with undiagnosed and untreated IDA
⦁ Investigate the efficacy, safety, and clinical benefits associated with the use of high-dose intravenous (IV) iron replacement products, and how they differ from oral formulations
⦁ Illustrate the role of pharmacists in making clinical recommendations to ensure the safe and efficacious use of IV iron replacement products
Christopher T. Elder, PharmD, BCOP
Clinical Oncology Pharmacist
Department of Pharmacy Operations
Florida Cancer Specialists and Research Institute
Fort Myers, Florida
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 0290-0000-21-386-H01-P. The activity is available for CE credit through November 09, 2022.
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.
Faculty
Christopher T. Elder, PharmD, BCOP, has the following relevant financial relationship with a commercial interest to disclose:
Consultant: Bristol Myers Squibb – Advisory Board Participant
Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ Planning Staff—Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Maryjo Dixon, RPh; Liza Patel, PharmD, RPh; Liz Rauh; Susan Pordon; Brianna Winters; and Chloe Taccetta have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.
Anonymous peer reviewers were used as part of content validation and conflict resolution. The peer reviewers 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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