This activity was originally presented at the 2023 Asembia Specialty Pharmacy Summit.
This activity features a patient interview.
Program Description
Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a rare and often misdiagnosed autoimmune disease of the central nervous system that is accompanied by symptoms including inflammatory, demyelinating lesions along the spinal cord and optic nerves. Intravenous steroids and plasma exchange are used first line for acute attacks, but the presence of specific serum antibodies can help determine if the use of targeted monoclonal antibodies would be appropriate for preventing relapses. Since one of the most common challenges associated with NMOSD is that it is commonly misdiagnosed, it is important that pharmacists are aware of its signs and symptoms as well as the benefits of early diagnosis. This program will review current and emerging therapies including newer monoclonal antibodies and the role of the pharmacist in assisting patients with NMOSD by providing educational points related to appropriate treatment selection, counseling, and monitoring parameters. A patient perspective interview included in this program will highlight the experience of an individual living with NMOSD and offer pharmacists a greater understanding of the burden of NMOSD and insight on a patient’s journey with treatment.
Target audience: Specialty pharmacists and managed care pharmacists
Type of activity: Application
Release date: May 17, 2023
Expiration date: May 17, 2024
Time to complete activity: 1.5 hours
Learner level: Foundational
Fee: Free
Educational Objectives
At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:
- Explain the clinical and economic burden of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and appropriate interventions to optimize care and improve quality of life
- Investigate approved therapies for NMOSD including recent data and clinical recommendations for switching or escalating therapy
- Identify best practices to overcome access barriers and approaches pharmacists can take to improve patient care in the management of NMOSD
Michael Levy, MD, PhD
Research Director, Division of Neuroimmunology
& Neuroinfectious Disease
Associate Professor, Department of Neurology
Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School
Boston, Massachusetts
Sarah E. Stieven, PharmD, CSP
Specialty Pharmacist
Mayo Clinic
Rochester, Minnesota
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 1.5 contact hours (0.15 CEU) under the ACPE universal activity number 0290-0000-23-206-H01-P. The activity is available for CE credit through May 17, 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
Michael Levy, MD, PhD, has the following relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose:
Consulting: Alexion, Chugai, MedImmune, Shire, Viropharma, Genzyme, Apopharma, Quest Diagnostics
Grants: Alexion, Shire, Viropharma, Genzyme, Sanofi, Apopharma, Alnylam
Sarah E. Stieven, PharmD, CSP, has no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.
Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ Planning Staff: Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Maryjo Dixon, RPh, MBA; Dipti Desai, PharmD, MBA, CHCP; Liza Patel, PharmD, RPh; Crissy Wilson; Susan Pordon; Brianna Winters; and Chloe Taccetta have no financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.
Anonymous peer reviewers have been 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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