Program Description
This activity was originally presented at the 2025 PTCE Neurology Pharmacy Day of Education.
Narcolepsy is a rare neurologic disorder marked by excessive daytime sleepiness, irresistible urge to sleep, and fragmented and disrupted nighttime sleep. Standard treatments for narcolepsy include stimulants, non-stimulant wakefulness-promoting medications, pitolisant, sodium oxybate, and solriamfetol. Patients with narcolepsy are at an elevated risk for major adverse cardiac events, such as ischemic stroke, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation. Some of the available treatments for narcolepsy, particularly sodium-based formulations, may exacerbate cardiovascular risks due to their high sodium content, potentially contributing to other cardiovascular complications. New and emerging treatment options for narcolepsy offer the possibility of minimizing additional cardiovascular risks. As the cardiovascular risks associated with narcolepsy can be aggravated by traditional treatments, it is crucial for pharmacists to be aware of these risks and mitigation strategies, including the newer therapeutic alternatives. This activity will provide an overview of the burden and comorbidities associated with narcolepsy, explore emerging treatments for managing the condition, and examine the role of pharmacists in optimizing care by reducing cardiovascular risks. By gaining a better understanding of the latest low-sodium and sodium-free therapeutic options, pharmacists will be better equipped to improve patient care and reduce cardiovascular risks in those with narcolepsy.
Target audience: Community pharmacist
Type of activity: Application
Release date: June 20, 2025
Expiration date: June 20, 2026
Time to complete activity: 1.5 hours
Learner level: Foundational, Intermediate
Fee: Free
Educational Objectives
At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:
- Determine the burden of narcolepsy and associated comorbidities
- Identify the clinical efficacy of new and emerging low-sodium and sodium-free therapeutic options for managing narcolepsy
- Examine the role of pharmacists in optimizing care and reducing cardiovascular risks for patients with narcolepsy
Marilyn N. Bulloch, PharmD, BCPS, FCCM, SPP
Associate Clinical Professor and Director of Strategic Operations
Auburn University Harrison College of Pharmacy
Adjunct Associate Professor
University of Alabama College of Community Health Sciences Department of Family, Internal, and Rural Medicine
Adjunct Associate Professor
University of Alabama-Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
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 0290-0000-25-201-H01-P. The activity is available for CE credit through June 20, 2026.
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
Marilyn N. Bulloch, PharmD, BCPS, FCCM, SPP
Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ Planning Staff—Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Maryjo Dixon, RPh, MBA; Dipti Desai, PharmD, MBA, CHCP; Kylie Ferrentino; Susan Pordon; Brianna Winters; and Chloe Taccetta
At least one 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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