Over-the-Counter Treatment Paradigms for Pain Management: Adapting to the “New Normal” (Technician Credit)

Program Description
Effective management of pain is needed to minimize the debilitating effects that it can have on patients’ quality of life. Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians can be key members of the pain management team and should be familiar with nonpharmacologic and over-the-counter (OTC) agents that adequately control pain while limiting adverse outcomes. Providing evidence-based treatment recommendations and individualized patient education for common pain disorders, including musculoskeletal disorders, injuries, and migraine, among others, will help to enable pharmacists to enhance patients’ health-related quality of life and may reduce direct and indirect costs associated with pain. It is important for pharmacy technicians to be aware of the various OTC options so they are better able to assist patients with questions or refer them to the pharmacist as needed. In the setting of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are new challenges and considerations for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in managing patients with acute and chronic pain conditions and in ensuring patients have access to care. Approaches for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to incorporate information and recommendations related to current and new OTC therapies including combination medications, and education about their appropriate use, will be presented.

Target audience: Pharmacists, pharmacy technicians

Type of activity: Application for pharmacists; Knowledge for pharmacy technicians

Release date: October 15, 2021

Expiration date: October 15, 2023

Time to complete activity: 1 hour

Fee: Free

Educational Objectives

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

• Outline the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on acute and chronic pain management
• Discuss the options and roles of over-the-counter analgesics in the treatment of acute and chronic pain syndromes
• Recognize best practices for pain management

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 numbers 0290-0000-21-365-H01-P and 0290-0000-21-366-H01-T. The activity is available for CE credit through October 15, 2023.

Disclosures

Bernadette R. Cornelison, PharmD, MS, BCPS, and Beth Zerr, PharmD, BCACP, have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ Planning Staff – Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Maryjo Dixon, RPh; Liza Patel, PharmD, RPh; Kylie Ferrentino; Susan Pordon; Brianna Winters; and Chloe Taccetta have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.

An anonymous peer reviewer is used as part of content validation and conflict resolution. The peer reviewer has no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.

Activity Disclaimer

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ (PTCE) strives to provide the highest level of service. However, unforeseen circumstances may necessitate the rescheduling or cancellation of live events, including, but not limited to, webinars hosted by PTCE. PTCE reserves the right to cancel an event without notice. PTCE will not be responsible for any expenditure incurred due to the cancellation.

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.