Primary Immunodeficiency Disease: An Overview on the Use of Intravenous and Subcutaneous Immunoglobulin and the Role of the Pharmacist

Primary Immunodeficiency Disease: An Overview on the Use of Intravenous and Subcutaneous Immunoglobulin and the Role of the Pharmacist

On-Demand Accredited Online Article

Faculty

Joseph E. DiStefano, RPh, IgCP, CSP
Vice President, Clinical Programs
Nufactor Specialty Pharmacy
Temecula, California

Medical Writer For Videos

Holly Berry, PharmD, BCACP
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist
Department of Pharmacy, Duke University Hospital
Durham, North Carolina
 
Program Description
Primary immunodeficiency disease (PIDD) describes an estimated 240 to 400 types of immune deficiencies, many of which can lead to serious disability and early death. The impact of PIDD on pediatric and adult patients’ lives is significant and lifelong. The many types of PIDD present with nonspecific, common symptoms, making diagnosis complicated and delays with ineffective treatments substantial. Standards of care for some patients with PIDD includes lifelong immunoglobulin (Ig) therapy, which is available as formulations for either intravenous (IV) or subcutaneous (SC) administration. Pharmacists involved in the care of patients with PIDD have significant roles in counseling patients who initiate a new therapy, seek to transition from different forms of Ig, or are interested in self-administration. This activity will examine differences in the properties and specific benefits of some of the available IVIg and SCIg treatment options for patients with PIDD. To assist with visualizing the role of the pharmacist, this activity will also feature patient counseling video vignettes featuring a pharmacist counseling a patient newly diagnosed with PIDD who begins treatment with IVIg and transitions to SCIg.

Target audience: Specialty pharmacists
Type of activity: Application
Release date: June 30, 2021
Expiration date: July 15, 2022
Time to complete activity: 3.0 hours
Fee: Free

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

• Identify various types of primary immunodeficiency disease (PIDD), diagnostic challenges, and associated comorbidities
• Examine intravenous (IV) and subcutaneous (SC) immunoglobulin (Ig) products and advantages for the patient based on individualized needs
• Apply evidence-based treatment protocols to promote appropriate selection of an Ig product for a patient with PIDD while ensuring safe and efficacious use
• Explain training and education for patients using IVIg and SCIg, how to calculate dosing for different products, as well as monitoring patients for safety, adherence, and adverse effects

 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 3.0 contact hours (0.30 CEU) under the ACPE universal activity number 0290-0000-21-261-H01-P. The activity is available for CE credit through July 15, 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.
 

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Disclosures

Joseph E. DiStefano, RPh, IgCP, CSP, has no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose. 

Holly Berry, PharmD, BCACP, has 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; Crissy Wilson; Susan Pordon; Brianna Winters; and Chloe Taccetta have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.

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.

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