Program Description
Epilepsy is a neurologic disease affecting individuals of all ages that is characterized by disturbances in neuronal signaling resulting in seizures. Seizures present differently in each patient, requiring patient-specific treatment and monitoring, but may manifest as abnormal behavior, involuntary movements, changes in sensory function, and changes in consciousness. In particular, seizure clusters pose a significant burden on patients with epilepsy and are characterized by multiple seizures within a short timeframe. These clusters are distinct from an epilepsy patient’s normal seizure frequency and are more likely to occur in patients who have drug-resistant epilepsy. As new pharmacologic agents are approved, pharmacists must be familiar with all available treatment options for seizure clusters including those that are administered via alternative routes (ie, rectal, buccal). In addition to epilepsy rescue treatment, pharmacists should be knowledgeable on chronic seizure medications as they are also critical to management of seizure clusters. This podcast will review epilepsy treatment options and provide pharmacists with an understanding of the disease state and clinical guidelines to best recognize patients who are not optimally treated and help to address their needs.
Target audience: Health-system pharmacists, retail pharmacists, specialty pharmacists
Type of activity: Knowledge
Release date: March 31, 2022
Expiration date: March 31, 2023
Time to complete activity: 0.5 hour
Fee: Free
Educational Objectives
At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:
- Examine challenges in current treatment options for seizure clusters, including efficacy and safety, and differentiating routes of administration
- Highlight considerations in treatment of seizure clusters, including addressing barriers to treatment and providing patient counseling to improve outcomes
Gretchen M. Brophy, PharmD, BCPS, FCCP, FCCM, FCCM, FNCS, MCCM
Professor
Departments of Pharmacotherapy & Outcomes Science and Neurosurgery
Virginia Commonwealth University, Medical College of Virginia
Richmond, Virginia
Neurocritical Care Clinical Pharmacist
Virginia Commonwealth University Health
Richmond, Virginia
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 0.5 contact hour (0.05 CEU) under the ACPE universal activity number 0290-0000-22-129-H01-P. The activity is available for CE credit through March 31, 2023.
Instructions for Completing the Activity and Receiving CPE Credit
To receive CPE credit, participants must complete the pretest, listen to the podcast 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
Faculty
Gretchen M. Brophy, PharmD, BCPS, FCCP, FCCM, FCCM, FNCS, MCCM, has the following relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose:
- Grant/Research Support: Department of Defense
- Consultant: UCB, Chiesi, Marinus, Alexion, Ceribell
- Speakers Bureau: UCB, Chiesi
The following contributors have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose:
Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ Planning Staff—Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Maryjo Dixon, RPh; Michelle Carlson; PharmD; Abigail Dill; Susan Pordon; Brianna Winters; and Chloe Taccetta.
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.
For questions about this internet CPE activity, please contact:
[email protected]
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