The Evolving Treatment Paradigm of Demodex Blepharitis: Considerations for Pharmacists

This activity includes pharmacy technician credit.

Program Description
Demodex blepharitis is a common inflammatory condition affecting the eyelids, eyelashes, lash follicles, and sebaceous glands that is caused by Demodex mite overgrowth. Patients present with collarettes, or cylindrical dandruff, that can be a significant source of discomfort and visual disturbance. The recent approval of the first ophthalmic solution for treatment of Demodex blepharitis presents an important opportunity in the management of this ocular disease with the potential to improve patient quality of life. Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians must be familiar with identification of Demodex infestations as well as the clinical safety and efficacy data of medications used to manage and treat this condition effectively. Strategies for effective patient counseling, covering medication administration, potential adverse effects, and the importance of adherence to treatment plans are discussed.

Target audience: Retail pharmacists, specialty pharmacists, pharmacy technicians

Type of activity: Application for pharmacists, Knowledge for pharmacy technicians
Release date: October 24, 2023
Expiration date: January 30, 2024

Time to complete activity: 1.0 hour

Learner level: Foundational

Fee: Free

Educational Objectives

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

Educational objectives for Pharmacists

• Explain the disease burden of Demodex blepharitis and its impact on patients’ quality of life
• Differentiate the safety and efficacy data of traditional and new therapies that target the underlying cause of Demodex blepharitis
• Employ strategies for pharmacists to optimize the management of Demodex blepharitis through patient counseling, addressing barriers to adherence, and assisting with treatment access

Educational objectives for Pharmacy Technicians

• Recognize the symptoms of Demodex blepharitis and its impact on patients’ quality of life
• Review the rationale for use of therapies that target the underlying cause of Demodex blepharitis
• Outline strategies for pharmacy technicians to assist the pharmacist in the management of therapies for patients with Demodex blepharitis

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 0290-0000-23-392-L01-P and 0290-0000-23-393-L01-T. The activity is available for CE credit through January 30, 2024.

Instructions for Completing the Activity and Receiving CPE Credit

To receive CPE credit, participants must complete the pretest, view 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

Miranda Wilhelm, PharmD

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ Planning Staff—Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Maryjo Dixon, RPh, MBA; Dipti Desai, PharmD, MBA, CHCP; Aleksandra Thomas; Susan Pordon; Brianna Winters; Chloe Taccetta, and Rebecca Green.

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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