The Expanding Therapy Landscape for Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria: A Review for Specialty and Infusion Pharmacists

The Expanding Therapy Landscape for Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria: A Review for Specialty and Infusion Pharmacists

Faculty Presenter

Jamile M. Shammo, MD, FASCP, FACP
Professor of Medicine and Pathology
Department of Internal Medicine
Rush University Medical Center
Chicago, Illinois
 
Program Description
Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a rare, acquired, hematopoietic stem cell disorder characterized by clonal expansion of mutated stem cells. The cellular mutation in PNH is responsible for the development of red blood cells that are vulnerable to complement-mediated lysis. The destruction of these blood cells can lead to potential damage to vital organs and thrombotic events which may be fatal. Although there is still no pharmacologic cure for PNH, novel therapies that address the underlying pathophysiology of the disease at the cellular level can alter the disease course and add meaningful improvements to quality of life. Due to the complex nature of both the disease and the treatment of PNH, the specialty and infusion pharmacist’s knowledge regarding the mechanisms of action, treatment protocols, and specialty drug preparation and administration of new biologics is critical. The specialty and infusion pharmacist prepare intravenous drugs for administration for the initiation, continuation, and switching of patients who have been prescribed the novel biologics eculizumab and ravulizumab-cwvz. Specialty and infusion pharmacists’ education, background, and skills prepare them to be an essential part of the care team that serves the patient with this serious and rare disease.

Target audience: Specialty pharmacists
Type of activity: Application
Release date: October 15, 2020
Expiration date: October 15, 2021
Time to complete activity: 1.0 hour
Fee: Free

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

• Examine the prevalence and pathophysiology of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH)
• Determine the classic clinical presentation associated with PNH
• Explain the mechanisms of action, including the safety and efficacy of traditional, novel, and emerging agents used to treat and manage PNH
• Identify the role of specialty and infusion pharmacists in improving clinical outcomes in those with PNH

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 number 0290-0000-20-287-H01-P. The activity is available for CE credit through October 15, 2021.


Instructions for Completing the Activity and Receiving CPE Credit
To receive CPE credit, participants must complete the pretest, view the webcast 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
The following contributor has relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose:

Faculty
Jamile M. Shammo, MD, FASCP, FACP
Grant/Research Support: Alexion, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Incyte, Onconova
Consultant: Alexion, Apellis, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Incyte, Onconova, Regeneron
Speakers Bureau: Alexion, Apellis, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Incyte, Onconova, Regeneron, Sanofi
Shareholder: AbbVie, Baxter, Takeda

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; Liza Patel, PharmD, RPh; Ann Marciano; Susan Pordon; and Brianna Winters have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.

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.

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