Program Description
Patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) experience progressive degeneration of motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord that results in debilitating physical disability. ALS presentation initially affects either upper or lower motor neurons, though no matter the initial symptoms, the disease eventually involves both upper and lower motor neurons in all manifestations. Delays in diagnosis are common and impact prompt initiation of treatment, which is significant given the progressive nature and increased disability and mortality post diagnosis. Managed care pharmacists are central members of the multidisciplinary care team in care delivery for patients with ALS and can be influential in ensuring access to and appropriate use of medical and pharmacologic interventions for symptom management. This program will review investigational and currently approved treatment options for ALS, including new formulations, and considerations for availability, access, and administration. The discussion will include appropriate utilization management strategies for managed care organizations to support the multidisciplinary care of patients with ALS, with a goal of optimizing clinical outcomes and delaying disease progression.
Target audience: Managed care pharmacists
Type of activity: Application
Release date: April 19, 2023
Expiration date: June 19, 2023
Time to complete activity: 1.0 hour
Fee: Free
Educational Objectives
At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:
- Explain the pathogenesis, incidence, risk factors, clinical presentation, and health and economic burdens associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) for patients and caregivers
- Explore the efficacy and safety of current and emerging therapies for the treatment of ALS
- Identify the pivotal roles of managed care professionals in expanding efforts to ensure early diagnosis and prompt clinical intervention for management of ALS
Andrea Henry, PharmD, MBA, BCPS
Magellan RX Management
Specialty, Drug Information Pharmacist
Houston, Texas
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 0290-0000-23-053-L01-P. The activity is available for CE credit through June 19, 2023.
Instructions for Completing the Activity and Receiving CPE Credit
To receive CPE credit, participants must complete the pretest, review 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
Andrea Henry, PharmD, MBA, BCPS
Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ Planning Staff—Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Maryjo Dixon, RPh; Karleen Melody, PharmD; Kylie Ferrentino; Susan Pordon; Brianna Winters; and Chloe Taccetta.
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.
For questions about this internet CPE activity, please contact:
[email protected]
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