Therapeutic Advancements in Allergic Rhinitis: The Pharmacist’s Role in Improving the Use of OTC Treatments

Program Description

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is inflammation of the inside of the nose caused by an allergen such as pollen, dust, or mold. Typical symptoms include sneezing, nasal pruritus, airflow obstruction, and mostly clear nasal discharge. Management of AR includes education, allergen avoidance, and pharmacotherapy, including current OTC allergy medications. While pharmacologic therapy has shown to be effective in most patients and, when properly implemented, has demonstrated to improve quality of life, patients are commonly nonadherent. As one of the most accessible health care providers, pharmacists have an important role in educating and providing guidance to patients on appropriate use of and adherence to OTC products, as well as their safety and efficacy. Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians must stay informed of current OTC therapies for AR to help improve patient care and outcomes and reduce the burden associated with AR. Through this activity, retail pharmacists and pharmacy technicians will be better equipped to assist patients in the selection of appropriate treatment for their AR as well as educate patients on the proper technique of administering intranasal sprays to optimize therapy adherence and reduce the risk for adverse reactions.

Target audience: Retail pharmacists

Type of activity: Application
Release date: February 1, 2023
Expiration date: February 1, 2024

Time to complete activity: 2.0 hours
Fee: Free

Educational Objectives

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

Pharmacist Objectives:

• Examine the pathophysiology, risk factors, and symptoms of allergic rhinitis (AR) and recognize the quality-of-life burden associated with AR
• Distinguish between the efficacy and safety of various OTC treatment options for AR, including intranasal antihistamine formulations
• Investigate the multifaceted role of pharmacists in the management of AR and understand key considerations in providing effective patient education and implementing care pathways to optimize outcomes

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 2.0 contact hours (0.20 CEU) under the ACPE universal activity numbers 0290-0000-23-009-H01-P and 0290-0000-23-009-H01-T. The activity is available for CE credit through February 1, 2024.

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

Miranda Wilhelm, PharmD, has the following financial relationship with a commercial interest to disclose:
Consultant: “Expert in Residence” for CEimpact (writes continuing education programs)

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; Rose Buszka, PharmD, BCPS, CHCP; Lauren Assennata; 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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