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
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