Updates in Managing Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria: A Pharmacist’s Review of New and Emerging Treatments and Counseling Pearls

Program Description

Individuals with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) experience chronic hemolysis, often with acute exacerbations. The destruction of blood cells can lead to damage to vital organs, potentially fatal thrombotic events, and subsequent anemia that requires blood transfusions to sustain hemoglobin levels, all of which can have a significant impact on a patient’s quality of life. Until recently, management strategies for PNH were primarily aimed at providing symptomatic relief, and the introduction of targeted therapies has improved symptoms associated with PNH. Pharmacists need to be familiar with these newly approved and emerging pharmacologic agents that address the chronic complement-mediated hemolysis that underlies the pathophysiology of PNH. This program will review clinical safety and efficacy data supporting the use of new and investigational biologics for PNH. Considerations for appropriate administration, dosing, and drug therapy monitoring will be explored.

Target audience: Health-System Pharmacist, Specialty Pharmacist

Type of activity: Application
Release date: August 31, 2022
Expiration date: August 31, 2023

Time to complete activity: 1.0 hour
Fee: Free

Educational Objectives

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

• Determine the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and burden of disease of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH)
• Explore new and emerging biologic therapies in the management of PNH, with consideration of safety, efficacy, and dosing in individual patients
• Identify the role of the pharmacist in improving patient outcomes in PNH through counseling, sharing knowledge of emerging therapies, and addressing challenges or barriers

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 0290-0000-22-414-H01-P. The activity is available for CE credit through August 31, 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

Ilene C. Weitz, MD, has the following financial relationships with a commercial interest to disclose:
Consultant and Speakers Bureau: Alexion Pharmaceuticals

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ Planning Staff—Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Maryjo Dixon, RPh; Liza Patel, PharmD, RPh; Abigail Dill; Susan Pordon; Brianna Winters; and Chloe Taccetta have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.

Anonymous peer reviewers have been 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.

For questions about this internet CPE activity, please contact:
[email protected]
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