Treating Fibromyalgia Requires a Multidisciplinary Approach

Treating Fibromyalgia Requires
a Multidisciplinary Approach
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ACPE Universal Program Number: 207-000-08-003-H01-P
Release Date: March 1, 2008
Expiration Date: March 1, 2011

Description
Fibromyalgia is a debilitating, chronic pain disorder which affects an estimated five to seven percent of the United States population. It is a disease which impacts multiple aspects of a patient's life including mental and physical health. In fact the disorder accounts for 5 percent of all general medicine visits in the United States and up to 20 percent of all visits to rheumatologists. As such, fibromyalgia requires a multidisciplinary approach to provide a successful treatment regimen. Treatment may involve medications in addition to non-pharmacologic therapy. However, there are currently few treatment options specifically for the treatment of fibromyalgia. Pharmacists can play a major role in caring for these patients along with their physicians, psychiatrists/psychologists, physical and occupational therapists.

Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of this activity, the pharmacist should be able to:

1. Understand the common signs and symptoms associated with fibromyalgia.
2. Discuss the current understanding of the pathophysiology of fibromyalgia.
3. Evaluate current evidence regarding nonpharmacologic treatment methods.
4. Understand the potential value of complementary and alternative medicine treatments for fibromyalgia
5. Critically discuss the available pharmacotherapeutic options to manage the symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Target Audience
The target audience for this activity is pharmacists.

Instructions for Participation
To receive a certificate of completion that indicates your eligibility for continuing education credit, you must:

Review the content of the activity.

Successfully complete the post-test (70% or higher).

You will have two (2) opportunities to successfully complete the activity.

Your statement of credit will be issued immediately upon successful completion of the post-test and submission of the evaluation.

Fee
There is no fee for this activity.

Accreditation

Pharmacists
ACPE logo NCPA is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. This program will provide 2.0 contact hours (.2 CEUs) of continuing pharmacy education credit under the number 207-000-08-003-H01-P.

Faculty
Karen F. Marlowe, PharmD, BCPS, Diplomat American Academy of Pain Management, is associate professor at the Auburn University, Harrison School of Pharmacy, and associate professor at the University of South Alabama School of Medicine.

Disclosure Declaration
It is the policy of the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) to ensure independence, balance, objectivity, scientific rigor, and integrity in all of their continuing education activities.

The author, sponsor, and publisher of this continuing education activity have made all reasonable efforts to ensure that information contained herein is accurate in accordance with the latest available scientific knowledge at the time of accreditation of this continuing education program. Information regarding drugs (e.g., their administration, dosages, contraindications, adverse reactions, interactions, special warnings, precautions) and drug delivery systems are subject to change, however, and the reader is advised to check the manufacturer's package insert for information concerning recommended dosage and potential problems or cautions prior to dispensing or administering the drug or using the drug delivery systems.

Approval of credit for this continuing education activity does not imply endorsement by NCPA of any product or manufacturer identified.

Any medications or treatment methods suggested in this CE activity should not be used by the practitioner without evaluation of their patient's condition(s) and possible contraindication(s) or danger(s) of use of any specific medication.

Software Requirements

PC Windows 2000 Internet Explorer 5.5 or Firefox *Adobe Acrobat Reader	MAC Mac OS 10.2.8 Safari *Adobe Acrobat Reader
*REQUIRED TO VIEW PRINTABLE VERSION OF CE LESSON

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