Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis
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ACPE Universal Program Number: 207-000-08-004-H01-P
Release Date: April 1, 2008
Expiration Date: April 1, 2011

Description
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common systemic inflammatory disease, affecting 0.5 percent to 1 percent of the general population. RA treatment has varied, but is focused largely on modifying disease progression with immunosuppressive agents that decrease the inflammatory effects, and prevent further joint damage. No matter what therapy is started, it is important for pharmacists to be aware of the available treatment options and the adverse effects of each therapy to more effectively counsel their patients and answer their questions.

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

1. Identify targets of drug action in the inflammatory pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis.
2. Compare and contrast the clinical presentation of rheumatoid arthritis with osteoarthritis.
3. Differentiate acute and chronic side effects of corticosteroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
4. Describe the medications, typical dosing, general monitoring parameters, common or clinically significant side effects, drug interactions, and patient education for commonly used agents.

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 207-000-08-004-H01-P.

Faculty
Christopher M. Degenkolb, PharmD, BCPS, is assistant professor of pharmacy practice at the Butler University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences located in Indianapolis, and a clinical pharmacy specialist in internal medicine.

Richard L. Roudebush is with the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Indianapolis.

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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