CPE
Richard Wenzel, PharmD, CPPS; Bradley Torphy, MD; and Matthew Wolter, PharmD candidate
Community pharmacists suggest a “migraine product” more than 77,000 times per day, ranking as one of their most frequent OTC product recommendations. Among individuals who experience migraines, 97% currently consume either a nonprescription or prescription medication, or both. These data exemplify that opportunities exist for pharmacists to provide drug education, recommend initiation of or changes to migraine drug therapies, assess treatments’ efficacy, help manage adverse effects, and perform other medication interventions.
Such efforts are needed: In the United States, roughly 40 million adults experience migraines, many of whom remain undiagnosed, misdiagnosed, or less than optimally treated. For example, drugs with little-to-no demonstrated efficacy as well as considerable risks, such as opioids, remain widely prescribed, while effective medications are underutilized: 40% of people with migraine meet criteria for preventive prescription drugs, yet only 17% are prescribed such agents.
Migraine therapies continue to advance. Since 2018, FDA has approved eight novel mechanism drugs for migraine treatment:
- Calcitonin gene-related peptide monoclonal antibody antagonists (CGRP mAbs): erenumab, fremanezumab, galcanezumab, eptimezumab.
- Gepants: atogepant, rimegepant, ubrogepant, zavegepant.8–15
In contrast to other medications historically utilized for migraine—nearly all of which were originally developed for other illnesses—CGRP mAbs’ and gepants’ development was based on contemporary understanding of migraine’s pathophysiology. The new drugs’ introductions, coupled with persistent unmet therapy needs, serve as opportunities for professional organizations and clinicians, including pharmacists, to reassess and update their migraine therapy practices.
CPE assessment
This assessment must be taken online; please see “CPE information” below for further instructions. The online system will present these questions in random order to help reinforce the learning opportunity. There is only one correct answer to each question.
CPE information
To obtain 1 hour of CPE credit for this activity, complete the CPE exam and submit it online at www.pharmacist.com/education. A Statement of Credit will be awarded for a passing grade of 70% or better. You have two opportunities to successfully complete the CPE exam. Pharmacists and technicians who successfully complete this activity before September 1, 2028, can receive credit. Your Statement of Credit will be available online immediately upon successful completion of the CPE exam.
This policy is intended to maintain the integrity of the CPE activity. Learners who successfully complete this activity by the expiration date can receive CPE credit. Please visit CPE Monitor for your statement of credit/transcript.
To claim credit
1. Go to http://apha.us/CPE.
2. Log in to your APhA account, or register as a new user.
3. Select “Enroll Now” or “Add to Cart” (click “View Cart” and “Check Out”).
4. Complete the assessment and evaluation.
5. Click “Claim Credit.” You will need to provide your NABP e-profile ID number to obtain and print your statement of credit.
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