Therapeutic Options for Managing Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Pharmacists play a vital role in the comprehensive therapy management of patients with multiple sclerosis. Patients treated for multiple sclerosis are often faced with complicated treatment regimens requiring the use of concomitant therapies or switch therapies. Additionally, patients taking these drugs may experience a host of medication related adverse events; pharmacists may assist with adverse event mitigation. Further, patients with multiple sclerosis are often found to struggle with adherence due to intolerable side effects, financial constraints, cognitive impairments, etc. Pharmacists can counsel patients on the importance of adherence and have the unique ability to recognize why barriers to adherence exist on an individual basis. As a result of these learnings, pharmacists will be positioned to improve patient compliance and quality of life.

At the completion of this activity, the participant should be able to:

Explain the core processes involved in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis
Describe the mechanisms and therapeutic targets of disease-modifying agents
Analyze key learnings on safety and efficacy from pivotal clinical trials in patients with multiple sclerosis
Identify important safety warnings, adverse events, and mitigation strategies to optimize patient management with disease-modifying therapies

This activity is designed to meet the educational needs of practicing pharmacists in a variety of settings.

MCPHS University is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education.