Overview

As the prevalence of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) continues to increase, pharmacists can play a pivotal role in its recognition, diagnosis, and recommendations for management.  In this activity Dr. Gary Falk, a gastroenterologist, and pharmacists Dr. Brian Hemstreet and Dr. Hamai Tom discuss advances in EoE and the clinical implications of available and emerging therapies in long-term management. 

To support application to practice a downloadable pharmacy toolkit is included, comprised of two infographics on diagnosis and therapy for EoE along with publicly available resources.  

This activity is intended for clinical pharmacists, specialty pharmacists, academic and community-based pharmacists, managed care pharmacists and retail pharmacists.

EoE has evolved from a rare condition to a disease that is commonly encountered and is now a burden for patients and the healthcare system. The natural history of EoE consists of chronic inflammation that may progress from childhood into adulthood, requiring long-term treatment. Pharmacists are well-positioned to assist patients in determining when to seek care for potential signs of EoE and must also understand its disease course to assist with care plans. Pharmacists require up-to-date knowledge of emerging approaches to counsel patients and ensure timely appropriate use as new therapies become available.

Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Discuss pharmacist-led strategies to reduce delays in diagnosis for EoE
• Recommend medication use practices based on the latest safety and efficacy data of current and emerging therapies targeting the histology and symptomology of EoE 
• Incorporate strategies to facilitate coordinated interdisciplinary EoE care to manage disease progression and improve patient quality of life

Supported by an educational grant from Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc. 

1. Active Internet connection (DSL or Cable). Dial-up connection will have constant buffering problem.
2. Compatible with Windows PC and MAC (256 MB of RAM or higher)
3. Activity is best viewed on Internet Explorer 11 or higher, Safari 5.0 or higher and Firefox 29.0 or higher
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5. Adobe Reader to print certificate. Click here to download Adobe Reader for free.
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Ensuring a Prompt, Accurate Diagnosis of EoE: Role of the Pharmacist

• Pathogenesis: inflammation and mediators
• Increasing incidence and prevalence 
• Signs and symptoms
• Current recommended diagnostic algorithms
• Strategies for early intervention

On May 20, 2022, the FDA approved dupilumab to treat EoE in adults and pediatric patients 12 years and older weighing at least 40 kilograms (which is about 88 pounds).