TARGET AUDIENCE
This accredited activity has been designed for pharmacists.
GOAL
To educate pharmacists about use of OTC products in the care of patients with osteoarthritis.
EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this activity, participants should be better able to:
- Identify pathophysiologic mechanisms involved in the development of osteoarthritis and demographic and clinical characteristics of at-risk patient groups
- Assess the risks of patients with osteoarthritis using oral acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including effects on the gastrointestinal tract, liver, and kidneys
- Describe the place in therapy of topical analgesics in patients with osteoarthritis
- Given a clinical scenario involving a patient with osteoarthritis, develop a care treatment plan that relieves pain while minimizing adverse effects of medications