Release date: December 1, 2006
Accreditation Expired

Program Description

It has been reported that atopic dermatitis affects an estimated 7 to 21% of the population. An estimated 20% of infants and young children are diagnosed with atopic dermatitis and over half of these will continue to experience symptoms in adulthood. Pharmacologic treatment of atopic dermatitis includes the use of emollients to moisturize dry skin, topical corticosteroids, and topical calcineurin inhibitors. Topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs) are effective agents that do not have the side effects of topical corticosteroids. Studies have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of these agents, however a recent controversial decision by the FDA has sparked an examination into the safety of these agents. In this CME activity, four distinguished members of the medical community review and discuss current clinical trial data focusing on safety issues surrounding the use of topical corticosteroid and TCIs. Panel members review the potential short- and long-term adverse effects of each drug class and then place this information into context by evaluating the risk-benefit ratio associated with each treatment.

Target Audience

This program is designed specifically for dermatologists, pediatricians, allergists, immunologists, and pharmacists treating and dealing with patients with atopic dermatitis.

Educational Objectives

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

• Describe the epidemiology and pathophysiology of atopic dermatitis
• Assess the various agents available for the treatment of atopic dermatitis, including the risks and benefits of available treatments for specific age groups
• Recognize the recent label changes in topical calcineurin inhibitors, identify concerns they may have as a result and evaluate the safety of these agents through available studies
• Describe the importance of early recognition and treatment of atopic dermatitis, as well as compliance to a medication regimen
• Distinguish how to communicate and work closely with parents and patients to ensure medication compliance and address safety concerns

There are no fees to participate in this activity. A certificate of completion for physicians and a statement of credit for pharmacists may be printed out after viewing the program and submitting your post-test and evaluation form.

Disclaimer

©2006 Scinexa, LLC / CMEdiscovery.com. All rights reserved. None of the contents may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission from Scinexa, LLC.

The views and opinions expressed in this activity are those of the faculty. They do not reflect the views of Novartis Pharmaceuticals, any other manufacturer of pharmaceuticals, ArcMesa Educators, or Scinexa, LLC.

The recommendations made in this program are based upon a combination of randomized clinical trials, current guidelines, and the clinical practice experience of the participating panelists. Any medications, diagnostic procedures or treatments discussed by the panelists should not be utilized without evaluation of their patient's conditions. Participants are urged to consult the full prescribing information on any drug mentioned in this activity for recommended dosage, indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and adverse effects before prescribing any medication.

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Copyright © 2006 Scinexa, LLC / CMEdiscovery.com. All rights reserved.