Activity Downloads

To Participate

To participate in this continuing education activity:

1. Review the activity description and objectives.
2. View the activity.
3. Complete the online post-test and activity evaluation.

Important Content Update: A US District Judge recently reversed the age restriction on OTC access to emergency contraception. The full implications of this decision on product labeling and pharmacy practice are not known at this time.

Activity Description

Levonorgestrel and other emergency contraception products are considered non-prescription medications, yet unlike other OTC medications pharmacist intervention with the patient is required. Because of the nature of this product, there is a potential for confusion, misunderstanding, and anxiety not only on the part of the patient but also on the part of the pharmacist and pharmacy technician. This continuing education activity addresses the pharmacology of levonorgesterel, the guidelines in place for dispensing, patient counseling and the role of the pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.

Learning Objectives

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

• List 3 common reasons why women request emergency contraception.

• Describe the mechanism of action and adverse effects of levonorgestrel.

• Describe how patients obtain levonorgestrel, including age restrictions and specific state regulations.

• Counsel patients taking levonorgestrel - instructions for use, side effects and indications.

• Explain the specific FDA requirements and practice guidelines that are unique to this category of product.

Faculty

Mary Lynn Moody, RPH
Clinical Assistant Professor
Director, Business Development Drug Information Group
Department of Pharmacy Practice
University of Illinois at Chicago

Disclosure

It is the policy of ProCE, Inc. to ensure balance, independence, objectivity and scientific rigor in all of its continuing education activities. Faculty must disclose to  participants the existence of any significant financial interest or any other relationship with the manufacturer of any commercial product(s) discussed in an educational presentation. Ms. Moody has disclosed that she has served as a consultant and/or speaker for the Perrigo Company.

Please note: The opinions expressed in this activity should not be construed as those of the CME/CE provider. The information and views are those of the faculty through clinical practice and knowledge of the professional literature. Portions of this activity may include the use of drugs for unlabeled indications. Use of drugs outside of labeling should be considered experimental and participants are advised to consult prescribing information and professional literature.

CE Accreditation

Release Date: 03-22-2011

Expiration Date: 03-22-2014

Pharmacists

ProCE, Inc. is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. ACPE Universal Activity Number 221-999-11-023-H01-P has been assigned to this knowledge-based home-study CE activity (initial release date 03-22-11). This activity is approved for 1.0 contact hours (0.1 CEUs) in states that recognize ACPE providers. The activity is provided at no cost to participants. Statements of credit will be issued online upon completion of the activity evaluation and the post-test with a score of 70% or higher. No partial credit will be given.

Funding

This activity was supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Perrigo.

The material presented in this CE activity does not reflect the views of ProCE, Inc. or the commercial sponsor. These materials may discuss uses and dosages for therapeutic products, processes, procedures and inferred diagnoses that have not been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration. A qualified health care professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product discussed. All readers and continuing education participants should verify all information and data before treating patients or employing any therapies described in this continuing education activity.

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