Schizophrenia is a complex mental health condition that can affect how a person thinks, feels and perceives the world around them. It is frequently misrepresented in the media and the underlying cause of schizophrenia is not fully understood. People with schizophrenia can experience a range of symptoms and prognosis is variable. Antipsychotics form the mainstay of the medical management of schizophrenia. There are many antipsychotics licensed in Ireland. As a class, they are associated with a range of medicines management issues for both pharmacists and patients, including a wide range of side-effects, monitoring requirements and drug-drug interactions.
The aim of this course is to provide an overview of the current understanding of schizophrenia and a detailed update on the use of antipsychotics in its management.
Infertility affects 1 in 6 heterosexual couples in Ireland. Many factors and medical conditions can reduce fertility. The treatment of infertility can be both stressful and complex. Pharmacists are ideally placed to counsel couples on lifestyle and other factors to optimise fertility. We also have an important role in advising couples undergoing fertility treatment on the correct use of their medicines.
The aim of this course is to provide pharmacists with an update on the causes of infertility and an overview of the most commonly used fertility treatments.
It is estimated that up to 90% of pregnant women use either prescribed or over-the-counter medicine at some point during their pregnancy. Women with chronic pre-existing conditions, such as asthma and diabetes, will require ongoing management throughout a pregnancy. Pregnancy can also be associated with conditions such as gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia which require management.
The aim of this course is to provide pharmacists with information on the management of a range of symptoms and conditions that can occur during pregnancy and to signpost to a range of suitable resources.
Osteoporosis is described as a progressive, systemic bone disease that is associated with increased bone fragility and risk of fracture. It is estimated that 50% of postmenopausal women and 20% of men over 50 years will have a fracture in their lifetime. These fractures are associated with high mortality and morbidity. Many osteoporotic fractures occur as a consequence of a fall. Therefore, assessing falls risk and implementing strategies to prevent falls (including identifying medicines which increase falls risk), as well as the appropriate use of drug therapies such as anti-resorptive agents, are all important to reduce the impact of osteoporosis.
The aim of this course is to outline risk factors for osteoporosis, to provide an update on drug therapies used in its management and to highlight the important role of pharmacists in optimising patient outcomes.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is still one of the most common causes of death in Ireland with heart disease and stroke accounting for approximately 9,000 deaths every year. Hypertension and dyslipidaemia are important modifiable risk factors for CVD. Research suggests that many people prescribed medication to manage hypertension do not reach their treatment targets. Pharmacists have an important role in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease and in supporting patients to reach their treatment targets.
The aim of this course is to provide an update on the pharmacological and non-pharmacological management of hypertension and dyslipidaemia to prevent cardiovascular disease.