CME Sponsor:
CME Outfitters, LLC

Location: Online Activity

Course Directors/Instructors:

Byron L. Cryer, MD
John C. Vanatta, III Professor of Medicine
Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases
University of Texas Southwestern
Medical School
Dallas, TX

Gary Ruoff, MD
Medical Director and Principal Investigator
of Clinical Research
Westside Family Medical Center
Clinical Professor
Department of Family Practice
Michigan State University-Kalamazoo
Center for Medical Studies
Kalamazoo, MI

Number of Credits:
1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™

Registration Fee: Free

More Info

Detailed Description:
A progressive, osteodegenerative condition, osteoarthritis (OA) is a major cause of skeletal pain and chronic disability. The pain of OA often makes the mechanics of mobility (e.g., walking and climbing stairs) difficult or virtually impossible, thus impairing quality of life in patients. Further, it is the most common reason for adult hip and knee replacement. There are a variety of pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatment modalities for OA, yet no modality is universally effective. This unmet need is underscored by results of a treatment satisfaction survey in which 73% of 2,000 primary care physicians and 63% of 30,000 patients reported inadequate pain relief with current treatment regimens. Many patients’ pain can be controlled with acetaminophen, but if pain persists, oral NSAIDs (in the form of a traditional agent or a COX-2 inhibitor) may be a necessary next step in managing joint pain. It is well recognized that traditional NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors are associated with gastrointestinal (GI) side effects and can lead to life-threatening complications. Evidence-based guidelines recommend coadministration of NSAIDs with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) or misoprostol, yet few who are at risk for upper GI complications receive preventive, gastroprotective agents. This webcast presents expert faculty who will address both pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatment options that integrate strategies to minimize risk and improve outcomes for patients with OA.

 Learning Objectives:
At the end of this CE activity, participants should be able to:
  • Develop multimodal OA pain treatment strategies that are based on best-available clinical evidence and individualized to the patient.
  • Document evidence that you assessed for gastrointestinal and cardiovascular risk factors in patients with OA pain in whom you are considering prescribing an NSAID.
  • In patients taking an NSAID to control OA pain, recommend GI protective strategies to appropriate candidates.

Intended Audience:
Family practice physicians, primary care physicians, and other healthcare professionals with an interest in managing patients with osteoarthritis.