Over-the-Counter Treatment Paradigms for Pain Management: Adapting to the “New Normal”

Over-the-Counter Treatment Paradigms for Pain Management: Adapting to the “New Normal” is organized by Pharmacy Times Continuing Education (PTCE).,Release date: October 15, 2021,Expiration date: October 15, 2023,Description:,Effective management of pain is needed to minimize the debilitating effects that it can have on patients’ quality of life. Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians can be key members of the pain management team and should be familiar with nonpharmacologic and over-the-counter (OTC) agents that adequately control pain while limiting adverse outcomes. Providing evidence-based treatment recommendations and individualized patient education for common pain disorders, including musculoskeletal disorders, injuries, and migraine, among others, will help to enable pharmacists to enhance patients’ health-related quality of life and may reduce direct and indirect costs associated with pain. It is important for pharmacy technicians to be aware of the various OTC options so they are better able to assist patients with questions or refer them to the pharmacist as needed. In the setting of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are new challenges and considerations for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in managing patients with acute and chronic pain conditions and in ensuring patients have access to care. Approaches for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to incorporate information and recommendations related to current and new OTC therapies including combination medications, and education about their appropriate use, will be presented.,Educational Objectives:,At the completion of this activity, pharmacists will be able to:,• Explain the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on acute and chronic pain management,• Explore the options and roles of oral over-the-counter analgesics in the treatment of acute and chronic pain syndromes,• Apply best practices for pain management and associated counseling to patient scenario