PCSK9 Inhibitors

Overview

4.5 out of 5 (19 Reviews)

Credits

1.00

Post Assessment Questions

7

Start Date

1 Sep 2023

Last Review Date

25 Feb 2024

Expiration Date

31 Aug 2026

Estimated Time To Finish

60 Minutes


 
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Activity Description

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) has emerged as an important regulator of cholesterol metabolism. In the United States, 2 fully humanized monoclonal antibodies—alirocumab and evolocumab— have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to inhibit or reduce PCSK9 activity. Recently, both the European Union and FDA have approved inclisiran, a small interfering mRNA, that inhibits intracellular PCSK9 synthesis. Increased PCSK9 activity correlates with heightened LDL-C levels, while specific gain-of-function mutations lead to autosomal dominant familial hypercholesterolemia characterized by extremely high total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, premature atherosclerotic vascular disease, and the formation of tendon xanthomas. In most cases, this is due to a genetic mutation of the LDL receptor caused by mutations of the apoprotein B100 or PCSK9 genes. Conversely, individuals with reduced PCSK9 activity, whether due to genetic polymorphism or the administration of PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies, exhibit lower cholesterol levels and a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. This activity outlines the indications, mechanism of action, administration methods, significant adverse effects, contraindications, monitoring, and toxicity of PCSK9 inhibitors. This activity also helps the interprofessional healthcare team tailor patient therapy for optimal outcomes in serum lipid management and improve cardiovascular outcomes.


Target Audience

This activity has been designed to meet the educational needs of physicians, physician associates, nurses, pharmacists, and nurse practitioners.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, the learner will be better able to:

  • Identify patients with familial hypercholesterolemia who may benefit from PCSK9 inhibitor therapy based on their lipid profile and cardiovascular risk factors.

  • Implement evidence-based practices for initiating and titrating PCSK9 inhibitors in eligible patients to achieve optimal low-density lipoprotein cholesterol reduction and cardiovascular risk management.

  • Select appropriate strategies for managing adverse effects and addressing barriers to adherence in patients receiving PCSK9 inhibitors.

  • Collaborate with specialists, clinical pharmacists, and other members of the interprofessional team to optimize patient care and ensure comprehensive management of hypercholesterolemia.

Disclosures

StatPearls, LLC requires everyone who influences the content of an educational activity to disclose relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies that have occurred within the past 24 months. Ineligible companies are organizations whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients. All relevant conflict(s) of interest have been mitigated. Hover over contributor names for financial disclosures. Others involved in planning this educational activity have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Commercial Support: This activity has received NO commercial support.

Continuing Education Accreditation Information

In support of improving patient care, StatPearls, LLC is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

 

Physicians and Physician Associates: StatPearls, LLC designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)TM. Physicians and PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

American Board of Internal Medicine: Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the participant to earn up to 1.00 MOC points in the American Board of Internal Medicine’s (ABIM) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. It is the CME activity provider’s responsibility to submit participant completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABIM MOC credit.

American Board of Pediatrics: Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the learner to earn up to 1.00 MOC points in the American Board of Pediatrics’ (ABP) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. It is the CME activity provider’s responsibility to submit learner completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABP MOC credit.

Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada: Through an agreement between the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, medical practitioners participating in the Royal College MOC Program may record completion of accredited activities registered under the ACCME’s “CME in Support of MOC” program in Section 3 of the Royal College’s MOC Program.

Please consult your professional licensing board for information on the applicability and acceptance of continuing education credit for this activity.

Method of Participation and Credit

  1. Register for the activity.    
  2. Review the target audience, learning objectives, and disclosure information.
  3. Study the educational content of the enduring material.
  4. Choose the best answer to each activity test question. To receive credit and a certificate, you must pass the test questions with a minimum score of 100%.
  5. Complete the post-activity assessment survey.

If you have concerns regarding the CE/CME system, please contact support@statpearls.com.

Disclaimer

This educational activity was planned and produced in accordance with the ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education. Faculty may discuss investigational products or off-label uses of products regulated by the FDA. Readers should verify all information before employing any therapies described in this educational activity.

The information provided for this activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical/clinical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition. The information presented does not necessarily reflect the views of StatPearls or any commercial supporters of educational activities on statpearls.com. StatPearls expressly disclaims responsibility for any adverse consequences resulting directly or indirectly from information in the course, for undetected error, or through a participant's misunderstanding of the content.

Unapproved Uses of Drugs/Devices: In accordance with FDA requirements, the audience is advised that information presented in this continuing education activity may contain references to unlabeled or unapproved uses of drugs or devices. Please refer to the FDA-approved package insert for each drug/device for full prescribing/utilization information.

Cancellation Policy: Please see the cancellation policy. StatPearls, LLC reserves the right to cancel any course due to unforeseen circumstances.

 

 
 

Reviews

OSCAR P. on 6/28/2021

Gibi G. on 12/14/2021

Mary Y. on 3/14/2022

thank you

ALI O. on 4/24/2022

K.Navanitha R. on 10/7/2022

christopher k. on 8/19/2022

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Karl S. on 1/1/2023

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Feng C. on 12/29/2023

Mary H. on 1/21/2024

Padmini N. on 2/28/2024

Lou Y. on 4/2/2024

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