Prescribing medications for off-label use is a common practice. But is it a wise one for nurse practitioners? The term “off label” refers to the practice of prescribing a medication for a condition, population, or in a dosage that has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Research shows that approximately 1 in 5 prescriptions written in the United States is for an off-label use. NPs should consider the ethical, legal, safety, and scope of practice before engaging in off-label prescribing. | 1.5 credits (1.50 pharmacology) | $40.00

This session will provide the nurse practitioner and physician assistant with information regarding emerging trends in infectious disease. A look at the management of common viral and bacterial infections including Influenza, Pertussis, Enterovirus, Lyme Disease, RSV | 1.5 credits (1.50 pharmacology) | $45.00

This presentation will cover the prevalence and types of adverse drug reactions in patients taking medications prescribed in the outpatient setting. We will review case studies and discuss prevention and treatment of unexpected side effects in the primary care setting. | 1.5 credits (1.50 pharmacology) | $40.00

In 2021, the Infectious Disease Society of America and Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America published focused updates for managing patients with Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). This presentation will review the updated CDI recommendations and assess the emerging literature surrounding factors influencing the optimal pharmacologic management of initial CDI and recurrent CDI. The presentation will also review considerations for probiotic co-administration as a CDI preventative in patients prescribed antibiotics. | 1.5 credits (1.50 pharmacology) | $40.00

Reports of penicillin intolerance are found in 10-15% of patients seeking medical care. Penicillin intolerance reports impact the choice of antimicrobial management for many outpatient infections. This presentation will describe the difference between allergic reactions and side effects, what reaction characteristics are typical of a side effect, and when avoidance of penicillin is truly necessary. The presentation will also evaluate the risk of cross-sensitivity reaction with a cephalosporin dependent on penicillin reaction history and cephalosporin being considered for use. Practitioners will gain a strategy for assessing penicillin reaction histories and a practical approach for beta-lactam prescribing. Current recommendations for skin infection management call for more appropriate use of antimicrobials with MRSA activity. When is covering for MRSA in a skin infection appropriate? This presentation will review literature that reveals specific indicators to differentiate S. aureus and Group A Streptococci and provide better clarity for use of antibiotics with MRSA activity. Recent comparative trials for cephalexin, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, clindamycin, and doxycycline will be reviewed to differentiate the clinical advantages of each agent. | 1.5 credits (1.50 pharmacology) | $40.00