University of Florida Offers Kratom Course for Pharmacists
The University of Florida is offering a new continuing education course on kratom for pharmacists.
The new online course, called "Kratom as a popular product for self-treatment: An overview for pharmacists" has been approved by the Florida Board of Pharmacy. It educates pharmacists on kratom's properties, use patterns, and product distinctions, enabling them to counsel consumers on safe use.
Risks involving kratom use include herb-drug interactions and preexisting conditions. With millions of new kratom users, pharmacists should be aware of these risks. The course summary describes the reasons for this education that could be life-saving:
Most clinical practitioners, including pharmacists, are not knowledgeable about kratom products and not well equipped to counsel patients.
To address this deficiency, the “Kratom as a popular product for self-treatment: An overview for pharmacists” course will provide practicing pharmacists with an overview of kratom’s known pharmacology, chemistry, pharmacokinetics, and use patterns. This includes potential pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic drug interactions and current patterns of use and related pharmacological evidence to support such uses. In addition, kratom products vary in composition including raw leaf material, hydroalcoholic extracts, and isolated compounds and the course will provide participants with an understanding of differences between such products.
Given that a majority of kratom users do report pre-existing conditions and, in many cases, receive pharmacotherapy, the course will emphasize the counseling points to benefit patient care.
In the past several years, kratom experts have been urging those in the medical field to educate themselves on kratom use and its possible risks and benefits.
In March 2022, kratom experts published "Understanding Kratom Use: A Guide for Healthcare Providers". This included a summary of the available kratom science, as well as recommendations for health care providers on how to work with people who use kratom.
Scientists have also urged more thorough case reporting among clinicians after finding "inconsistencies and generalizations" in some of the published reports.
The University of Florida has been a leader in kratom research for many years. Their kratom research began in 2005 with Dr. Chris McCurdy, a professor in the Department of Medicinal Chemistry. Over the years, the university has received several federal grants from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) to study kratom. Dr. McCurdy and his team have conducted numerous studies to understand kratom's pharmacology, chemistry, and potential therapeutic benefits and risks.
Pharmacists play a crucial role in harm reduction in general, particularly when it comes to reducing the negative consequences of substance use. Here are some key ways they contribute:
Education and Counseling: Pharmacists provide valuable information on the safe use of medications, potential drug interactions, and the risks associated with substance use. They educate patients on harm reduction strategies, such as safe injection practices and recognizing signs of overdose.
Naloxone Distribution: Pharmacists dispense naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal medication, and educate patients and their families on how to administer it. Making naloxone accessible can save lives in the event of an overdose.
Fentanyl Test Strips: By providing fentanyl test strips, pharmacists help users detect the presence of fentanyl in drugs, reducing the risk of accidental overdose. This service is especially important given the rise in fentanyl-laced substances.
Syringe Services: Pharmacists support syringe exchange programs, providing clean syringes to reduce the spread of infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis. They also offer safe disposal options for used syringes.
Non-Judgmental Approach: Pharmacists approach patients without judgment, fostering a trusting relationship. This non-stigmatizing environment encourages patients to seek help and access necessary services.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): Pharmacists are involved in MAT programs, where they dispense medications like methadone or buprenorphine to help manage opioid dependence. They provide guidance on adherence and managing side effects.
Collaboration with Healthcare Providers: Pharmacists work closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure a comprehensive approach to patient care. They communicate with doctors, nurses, and social workers to coordinate treatment plans and provide holistic support.
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