Pharmacists Vital in Managing Chronic Neurological Condition

Specialized Care Improves Outcomes for CIDP Patients

Comprehensive medication management and personalized support from pharmacists are increasingly crucial in treating chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), a rare autoimmune disorder affecting the peripheral nerves. New approaches focus on optimizing therapies and enhancing patient quality of life.

Pharmacist’s Expanding Role

Amy Duong, PharmD, BCACP, an ambulatory care neurology clinical pharmacist at Yale New Haven Health, highlights the central role pharmacists play within multidisciplinary teams. They collaborate with neurologists, nurses, technicians, and authorization specialists to ensure patients receive safe and timely care. Pharmacy technicians assist with logistical coordination, such as tracking authorization statuses.

“As an ambulatory care neurology clinical pharmacist, I play a key role in the multidisciplinary care of our patients with CIDP, mainly focusing on the medication management aspect. I work very closely with our neurologists, nurses, pharmacy technicians, and our authorization team to ensure safe and timely care for our patients.”

—Amy Duong, PharmD, BCACP, Ambulatory Care Neurology Clinical Pharmacist

Pharmacists provide detailed education on treatments like intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIg), efgartigimod alfa and hyaluronidase-qvfc (Vyvgart Hytrulo; Argenx), rituximab (Rituxan; Genentech), and oral steroid tapers. They also navigate prior authorizations, coordinate infusions, and conduct clinical follow-up assessments to evaluate tolerability and response.

Optimizing Immunoglobulin Therapy

Duong emphasizes the importance of individualizing immunoglobulin therapy based on patient history, existing conditions, and how well they tolerate treatment. Different Ig products have varying compositions—some contain sugar, which may be unsuitable for patients with uncontrolled diabetes. Close monitoring during infusions is essential to identify and manage potential reactions and delayed side effects.

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, CIDP affects approximately 2.5 to 5 per 100,000 people in the United States. Source: NINDS, 2024

Mitigation strategies for infusion-related side effects include adjusting premedications, infusion rates, or even switching to a different Ig product or administration route—from IVIg to SCIg, which often causes fewer systemic side effects. A change in product or method can improve tolerability and maintain clinical response.

Ultimately, pharmacists strive to ensure that CIDP therapy is not only clinically effective but also accessible and sustainable for patients within a well-coordinated care model, improving their long-term health and well-being.