Nurs 251 -Module 9 Study Guide Pharmacology -Portage Learning

Module 99.1: Introduction to Specialty MedicationsIn general, specialty medications are high cost medications used for treating complex disease states. They can be challenging to both manufacture and administer, and they often require significant patient education and close monitoring to ensure their safe and appropriate use. Although specialty medications were once a very small piece of the pharmaceutical industry, there has been a significant change over the last 20 years and especially within the last decade. Specialty medications are now the fastest growing segment of the pharmaceutical industry . Common characteristics associated with specialty medications are listed in Table 9.1 . Table 9.1 Specialty Medication CharacteristicsHigh Cost Potential for limited or exclusive availability for distributionComplex treatment regimen that require ongoing monitoring and patient education Treat rare diseasesSpecial handling, storage, or delivery requirements Treat diseases known to have long term or severe side effects or increased fatalityBiologically derived and available in injection, infusion, or oral form Payers may define what they consider to be a specialty medication for reimbursement and contracting purposes. With the increase in specialty medications over the last two decades, a whole new approach to dispensing these medications emerged called specialty pharmacies . Generally, specialty medications are not available