Opinion
Video
Challenges in Myelofibrosis: Red Blood Cell Transfusion Shortages
Pharmacists discuss the impact and alternatives amid red blood cell shortages in myelofibrosis treatment, highlighting challenges, patient outcomes, quality of life issues, and health care cost implications.
This is a video synopsis/summary of a Peer Exchange involving Zahra Mahmoudjafari, PharmD, MBA, BCOP, FHOPA; James Davis, PharmD, BCOP; Victoria Nachar, PharmD, BCOP; Shawn Griffin, PharmD, BCOP; and Robert Mancini, PharmD, BCOP, FHOPA.
In this Pharmacy Times® peer exchange, led by Mahmoudjafar, the discussion delves into the challenges of red blood cell transfusion shortages for myelofibrosis patients. Davis highlights issues such as travel, typing delays, and the financial burden associated with transfusions. He provides impactful statistics on increased health care utilization and costs for transfusion-dependent patients.
Nachar suggests alternative treatments, including erythroid-stimulating agents, to mitigate transfusion requirements. Mancini emphasizes the pharmacist’s advocacy role in promoting blood drives to address shortages and discusses the delicate balance in treating anemia and the underlying disease.
This summary offers a concise overview of the profound impact of red blood cell transfusion shortages on myelofibrosis patients, underlining the pharmacist’s crucial role in advocacy and exploring alternative interventions.
This summary was AI-generated and reviewed by Pharmacy Times® editorial staff.
