Women's Health Grand Rounds

Folic Acid Update for Pharmacists

Sponsored by the March of Dimes

Program:

Each year, approximately 130 babies are born in New York State with neural tube defects, and many additional affected pregnancies result in miscarriage or stillbirth. Studies show that 50-70% of these cases could be prevented if women consumed the proper amount of folic acid before becoming pregnant and during early pregnancy. The goal of this program is to provide accurate information about folic acid and to emphasize the importance of providing a folic acid message to every woman of reproductive age.

Speaker:

Thomas P. Lombardi, PharmD, FASHP, Clinical Pharmacy Coordinator, St. Peter's Hospital, Albany, NY; Clinical Associate Professor, Albany College of Pharmacy

Moderator: Mary Applegate, MD, MPH, Medical Director, Bureau of Women's Health, NYS Department of Health

Objectives:
After viewing the broadcast, participants will be able to:

• Discuss the pharmacology of folic acid.
• Describe the role of folic acid in the prevention of birth defects.
• Develop interactive strategies to inform patients regarding the role of folic acid.

Satellite broadcast originally aired Nov. 13, 2003

Funding for this project is from the Indirect Vitamins Purchasers Antitrust Litigation Settlement administered by the Attorney General.