How Pharmacists Can Help Patients Manage MASLD | ASHP Midyear

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, now referred to as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), is prominent in nearly 25% of the US population, according to the American Liver Foundation.¹ While many therapies have come to market to calm patients’ MASLD symptoms, some individuals need further attention in order to achieve the best outcomes.

Kathryn Litten, PharmD, clinical assistant professor at the University of Texas at Austin’s College of Pharmacy, met up with Drug Topics at the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists 2024 Midyear Clinical Meeting and Exhibition, held December 8 to 12 in New Orleans, Louisiana. She discussed MASLD therapies in a presentation titled “Getting the Skinny on Existing and Emerging Therapies for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.”

“Using motivational interviewing strategies is so important for us as pharmacists to talk to our patients and to help encourage them to promote that weight-loss and promote those healthy outcomes,” said Litten.

She discussed how pharmacists are uniquely positioned to not only provide therapies for patients with MASLD, but also counseling. From their knowledge of medications to the efficacy of lifestyle behaviors, Litten believes pharmacists are the best option for treating liver disease.

Follow along with our coverage of the 2024 ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting and Exhibition here.

Reference

1. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). American Liver Foundation. October 24, 2024. Accessed December 11, 2024. https://liverfoundation.org/liver-diseases/fatty-liver-disease/nonalcoholic-fatty-liver-disease-nafld/