Drug formularies--good or evil? A view from the EEC.

The use of standard treatment schemes is believed to provide easier, safer, and more rational prescribing of drugs. Provision of neutral information on relative costs and merits of individual therapies may induce physicians to prescribe more rationally and cost effectively. A drug formulary must be developed by using clinical evidence of efficacy, taking into account all available preparations, choosing the most cost effective formulation of the drug, and as far as possible complying with formularies implemented by other health institutions. Planning process and preparation time are fundamental to formulary development work. A restrictive drug policy in the hospital environment will save time in the pharmacy, as fewer drugs are handled, and will improve prescribing as the staff have fewer drugs to familiarize themselves with. The potential benefits from increased generic prescribing, lower stock levels, and closer working relationships between members of the formulary team should all be considered. The benefit of this interdisciplinary approach to drug therapy will be rapidly recognized.