Developing Drug Reports for the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee.

The role of a drug information center in working with a pharmacy and therapeutics committee is discussed. In order to add a drug to the formulary, physicians must complete a special form which asks for justification for the addition. In preparing a report for the pharmacy and therapeutics committee, the drug information pharmacist evaluates the request as it relates to: (1) the effectiveness of the drug in the stated anticipated uses, and (2) studies comparing the requested drug with similar drugs already in the formulary. Use of the form permits the pharmacist to focus on the specific claims made by the physician who is requesting the formulary addition.