ABSTRACT
The traditional role of the pharmacist has been the preparation and dispensing of medicines according to the prescriber's instructions, ensuring patient safety by acting as a safeguard against prescription errors, and advising patients on the correct use of their medicines. Specialization within the profession has occurred and 'drug information pharmacists' are employed by National Health Service (NHS) drug information centres throughout the UK. The Family Health Service Authority (FHSA) pharmaceutical adviser role developed in response to the Improving Prescribing initiative. Drug Information (DI) centres often have close links with their local FHSA prescribing advisers. Both the Medicines Resource Centre (MeReC) Bulletin and the Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin (DTB) examine the validity of promotional claims, and attempt to counter any misplaced enthusiasm generated by the launch of new drugs, or new uses for existing products. The often forthright approach taken by the DTB means that it is highly respected by most doctors and pharmacists.
