MAY 2002

KUMC DRUG FORMULARY ON THE WEB

(Downloadable to PDA)

The complete list of drugs on the University of Kansas Hospital formulary is now available on the Web. The Web system was launched May 1, 2002 and can be accessed directly at www.formularyproductions.com/kumc or by linking through the Department of Pharmacy homepage (www2.kumc.edu/pharmacy/) under Department Publications and Notifications.

The Web system contains all drugs currently found in the print version of the formulary and is easily searchable by both brand and generic drug name and by the use of an alphabetical drug listing if the exact spelling of the drug is unknown. An important key feature of the Web-based system is the ability to incorporate Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or manufacturer-issued safety alerts into drug profiles. These alerts will immediately notify the viewer of important safety precautions when prescribing or administering a drug. Safety-related information issued by the FDA for the past three years has already been added to the formulary. As new alerts are issued, drug profiles will be updated accordingly.

In addition to safety alerts, each drug is linked to drugfacts.com, a site maintained by Drug Facts and Comparisons® that provides accurate, unbiased drug information regarding dosing, adverse reactions, pharmacology, and monitoring. For applicable drugs, useful links to KUMC- instituted usage guidelines (such as those for vancomycin and gentamicin), order forms, and specific protocols are being added. Other links on the formulary homepage provide access to Pharmacy Key and Drug Safety Monitor publications in addition to KUMC-approved medical abbreviations. Other sections of the print version will be added over the next several months.

An added benefit of the Web system is the ability to download the formulary onto your Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) within a few minutes. Yes, this means your pocket load will be lighter and you will always have the formulary with you! The print version of the formulary will remain available for the upcoming year (new edition due out July 2002). Notifications of formulary updates will continue to be provided via the Pharmacy Key newsletter, although updates will be automatically viewable on the Web. Continued need of the print version will be reassessed next fall.

Any questions or comments regarding the Web-based formulary are welcome and can be directed to Joyce Generali, Director Drug Information Center (extension 8-2303, jgeneral@kumc.edu).