Recent developments in consumer access to drug information are reviewed. Technological changes, federal regulatory developments and changes in physician and pharmacist practices resulting from health care cost containment strategies, and changes in pharmaceutical industry practices toward providing drug information to consumers are highlighted and discussed. The resulting changes in the ability of consumers to make informed choices concerning health care and to make sound decisions in the use of prescription drugs are described. The role of the pharmaceutical company drug information department as a part of this process is critically evaluated.
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