PHARMARCIST OF HEALTH

Controversy about Drug Development and Testing

2010-03-03T14:30:00.000-08:00

There have been increasing accusations and findings that clinical trials conducted or funded by pharmaceutical companies are much more likely to report positive results for the preferred medication.

In response to specific cases in which unfavorable data from pharmaceutical company-sponsored research was not published, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America have published new guidelines urging companies to report all findings and limit the financial involvement in drug companies of researchers. US congress signed into law a bill which requires phase II and phase III clinical trials to be registered by the sponsor on the clinical trials.gov website run by the NIH.

Drug researchers not directly employed by pharmaceutical companies often look to companies for grants, and companies often look to researchers for studies that will make their products look favorable. Sponsored researchers are rewarded by drug companies, for example with support for their conference/symposium costs. Lecture scripts and even journal articles presented by academic researchers may actually be 'ghost-written' by pharmaceutical companies. Some researchers who have tried to reveal ethical issues with clinical trials or who tried to publish papers that show harmful effects of new drugs or cheaper alternatives have been threatened by drug companies with lawsuits

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Research And Development

2010-03-03T14:24:00.000-08:00

Drug discovery is the process by which potential drugs are discovered or designed. In the past most drugs have been discovered either by isolating the active ingredient from traditional remedies or by serendipitous discovery. Modern biotechnology often focuses on understanding the metabolic pathways related to a disease state or pathogen, and manipulating these pathways using molecular biology or Biochemistry. A great deal of early-stage drug discovery has traditionally been carried out by universities and research institutions.

Drug development refers to activities undertaken after a compound is identified as a potential drug in order to establish its suitability as a medication. Objectives of drug development are to determine appropriate Formulation and Dosing, as well as to establish safety.

Research in these areas generally includes a combination of in vitro studies, in vivo studies, and clinical trials. The amount of capital required for late stage development has made it a historical strength of the larger pharmaceutical companies. Suggested citation: Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development, Annual Impact Report, Often, large multinational corporations exhibit vertical integration, participating in a broad range of drug discovery and development, manufacturing and quality control, marketing, sales, and distribution. Smaller organizations, on the other hand, often focus on a specific aspect such as discovering drug candidates or developing formulations. Often, collaborative agreements between research organizations and large pharmaceutical companies are formed to explore the potential of new drug substances.

Pharmaceutical industry

2010-03-03T14:11:00.000-08:00

The pharmaceutical industry develops, produces, and markets drugs licensed for use as medications. Pharmaceutical companies can deal in generic and/or brand medications. They are subject to a variety of laws and regulations regarding the patenting, testing and marketing of drugs.

History
The earliest drugstores date back to the Middle Ages. The first known drugstore was opened by Arabian pharmacists in Baghdad in 754, and many more soon began operating throughout the medieval Islamic world and eventually medieval Europe. By the 19th century, many of the drug stores in Europe and North America had eventually developed into larger pharmaceutical companies.

Most of today's major pharmaceutical companies were founded in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Key discoveries of the 1920s and 1930s, such as insulin and penicillin, became mass-manufactured and distributed. Switzerland, Germany and Italy had particularly strong industries, with the UK, US, Belgium and the Netherlands following suit.

Legislation was enacted to test and approve drugs and to require appropriate labelling. Prescription and non-prescription drugs became legally distinguished from one another as the pharmaceutical industry matured. The industry got underway in earnest from the 1950s, due to the development of systematic scientific approaches, understanding of human biology (including DNA) and sophisticated manufacturing techniques.

Numerous new drugs were developed during the 1950s and mass-produced and marketed through the 1960s. These included the first oral contraceptive, "The Pill", Cortisone, blood-pressure drugs and other heart medications. MAO Inhibitors, chlorpromazine (Thorazine), Haldol (Haloperidol) and the tranquilizers ushered in the age of psychiatric medication. Valium (diazepam), discovered in 1960, was marketed from 1963 and rapidly became the most prescribed drug in history, prior to controversy over dependency and habituation.

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Pharmaceutical Sciences

2009-11-25T12:46:00.000-08:00

Pharmaceutical Sciences and Administration, Other

Adults seeking an education in medicine and health care may want to work in the field of pharmaceutical sciences and administration. Pharmaceutical scientists develop and create medication that can prevent and fight disease. To become a pharmaceutical scientist, training is necessary. This training may be obtained through a school, college, or university from a program which may result in either a diploma or certification. Employment opportunities should be good. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov), employment in pharmaceutical sciences is expected to grow due to the increasing pharmaceutical needs of an aging population and its increased use of medications.

Related articles to Pharmaceutical Sciences and Administration, Other article contains education and career information for those pursuing a career in pharmaceutical sciences and administration. The article includes a list of universities offering pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences and administration programs.

Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Administration The Bachelor's Degree of Pharmaceutical Administration arose in response to the recent boom in the pharmaceutical industry and the subsequent need for confident, decisive individuals who can manage large bureaucracies. Graduates will likely find career positions in a commercial pharmaceutical company at a managerial level. In these careers, Pharmaceutical Administrators' primary tasks will include decision making, problem solving and coordinating various departments of a pharmaceutical business such as Pharmacology, Research and Development and Marketing.

Career Information for a Degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Administration Pharmaceutical Sciences and Administration and similar degree programs are designed to help students understand important concepts in pharmaceutical practice and research, including chemistry, toxicology and pharmacology. Graduates of these degree programs might work as pharmacists, pharmaceutical sales representatives or postsecondary teachers, depending on the type of degree earned.

Pharmacist School

2009-11-25T12:44:00.000-08:00

What is the Most Common Pharmacist School Program?

Doctor of Pharmacy
Pharmacists dispense medicine and provide information to patients regarding drug side effects, interactions and proper dosage. Due to the high level of responsibility associated with the profession, there is a standard Pharmacist school degree program that qualifies candidates who wish to pursue a career in the pharmacy field. The Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) is not a graduate degree, but is considered a professional degree. To earn this degree, one must first complete a 2-year pre-pharmacy program before moving into a 4-year Doctor of Pharmacy professional program. The pre-pharmacy program includes general education courses as well as pharmacy related courses in college level chemistry, biology and physics. The curriculum in the professional program involves advanced courses in pharmacology, biometrics, chemistry and therapeutics, as well as an intensive final year that includes six to eight different clinical rotations in various specialties and settings. Many schools of pharmacy allow students to concurrently earn a master's or Ph.D. along with the Pharm.D., providing students the opportunity to perform pharmaceutical research; typically, it takes two or three more years to earn this extra degree. Students often have the option of completing all 6 years required for earning this doctorate degree at the same college or university; students may also complete the pre-pharmacy program at a different school than the 4-year program. Candidates who have already completed equivalent courses while earning a bachelor's degree may apply directly to the professional Pharm.D. program. Pharmacist school programs frequently consider letters of recommendation, grade point average and Pharmacy College Admissions Test scores in choosing candidates for admission. Upon earning the Doctor of Pharmacy, graduates must obtain licensure before beginning work in hospitals, clinics, pharmacies and in home health. In most states, candidates are required to pass The North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam, which test pharmacy knowledge and law, respectively.

Pharmacist Trainings

2009-11-25T12:43:00.000-08:00

Students searching for pharmacist training found the following resources, articles, links, and information helpful.

Those who have an interest in medical and health professions may choose to enter the pharmaceutical sciences and administration field. Pharmacists prescribe medication. They must understand several aspects of drugs such as their uses, properties, and effects in order to counsel physicians, nurse practitioners, and patients about prescriptions. In order to pursue this career, training is required. Training can be obtained through a school, college, or university. Depending on the program, a student may receive a diploma or certification. One must also pass an examination to be able to receive a license. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics employment opportunities are expected to be good through 2012 because the numbers of degrees granted through pharmacy programs are expected to be less than the number of job openings

Pharmacist Degree

2009-11-25T12:39:00.000-08:00

A pharmacist degree program prepares students to dispense prescription medications, counsel patients regarding drugs and consult with physicians with regard to patients' drug treatment plans. In order to become a licensed pharmacist, students must graduate from a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) program, complete an internship and pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam. Some states also require pharmacist degree program graduates to pass the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam. Before enrolling in the Pharm.D. program, students must complete an undergraduate pre-pharmacy program and pass the entrance exam. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov) expects excellent job opportunities for pharmacists in the coming years.

Typical Curriculum for a Pharmacist Degree Program:

Medical Biochemistry
General Pharmacology
Pharmaceutical Formulation
Pharmacy Calculations
Human Anatomy and Physiology
Clinical Pharmacokinetics
Chemical Dependency
Pharmacy Laws and Ethics

Pharmacist Assistant Certifications

2009-11-25T12:37:00.000-08:00

Pharmacist Assistant Certification and Diploma Program Information

Prospective students searching for pharmacist assistant certification found the following resources, articles, links, and information helpful.

Occupation: Pharmacy Technician

Adults pursuing an education in medicine or health may choose to pursue a career as a pharmacy technician. Pharmacy technicians provide patients with medicine and healthcare products while working alongside with a certified pharmacist.

Few states regulate pharmacy technicians, so many are trained on site. Those who want formal training may participate in a program at a school, college, or university. These programs may result in a diploma or certification.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook is extremely good, especially for those with certification or formal training. For further information, try the National Pharmacy Technician Association's website at www.pharmacytechnician.org.

Pharmacist Certifications

2009-11-25T12:35:00.000-08:00

Pharmacist Certification and Diploma Programs

People searching for pharmacist certification found the following information relevant and useful.
Those who have an interest in medical and health professions may choose to enter the pharmaceutical sciences and administration field. Pharmacists prescribe medication. They must understand several aspects of drugs such as their uses, properties, and effects in order to counsel physicians, nurse practitioners, and patients about prescriptions. In order to pursue this career, training is required. Training can be obtained through a school, college, or university. Depending on the program, a student may receive a diploma or certification. One must also pass an examination to be able to receive a license. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov), employment opportunities are expected to be good through 2012 because the numbers of degrees granted through pharmacy programs are expected to be less than the number of job openings.

Pediatric Pharmacists

2009-11-25T12:32:00.000-08:00

Job Description and Requirements for Becoming a Pediatric Pharmacist

Pediatric Pharmacists must possess a license and a Pharm.D. degree in order to find a job. Careers related to Pediatric Pharmacy include pharmacy technology, chemistry, medical science, pharmacy science and nursing.

Pediatric Pharmacist Career Definition
Pediatric Pharmacists counsel children and their parents about medication and write prescriptions as needed. They track their patients' medical progress and make sure that there are no harmful drug interactions or unexpected side effects. Pediatric Pharmacists often work in medical facilities like doctor's offices, pharmacies and hospitals.

How to Become a Pediatric Pharmacist
Education Required for a Career in Pediatric Pharmacy
Pediatric Pharmacists must have a Pharm.D. degree from an accredited school and hold a state license to legally work in the field. The requirements for the license can vary by state, but they usually involve passing a number of written tests. Most Pharm.D. programs admit students who have already completed two or three years of college-level courses and the programs themselves often take several additional years, often including a period of residency. Students who want to become Pediatric Pharmacists should take classes like biology, chemistry, pharmacology and research techniques.

Necessary Skills for a Career as a Pediatric Pharmacist
Pediatric Pharmacists need to have excellent communication skills and should be good with children. They need an eye for detail and should have a firm understanding of medications' effects on the human body.

Career and Economic Outlook for a Pediatric Pharmacy
While there isn't much data related directly to Pediatric Pharmacy, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov) does predict job growth of about 22% over the next several years for pharmacy as a whole while new medications are developed to treat a variety of physical and mental conditions. The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the median annual salary for a pharmacist at about $95,000.

Pharmacist Education

2009-11-25T12:28:00.000-08:00

Career Degrees to Become a Pharmacist, Pharmaceutical Training

What are the Education Requirements to Become a Pharmacist?
Pharmacists distribute prescription drugs and advise patients on the dosages, side-effects and selection of medicines. Before practicing, a Pharmacist is required to earn a Pharm.D. degree and pass a state licensure exam. Pharmacist education requirements in a Pharm.D. program include both coursework and clinical preparation. Pharmacy students are educated in understanding diagnosis, treatment of diseases and the use and cost-effectiveness of medical drugs. Students in a Pharmacist education program also acquire basic skills in the emotional and physiological implications of illness and disease and learn how to speak professionally with doctors and patients. Pharmacist education programs usually include 2-years of pre-pharmacy study and 4-years of additional pharmacy courses, which include pharmaceutical sciences, biochemistry, medical chemistry, physiology, statistics, pharmacology, human anatomy, non-prescription drugs, therapeutic patient monitoring and pharmacy administration. The clinical portion of the Pharmacist degree program varies at each university or college. Advanced education options for pharmacy students include residency programs or Master of Science and Ph.D. programs in pharmacology, pharmaceutics, pharmacy administration or pharmaceutical chemistry.

Pharmacist

2008-11-17T02:00:00.000-08:00

Pharmacists are health professionals who practice the art and science of pharmacy. In their traditional role, pharmacists typically take a request for medicines from a prescribing health care provider in the form of a medical prescription and dispense the medication to the patient and counsel them on the proper use and adverse effects of that medication. In this role, pharmacists ensure the safe and effective use of medications. Pharmacists also participate in disease state management, where they optimize and monitor drug therapy or interpret medical laboratory results – in collaboration with physicians and/or other health professionals. Pharmacists have many areas of expertise and are a critical source of medical knowledge in clinics, hospitals, medical laboratory and community pharmacies throughout the world.

Pharmacists are sometimes (often, in numerous contries in Europe) small-business owners, owning the pharmacy in which they practice. Their specialized knowledge as skilled professionals makes them a vital part of any healthcare team. They act as a learned intermediary between patients and other healthcare providers to ensure that proper medical therapy is chosen and implemented in the best way possible.

Pharmacists are sometimes referred to as chemists (or dispensing chemists)]], which sometimes causes confusion with scientists in the field of chemistry. This term is a historical one, since pharmacists originally were required to complete an undergraduate degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry (PhC) and were known as "Pharmaceutical Chemists".