New drug info line improves service

Improving access to up-to-date drug information for both consumers and health-care professionals is the aim of the newly created Saskatchewan Drug Information Service that will operate out of the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition.

The new service combines the resources of the Dial Access Drug Information Service and the Consumer Drug Information Centre, which include comprehensive computer databases, current drug literature and licenced pharmacists.  Now, consumers, physicians, pharmacists and other health-care professionals can get objective, concise information on drug therapy problems using local and toll-free phone lines.

According to Yvonne Shevchuk, Head of the College’s Division of Pharmacy, the amount of new information and number of new drugs “is pretty incredible (and) it is imperative that health-care professionals and consumers have access to this information.”

The Dial Access Drug Information Services has been operating in the College since 1974, while the Consumer Drug Information Centre was established in 1990 on the recommendation of the province’s Advisory Committee on the Safe Use of Medicines.

Information for consumers is available by calling 966-3784 in Saskatoon or 1-800-665-3784 elsewhere.  Hours are 9:00 a.m.-noon and 1:00-4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday.  Health-care professionals can call 966-6340 locally or toll-free 1-800-667-3425 Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m.-noon and 1:00-4:30 p.m.

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