ASHP Releases AHFS Drug Information 2015 Edition

ASHP has released a new edition of AHFS Drug Information (AHFS DI), the nation’s leading compendium of unbiased and authoritative drug information.

The 2015 edition, which marks 57 years of continuous publication, contains extensively updated monographs and revised therapeutic guidelines, including recommendations for treatment of hypertension, elevated cholesterol, and HIV infection. It also presents new information on breakthrough oncology drugs recently approved as part of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) accelerated approval program.

“AHFS DI is the gold standard for detailed, complete drug information presented in a way that is easy for busy healthcare practitioners to use,” said Gerald K. McEvoy, Pharm.D., editor-in-chief of AHFS DI and ASHP assistant vice president of drug information. “The 2015 edition is supported by more than 85,000 references and has been reviewed by more than 500 health professionals, providing the most trustworthy, evidence-based data on which to base therapeutic decisions.”

AHFS DI is the only printed compendium designated by the U.S. Congress as a source for reimbursement of off-label uses. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and numerous healthcare insurance providers recognize it as a definitive reference on the medically accepted uses of drugs.

Each year, AHFS DI incorporates emerging information on cautions, drug interactions, and therapeutic perspectives. More than 40 percent of the content has been updated in the 2015 edition, including information about:

• Orphan drug products,
• Vaccines and other immunizing agents,
• Prescription, OTC, ophthalmologic, and dermatologic drugs,
• Preparations and dosage/administration information, and
• Pharmacology and pharmacokinetics.

Drug monographs in AHFS DI are thoroughly researched by drug information pharmacists and professional editorial and analytical staff. Authors incorporate clinical research findings, guidelines, and FDA-approved labeling into the monographs. A panel of hundreds of reviewers, including leading medical scientists, physicians, pharmacists, pharmacologists, and other clinicians, also examine the material to ensure accuracy.

AHFS is available in print and through several partners in mobile and online platforms. Purchasing information is available on the AHFS Drug Information website. The DI databases can also be licensed for use in clinical decision support systems.

The AHFS website provides subscribers with electronic updates and additional drug monographs, as well as offers and information on the latest products from AHFS. For more information on AHFS Drug Information or any other items in the AHFS product line, call ASHP Customer Service at (866) 279-0681 or visit www.ahfsdruginformation.com.

About ASHP

ASHP represents pharmacists who serve as patient care providers in acute and ambulatory settings. The organization’s more than 40,000 members include pharmacists, student pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. For over 70 years, ASHP has been on the forefront of efforts to improve medication use and enhance patient safety. For more information about the wide array of ASHP activities and the many ways in which pharmacists advance healthcare, visit ASHP’s website, www.ashp.org, or its consumer website, www.safemedication.com. - See more at: http://www.ashp.org/menu/AboutUs/ForPress/PressReleases/PressRelease.aspx?id=843#sthash.Uaopv8JV.dpuf