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Subscribe to pharmaceutical magazines to keep abreast of the latest advances in the industry

A pharmaceutical magazine keeps individuals working in the industry up to date on the various aspects of the field, such as new regulations, pharmaceutical related court cases, research developments and professional development opportunities.

I recommend: Pharmaceutical Representative addresses topics such as selling to physicians, pharmacists and clinics. It also provides training and professional development information. Pharmaceutical Representative also publishes a newsletter, Pharm Rep Direct, which also informs representatives on sales management and training in addition to educating them on pharmaceutical related court cases and regulations. AAPA Newsmagazine, only available to members of the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists, keeps the organization current on issues affecting the pharmaceutical field.

Read pharmaceutical journals to remain educated on research developments in the industry

A professional pharmaceutical journal keeps researchers, doctors and pharmaceutical representatives knowledgeable on the scientific aspect of the pharmaceutical field by reporting on the latest research and advances on drug development, drug uses, interactions, and possible side effects.

I recommend: The Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis is an international publication reporting on research developments involving drugs and their effect on the body – such as the recommended dosage, absorption rate of the drug, how long the drug stays in the system and any possible side effects, such as liver damage, increased blood pressure or fatigue. The American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, published by the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, is another international pharma publication that takes advantage of the Internet’s capabilities by incorporating multimedia features such as 3D graphics, interactive tools and sound within their online articles.

Refer to Web sites listing reference material on the pharmaceutical industry

Web sites that organize pharmaceutical articles by topic are an efficient way for one to research and review the latest advances made in the pharmaceutical industry. Topics covered by such websites include articles related to chemistry, drug development, analysis, patents, the Food and Drug Administration, pharmacoeconomics, toxicology, and research and development.

I recommend: Pharmainfo.net and Drugs.com contain a directory of articles on topics such as clinical pharmacy, drug development, pharmaceutical sales and marketing and regulatory issues that one can read by selecting a hyperlink that will direct them to the professional journal where they may read the article in its entirety.

Guide to Pharmaceutical Publications

Read the best pharmaceutical publications for useful pharmaceutical articles on industry innovations

By Christine Margiotta, Freelance writer

1. Pharmaceutical publications often focus on drugs designated for specific ailments, such as cancer or chronic pain, and cover developing technologies for formulating drugs that treat those conditions.
2. Drug publications aren't just for industry professionals—they offer valuable information to consumers as well.
3. Pharmaceutical journals contain valuable research drug articles that alert the industry to new products on the horizon.

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Look up pharmaceutical magazines that offer industry news

Pharmaceutical articles in industry magazines provide industry professionals with the information they need to make key decisions for their businesses. These magazines deliver the latest news on emerging ideas that could someday become marketable prescription drugs.

I recommend: Drug Topics is a pharmaceutical magazine that provides the latest retail drug news for pharmacists, from news about drug compounding to the latest research into drugs for various ailments. Drug Discovery and Development is a pharmaceutical magazine detailing the evolution of drug ideas into marketable pharmaceuticals.

Find pharmaceutical magazines targeted to consumers

In the pharmaceutical industry, pharmacists and research scientists need to know how consumers perceive their products. These publications, containing news and information targeted for retail drug consumers, can help.

I recommend: Consumer Reports operates Best Buy Drugs, where the publication applies its careful review standards to prescription drugs. Chain Drug Review is one of the oldest news publications of the pharmaceutical industry that offers annual reports and profiles of various drugs and retailers in the industry.

Read pharmaceutical journals that focus on specific areas of emerging research

Pharmaceutical journals are some of the best sources of research into new and exciting technologies shaping highly advanced medications in the pharmaceutical industry. You can find many of these new technologies featured in these journals.

I recommend: The Journal of Drug Targeting is a fascinating pharmaceutical journal discussing research into the latest drugs that are engineered to target specific cells or other body organisms to ensure the drugs are delivered to specific areas of the body. Pharmaceutical Formulation and Quality is a pharmaceutical journal that offers excellent articles and research on the properties of drugs and how they work to perform their designated tasks.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When perusing the publications listed above, pay attention to the people writing the articles or featured in the news. These people often play a significant role in developing new medications. If you have an idea or research you want to share, these people might listen.

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Locate virtual libraries specializing in pharma publications

Virtual libraries are a fantastic resource that allow you to browse a myriad of topics right from the comfort of your computer. The other positive to virtual libraries and databases is that they usually don't charge subscription prices that some journals and magazines charge. Peruse the stacks of the virtual library to find the section of pharma that you are interested in learning more about.

I recommend: Check out the website for Pharmacy.org. They have virtual online library full of publications that are listed in alphabetical order. Also visit the website for Informa Healthcare. They have a large host of medical journals as well.

Go to the websites for associations that publish pharmaceutical magazines and articles

National, regional and local pharmaceutical associations are a great place to the latest pharmaceutical magazine or pharmaceutical article that has been written about your section of the pharmaceutical industry. Their information and reporting is also thought to be unbiased because the publications are not being funded by the pharmaceutical companies themselves, but by independent writers and editors.

I recommend: Visit the website of PhRMA.org. The Pharmaceuticals Research and Manufacturers of America release publications about the latest news in regard to the industry. Check out the "publication" tab on their website. Another great resource is the National Pharmaceutical Association. They release newsletters and publications on a regular basis.

Subscribe to pharmaceutical publications to stay on top of the industry

Subscribing to pharmaceutical publications is a way to keep on top of the industry. These top pharmaceutical publications are produced weekly, monthly, quarterly and yearly and often contain information on research trials for various drugs as well as medical reports associated with those drugs and the industry at large.

I recommend: Bio IT World, in association with the Cambridge Healthtech Media Group publishes an online and hard copy publication about the latest advancement in bio tech and pharmaceutical industry. Also Pharmaceutical Press is another popular weekly journal which is produced for people in all aspects of the pharma industry.

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White paper

A white paper refers to a comprehensive report that elaborates on emerging technology or research such as newly developed medications or medical devices. Individuals or groups who possess authority on specific topics write white papers. White papers generally explain the development process of specific technology, the technology's use, statistical data and any additional information. Pharmaceutical companies can use white papers to inform others about their products or services and to market their products or services.

I recommend: Learn more about white papers at Pharmaceutical-Technology.com and also at FDA Pharmaceutical and Medical Device White Papers.

Package insert

The package insert refers to the comprehensive leaflet found inside packages of prescribed medications. The package insert, also known as prescribing information, lists the clinical pharmacology of the drug, warnings, precautions and adverse reactions, as well as the product's approved indications, usage and contraindications. Additionally, the package insert contains information about dosage and administration, formulation, and both the drug's generic and commercial name.

I recommend: Read more about the package insert at Consumer Health Information Corporation.

Research and development information

Track research and development information through publications that focus on forthcoming clinical research. Follow drug development, marketing trends and competitive intelligence with research and development publications.

I recommend: See Pharmaprojects to learn more about research and development information.

Physicians' Desk Reference

The Physicians' Desk Reference (PDR) refers to a comprehensive publication that contains information about prescription drugs in the United States. This exhaustive reference provides details including the composition and indications of pharmaceutical medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Biotech professionals, medical staff, health professionals and pharmacists regularly reference the PDR.

I recommend: Learn more about the Physicians Desk Reference at Thomson Healthcare.

Journal abstract

A journal abstract refers to the text that summarizes the essential points of a clinical research report. Medical journals publicize clinical research reports and generally feature journal abstracts at the beginning of each of them. Reading a journal abstract is an excellent way to gain a broad view of the information in the clinical research including the methodology used, study results and statistical analysis without having to read the entire report.

I recommend: See samples of journal abstracts at the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Adverse event reporting forms

Adverse event reporting forms refer to documentation that outlines harmful events related to pharmaceutical medications. Consumers, medical staff, pharmaceutical professionals, biotech manufacturers and other individuals are encouraged to report adverse events.

I recommend: Review adverse event reporting forms and learn more about reporting unfavorable pharmaceutical drug outcomes at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.