Pharmaceutical Care of Biotechnology: Distribution, Pharmacoeconomics, Product Evaluation, and Specialty Practice Considerations

Abstract

Providing biotechnology pharmaceutical care poses unique challenges for pharmacists. Biotechnology products often have special requirements for storage, dispensing, and administration which have traditionally limited their distribution to hospitals and clinics. The growing number of biotechnology products and the increasing use of these products in outpatient settings will provide opportunities for pharmacists who are prepared to deal with the special needs of these products. Biotechnology products are often expensive which has led to close scrutiny of their use. A careful analysis of these products, however, should consider both the cost of the products and the benefit to patients. Pharmacoeconomics provides the pharmacist with rigorous methods for determining the value of biologic products by carefully balancing the cost with the patient outcomes achieved. Providing biotechnology pharmaceutical care services requires substantial commitment on the part of pharmacists, but provides an opportunity to fill a need and develop a rewarding practice.