From: Gross, Mary
Sent: Friday, June 06, 2003 3:21 PM
To: Butler, Jennie C
Subject: FW: Minimizing Medication Errors Convention

Hi Jennie:

This is a written comment for docket 02N-0201, drug naming public meeting on June 26.

Thanks.

Mary
-----Original Message-----
From: Kimberly.Schnacky@med.va.gov [mailto:Kimberly.Schnacky@med.va.gov]
Sent: Thursday, June 05, 2003 4:30 PM
To: GrossM@cder.fda.gov
Subject: RE: Minimizing Medication Errors Convention


I wont be there.  Just a written statement.  The register says be can submit written statement until end June.  Thanks 

Kimberly Schnacky, PharmD
Quality Manager Pharmacy Dept 
Orlando Veterans Healthcare Center
(407) 629-1599  #2017
Pager (407) 524-0347
  -----Original Message-----
  From: Gross, Mary [mailto:GrossM@cder.fda.gov]
  Sent: Thursday, June 05, 2003 9:46 AM
  To: 'Schnacky, Kimberly R.'
  Subject: RE: Minimizing Medication Errors Convention


  Is this a written comment for the docket?  Or are you asking to make a verbal statement at the public meeting?  You will need to appear in person.

  Thanks.

  Mary
    -----Original Message-----
    From: Schnacky, Kimberly R. [mailto:Kimberly.Schnacky@med.va.gov]
    Sent: Thursday, June 05, 2003 9:09 AM
    To: 'grossm@cder.fda.gov'
    Subject: Minimizing Medication Errors Convention


    To Whom It May Concern:

    With regards to the upcoming meeting investigating policy for the naming of medications:

    Being unsure of the interdisciplinary nature of the current panel reviewing these naming requests, I will comment that it is "Key" that practicing clinical pharmacists be included in these discussions.  Clinical pharmacists are the experts in this area.  Being credentialed is not sufficient.  Active participation in the workfield,  so as to have a working knowledge base of these issues,  is critical to identifying these problems proactively.  

    For example, from the minute that aripiprazole (Abilify) Bristol Myers entered the market, it was obvious to the pharmacy community that the drug would be confused with one of the proton pump inhibitors (ie. omeprazole, lansoprazole, etc...)  We basically sat back and waited for the first report of "Sound Alike" error to occur.  It is difficult to believe that a pharmacist could possibly sit on the panel making these decisions and allow the above name to be approved.  

    I would suggest that a sufficient size group of pharmacists be asked to volunteer to review potential drug names via email and/or mailed out survey prior to approval of medication names.   Additionally, it might be important to critically review both brand and generic names, as the "Sound Alike" issues cross both these boundaries.  

    I, myself, would be happy to volunteer. 

    Kimberly Schnacky, PharmD
    President, Central Florida Society of Health Systems Pharmacists
    Quality Manager Clinical Pharmacy Dept 
    Orlando Veterans Healthcare Center
    (407) 629-1599  #2017
    Pager (407) 524-0347