FDA information systems, Sentinel Initiative seek more timely drug safety information.

UNITED States. Food & Drug Administration; INFORMATION technology; MEDICATION safety; MEDICAL records; DRUG side effects

The article reports that the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) is working to improve its information technology (IT) operations and provide timely information on drug safety. The FDA Amendments Act (FDAAA) of 2007 requires that the FDA monitor health records on 25 million people by July 1, 2010. The FDA's Sentinel program will allow the FDA to access patient information to assess drug related events.