The Role of Pharmacists as Seen from the Japan Teratology Information Center

Abstract

The Japan Drug Information Institute in Pregnancy (JDIIP) was established in 2005 as a project of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare with the aims of providing information on drug safety to women who are worried about drug use during pregnancy and creating evidence through epidemiological studies based on counseling cases. Since being established, JDIIP has made many contributions to the wellness of mothers and children by promoting the proper use of drugs during pregnancy. However, some studies have shown that this alone is not enough to meet potential needs. From now on, it is hoped that the hub hospitals in the 47 prefectures will take the lead in promoting regional pharmaceutical cooperation and striving for equalization in this field. Pharmacists will play an important role in this effort. In particular, many women consult pharmacists during lactation because they are out of touch with their obstetricians. If the wording of the section on lactating women in the package insert is faithfully explained, breastfeeding and drug therapy become incompatible. However, in most cases, it is possible to achieve both if the benefits of breastfeeding and the amount of drug transfer into milk are taken into consideration. Counseling on drug treatment during lactation is a field where pharmacists who are skilled in reading package inserts and pharmacokinetics should play an active role. The newly established the Japan Drug Information in Pregnancy Society aims to provide a place for pharmacists who do not have many opportunities to learn about this field.