How is The Medical Letter's Interactions Database different from other commercially available interactions databases?
The Medical Letter's database is clinically oriented. It contains interactions that are well documented and likely to be important clinically, but does not contain all theoretical interactions. Theoretical interactions that are considered contraindications by the FDA are generally included, however. The result is a database of interactions that are important clinically - not just a long list of theoretical interactions. For this reason, an interactions report derived from The Medical Letter's Database may differ from a typical pharmacy-derived report.

How does The Medical Letter collect the information for the database?
Our experts monitor the medical literature for newly reported, well-documented interactions and identify the ones likely to be important clinically.

What kind of information is available from the database?
A typical interactions report can be viewed here. The report describes the interaction itself and its probable mechanism. Recommendations for clinical management are featured. References to the original reports of the interactions are also included.

In what formats is the database available?
The database is available in three different formats - a CD-ROM program, a handheld version (created by Skyscape) and an online version.

How often is the data updated?
The interactions database is updated and the software versions re-released every six months.

How long has The Medical Letter been developing this database?
Since 1982.

Can the database be licensed for use by EMR programs and other relevant applications?
Yes, for a reasonable fee The Medical Letter will license the actual content of the database for use in other applications, such as EMR software and for inclusion in electronic pharmacopoeias. Please contact Gene Carbona at gene@medicalletter.org for more information and a sample of our data.