Investigational Drug Services

The Investigational Drug Service (IDS), operated by the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics Department of Pharmaceutical Care, has been a participant in investigational drug studies for over 25 years. The primary goal of IDS is to assist and support principal investigators in meeting their obligations to study patients, the institution and research sponsors.

Services

Drug Storage: Drugs are stored in a limited access area, separate from other drugs in the pharmacy.
Record Keeping: Accurate and proper records are maintained for all drugs received and distributed by the pharmacy.
Inventory Control: A perpetual inventory is maintained and drugs are physically counted each month.
Preparation: Study drugs are prepared according to directions stated in the study protocol.
Dispensing: Drugs are dispensed upon receipt of a prescription completed by an authorized prescriber.
Special Packaging/Double-Blind Doses: The pharmacy is able to repackage drugs into containers or packages that facilitate dispensing and administration, and maintain the double-blind nature of a study.
Procurement/Disposal: The pharmacy orders, handles shipments, returns and/or properly disposes of drugs upon the request of the principal investigator.

IDS is required to dispense study medications and must approve studies prior to UI IRB approval being granted. Investigators interested in using IDS services must contact the Investigational Drug Pharmacist while the study is in the early planning stages to determine the pharmacy resources required and an estimate of pharmacy charges. For more information, please visit the Human Subjects website.