Improved methods for delivering to a patient in need of the drug, while avoiding the occurrence of an adverse side effect known or suspected of being caused by the drug are disclosed. The methods are of the type in which prescriptions for the drug are filled only after a computer readalbe storage medium has been consulted to assure that the prescriber, pharmacy and patient have been properly registered in the medium before the patient is approved to receive the drug. Embodiments are provided wherein the patients are assigned to risk groups based upon the risk that taking the drug will lead to the side effect, and certain additional information, such as periodic surveys and diagnostic tests probative of the ongoing risk of the side effect developing are obtained before prescriptions for the drug are approved. |