There may also be situations where a new or small drug bulletin can develop its own articles, but where additional advice or the professional support of experts is needed. For example, it is useful to send drafts of articles for review to other bulletins that have recently produced articles on the same or a similar topic. An established bulletin may have contacts with medical experts in a specialised field you wish to write about. This kind of professional advice is most valuable. Some bulletins have great experience in retrieving and interpreting data from their regulatory agency and can help others to find evidence. In particular, members of staff from Public Citizen, USA, have shown other bulletin editors how to find information on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration web site.

Sometimes legal advice may be needed, especially if you expect a negative reaction from a critical article that may affect a company’s sales. You may find it helpful to obtain an opinion from a legal expert associated with another bulletin even if the legal situation in your country differs somewhat.