Healthy Skepticism Library item: 8179

Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.

Publication type: Journal Article

Sherwood LM.
Merck-sponsored simvastatin (Zocor) compliance program for patients using Wal-Mart pharmacy: of benefit to whom?: 2
Journal of the American Medical Association 1998 Jun 17; 279:1876

Abstract:

A response from Merck & Co. to a physician’s concerns regarding the ethics and patient confidentiality issues surrounding a prescription refill reminder program conducted by Wal-Mart pharmacies and sponsored by the manufacturer that is aimed at patients who do not regularly refill their prescriptions for simvastatin (Zocor) is presented; the manufacturer’s support of the pharmacist’s role as the primary source of information regarding prescription drugs and prescription drug compliance is emphasized.