Healthy Skepticism Library item: 1208

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

Groves KE, Sketris I, Tett SE.
Prescription drug samples--does this marketing strategy counteract policies for quality use of medicines?
J Clin Pharm Ther 2003 Aug; 28:(4):259-71
http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/openurl?genre=article&sid=nlm:pubmed&issn=0269-4727&date=2003&volume=28&issue=4&spage=259

Abstract:

Prescription drug samples, as used by the pharmaceutical industry to market their products, are of current interest because of their influence on prescribing, and their potential impact on consumer safety. Very little research has been conducted into the use and misuse of prescription drug samples, and the influence of samples on health policies designed to improve the rational use of medicines. This is a topical issue in the prescription drug debate, with increasing costs and increasing concerns about optimizing use of medicines. This manuscript critically evaluates the research that has been conducted to date about prescription drug samples, discusses the issues raised in the context of traditional marketing theory, and suggests possible alternatives for the future.

Keywords:
Advertising/trends Drug Costs Drug Industry/economics Drug Industry/trends* Health Expenditures Humans Marketing/economics Marketing/trends* Medicaid/economics Physician's Practice Patterns Prescriptions, Drug/economics* Professional Role Self Medication