Drug Samples: Why Not?

doi:10.1001/virtualmentor.2014.16.4.ecas2-1404

Cited by 2 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 14 publications

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“…However, each of these options have limitations including limited formularies (charitable pharmacies and prescriber sampling), annual limits (manufacturer coupons), or income limits (assistance programs). 24,25 Drug discount cards, which can be accessed through websites or smartphone apps, are typically available at no cost to patients, do not require an application or income verification, and are accepted at thousands of pharmacies. Discount cards are a cash transaction, meaning purchases are outside of insurance drug benefits, and do not contribute to deductibles or out-of-pocket maximums.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Association Between Prescription Drug Discount Cards and Out-of-Pocket Costs for HFrEF Regimens

Wheeler,

Heidel,

Dong

et al. 2023

Circ: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes

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BACKGROUND: The burden from medication costs for treating heart failure can be financially toxic for uninsured/underinsured patients and their families. Prescription discount cards, which offer cash price reductions, may decrease out-of-pocket costs for patients without prescription benefits, but the degree to which they offer financial relief remains unclear. Our objective was to assess the financial burden for uninsured/underinsured patients prescribed a drug from each of the 4 standard classes of medications for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. A second objective assessed whether discounts varied across economically and geographically diverse regions in Tennessee. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional pricing analysis of guideline-directed medical therapy heart failure with reduced ejection fraction regimens utilizing prescription discount cards. Between February 9 and March 31, 2022, we conducted searches on 3 discount card websites (GoodRx, NeedyMeds, and Blink Health) for the prices of 30- and 90-day supplies of select guideline-directed medical therapy heart failure regimens for 6 Tennessee ZIP codes. Prices were compared with Amazon and Redbook prices. RESULTS: Monthly costs among discount card services varied from $10.58 to $30.86 for a generic 3-drug regimen consisting of beta blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blockers, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists. With the addition of a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor, prices increased to $540.32 to $593.74. The ideal 4-drug regimen (beta blocker, angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor) ranged from $1188.31 to $1464.54. When compared with Amazon cash prices, the cards offered an average discount of 65% on a generic 3-drug regimen; when brand-name medications were added, discounts were modest (<12%). There were no significant variations in pricing based on ZIP codes in differing economic and geographic regions. CONCLUSIONS: Although prescription discount cards offered significant savings on generic medications, brand-name drug discounts were small and overall costs remained high. These findings highlight the potential for unequal access to life-saving therapies for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Association Between Prescription Drug Discount Cards and Out-of-Pocket Costs for HFrEF Regimens

Wheeler,

Heidel,

Dong

et al. 2023

Circ: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes

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“…Data support that patients who start a course of medication through samples are more likely to continue on that medication and, therefore, are more likely to bring revenue to particular industry members (15). Whenever possible, a full treatment course should be dispensed, and distribution of samples should be tracked in case of recall or adverse effect.…”

Section: Ethical Issues and Considerationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Professional Relationships With Industry

2022

Obstetrics &Amp; Gynecology

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Developers and manufacturers of pharmaceutical agents and medical devices assist physicians in the pursuit of their educational goals and objectives through financial support of various medical, research, and educational programs. In general, industry seeks to optimize profit by providing useful goods and services. However, industry priorities may not always align with the ethical responsibilities of clinicians to promote the best interests of their patients, of educators to provide evidence-based instruction, and of researchers to ensure the scientific integrity of their investigations. To minimize both actual and perceived conflicts of interest, physicians and institutions should set guidelines for themselves and their employees regarding acceptable interaction with industry representatives. In this Committee Statement, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' Committee on Ethics provides recommendations for the management of professional relationships with industry, with an updated literature review and discussion of prevalence, regulations, and the effects of industry involvement in clinical care, education, and research.

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Drug Samples: Why Not?

Cited by 2 publications

References 14 publications

Association Between Prescription Drug Discount Cards and Out-of-Pocket Costs for HFrEF Regimens

Association Between Prescription Drug Discount Cards and Out-of-Pocket Costs for HFrEF Regimens

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