Medicare Beneficiaries and Free Prescription Drug Samples: A National Survey

Use of Prescription Drug Samples and Patient Assistance Programs, and the Role of Doctor–Patient Communication

“…25,26 In the most recent of these studies, low-income seniors and racial/ethnic minorities in the 2004 Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (MCBS) were less likely to ask for or receive samples, similar to our findings post Part D. 25 We additionally found that one-third of those who had used PAPs, who presumably have the greatest need for financial assistance, did not report any free sample use.…”

Drug Samples: Why Not?

“…Alikhan et al [20] concluded that, in dermatology in particular, where new drugs appear with greater frequency than in other specialties, the benefits of drug sampling outweigh the risks because they help dermatologists avoid wasteful spending with short-term trials (evaluating preference, efficacy, and tolerability). Advantages of using drug samples was also reported in geriatric care: after an extensive evaluation of 13,847 Medicare beneficiaries, Tjia et al concluded that "policies restricting or prohibiting drug sample distribution may adversely impact access to medications among patients in high-risk groups" [21].…”

“…The authors also maintained that use of prescription drug samples is especially common among people "with cost-related medication non-adherence and poor health status" [21].…”

Use of Atypical Antipsychotics in Nursing Homes and Pharmaceutical Marketing

“…Prior studies have consistently shown a strong relationship between marketing efforts by the pharmaceutical industry and physician prescribing behaviors . For example, physician participation in educational symposia sponsored by the pharmaceutical industry has been associated with a two‐ to threefold increase in the prescription of promoted medications .…”

“…Prior studies have consistently shown a strong relationship between marketing efforts by the pharmaceutical industry and physician prescribing behaviors. [10][11][12] For example, physician participation in educational symposia sponsored by the pharmaceutical industry has been associated with a two-to threefold increase in the prescription of promoted medications. 13 Most of the literature is specific to hospitals, but there is anecdotal evidence of pharmaceutical marketing in NHs in the form of free educational seminars and lunches for licensed nurses and certified nursing assistants (CNAs).…”