Free Drug Samples Go To Wealthy, Insured

But the study of prescription use of nearly 33,000 U.S. residents during 2003 found the neediest are least likely to get free samples. "Our findings suggest the free samples serve as a marketing tool, not a safety net," said Dr. Sarah Cutrona, co-author of the report to be published in the February issue of the American Journal of Public Health. The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (Phrma), a trade group representing most major drugmakers, in a statement called the study out of date. It said samples were one way to tackle the problem of getting prescription drugs to the estimated 47 million Americans without health insurance. About $16.4 billion in free drug samples were distributed in the United States in 2004, up from $4.9 billion in 1996, the study said. Samples are nearly always the newest and most expensive prescriptions, according to the report. Distributed by thousands of sales representatives, the samples distribution has been controversial. Critics said the samples and representatives steer doctors and patients to the priciest drugs, and spur use of prescriptions for ailments not originally intended or tested. ... (2 more pages) http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSN3158060620080102

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