Article Figures & Data
Figures
Tables
Supplemental Appendixes
Supplemental Appendix 1. Promoted Drug List; Supplemental Appendix 2. Specific Drugs Explored for Prescribing Trends
Files in this Data Supplement:
- Supplemental data: Appendixes - PDF file, 3 pages, 147 KB
The Article in Brief
Effect of Drug Sample Removal on Prescribing in a Family Practice Clinic
Daniel M. Hartung , and colleagues
Background Pharmaceutical marketing practices and potential financial conflicts of interest between doctors and the pharmaceutical industry have raised a number of ethical concerns. This study evaluated the effect of a rural family practice�s policy prohibiting prescription drug samples and visits from pharmaceutical representatives.
What This Study Found There were modest reductions in brand name drug use in several classes of drugs after the prohibition of prescription drug samples and visits by pharmaceutical representatives. Levels of brand name drug use did not change significantly after the policy was implemented, but branded drugs prescribed for respiratory disease declined significantly (by 11.34 percent) compared with those prescribed by a control group. Prescriptions of promoted cholesterol-lowering drugs and antidepressants were reduced by approximately 9.98 percent and 11.34 percent, respectively. The average cost per prescription for lipid-lowering drugs was significantly reduced by $0.70 per prescription per month. Overall, however, average prescription drug costs increased by $5.18 immediately after policy implementation.
Implications
- The authors suggest that clinics considering similar restrictions should evaluate both the positive and negative roles samples and industry representatives play on patient care.