Healthy Skepticism Library item: 9631

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

Robinson B.
Industry moves to control its own sampling destiny
Drug Topics 1986 Aug 4; 130:22

Abstract:

In an effort to restrict the practice of sampling, the modification of the prescription sampling system, whether by legislation or through increased self-policing by the drug industry, is discussed. The Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PMA) recently pledged to develop a code of sampling practices to head off enactment of a federal proposal to drastically modify the system for distributing samples through company representatives. The House Oversight Committee proposed that samples must be ordered in writing by a physician directly from the manufacturer. The drugs would then be sent to the doctor by mail or by some other common carrier, rather than being delivered by a detail man. The drug company must keep records of all such transactions, which would be available both to state and to federal law enforcement officials. PMA supports most of the antidiversion proposal in the legislation, but rejects the effort to restrict the practice of sampling.