Do pharmaceutical representatives misuse their drug samples?
OBJECTIVE
To determine the extent to which pharmaceutical representatives misuse their samples.


METHODS
Voluntary questionnaire survey.


METHODS
A family practice office.


METHODS
Pharmaceutical representatives visiting the office during a 3-month period.


METHODS
Number of surveyed representatives who self-medicated, provided samples of prescription drugs to nonphysicians, or exchanged drugs with other representatives; classes of prescription drugs most commonly used; and beneficiaries.


RESULTS
Of the 27 representatives surveyed, 16 (59.2%) have provided prescription drug samples to individuals other than physicians. Thirteen (48.1%) either self-medicated or provided samples to friends or relatives. Seven (25.9%) have exchanged drug samples with other representatives. Eleven (40.7%) of the 27 surveyed had not sampled prescription drugs themselves, given them to others, or exchanged drugs with other representatives. The most commonly sampled drugs were nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Drug samples were most often given to friends and spouses.


CONCLUSIONS
Self-medication and giving samples to nonphysicians were practised by almost 60% of surveyed representatives. Representatives usually caution recipients, however, and there are very few complications. Drugs with potential for abuse or dependence and cardiovascular medications were rarely used.
Tong
K L
KL
Vancouver Hospital.
Lien
C Y
CY
D000328:Adult; D002170:Canada / Q000453:epidemiology; D004345:Drug Industry; D011307:Drug Prescriptions; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012651:Self Medication / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires