Drug samples in dermatology: Special considerations and recommendations for the future
adherence; behavior; Dermatology; drugs; industry; medication samples; patient; pharmaceuticals; physicians; prescription; recipients; safety; samples; sampling; trial; united-states
Background: The use of drug samples is a controversial issue in medicine. Objective: We sought to determine the pros and cons of drug sampling, and how drug sampling in general medicine differs from dermatology. Methods: Literature searches were conducted on PubMed, Google, and Yahoo!. Articles were found pertaining to drug sampling in general, and for dermatology specifically. Results: Numerous pros and cons for drug sampling were found in the literature search. We divided these by cost-related issues, such as the industry-wide cost of sampling and the use of sampling to assist the underinsured and poor, and quality of care issues, such as adherence, patient education, and safety considerations. Articles also suggested that dermatology may differ from general medicine as topical treatments have fewer side effects, are more complicated to use, and come in different vehicles. Limitations: We identified few studies specifically focused on issues relevant to sampling in dermatology. Conclusion: There are strong arguments for and against drug sampling involving both cost and quality of care issues. Dermatology-specific medications clearly differ from oral medications in several regards. We ultimately conclude that the benefits of drug sampling outweigh the risks, but give recommendations on how drug sampling can be done ethically and effectively, including limiting personal use, not selling samples, properly documenting sample release, teaching patients about proper use, teaching students and residents ethical use of samples, working with pharmaceutical representatives in an ethical manner, prescribing the drug that is best for the patient, and securing samples appropriately to prevent theft and misuse. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2010;62;1053-61.)
Alikhan A; Sockolov M; Brodell R T; Feldman S R
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
2010
2010-06
Journal Article or Conference Abstract Publication
<a href="http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2009.07.053" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">10.1016/j.jaad.2009.07.053</a>
The risk of prescribing antibiotics “just-in-case” there is infection.
Patient Safety; Antibiotic Prophylaxis; Drugs; Professional Knowledge; Drug Resistance; Microbial; Adverse Drug Event; Inappropriate Prescribing; Prescribing Patterns; Antibiotics – Adverse Effects; Prescription
The habit of prescribing antibiotics “just-in-case” there is infection is based on the misguided perception that antibiotics are “safe” drugs and therefore pose little risk to patients. Surgeons need to dispel this myth. One in five patients experience an antibiotic adverse drug event. The risk of overprescribing antibiotics far outweighs the perceived benefit and contributes to antibiotic resistance that not only threatens the efficacy of prophylaxis it also threatens the practice of surgery. Every unnecessary antibiotic contributes to a scenario in which patients who need surgery can no longer be protected from infections by antibiotic prophylaxis. Surgeons need to be fully engaged in antibiotic stewardship.
Goff Debra A; JrFile Thomas M
Seminars in Colon & Rectal Surgery
2018
2018-03
Article information provided for research and reference use only. All rights are retained by the journal listed under publisher and/or the creator(s).
<a href="http://doi.org/10.1053/j.scrs.2017.09.008" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">10.1053/j.scrs.2017.09.008</a>