[Pharmwaste] Drug sample waste

[Catherine Zimmer]

Hi Megan,
We worked with a group of five clinics that implemented a voucher/sample 
system to eliminate sample waste.  The case study is on our website at:  
www.mntap.umn.edu/health/CAHS.html

Catherine Zimmer
Health Care Specialist

Minnesota Technical Assistance Program
University of Minnesota
612.624.4635, 800.247.0015
http://www.mntap.umn.edu

Helping Minnesota businesses maximize resource efficiency, increase energy efficiency, reduce costs, and prevent pollution



Megan Fakih wrote:
> I work for a large hospital that has many family practice sites that
> accept drug samples.  We have tried several tactics to cut down on
> sample waste, like encouraging the offices to accept only the amount
> they can use, rotating stock, etc. but we still have waste. 
> I have educated the offices on the FDA's Prescription Drug Marketing
> Act that allows the drug reps to facilitate the shipment of the samples
> back to the drug company for destruction.  Now as they talk to the reps
> about this, the reps are still saying it is against the law for them to
> deal with the samples.    I am wondering if anyone has successfully
> gotten these drug companies to destroy their own samples.  I realize I
> am probably forging new ground here but from a pharmacist perspective, I
> would like to see samples go away and vouchers that can be redeemed at
> the pharmacy take their place.  By forcing the drug companies to destroy
> these unused samples I feel we might be able to persuade the drug
> companies to turn to vouchers.  
>
> Does anyone have any advice for me?  
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Megan Fakih, RPh, MBA
> St Lawrence Campus
> Pharmacy Supervisor
> 1210 W Saginaw St
> Lansing, Mi 48915
> Phone: (517) 364-6341
>
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