Have you ever been given free samples of medicine by your dr.?
By ersmommy1
@ersmommy1 (12587)
United States
May 2, 2008 9:52am CST
I certainly have. And I just saw this article that states it is more expensive to you and the insurance company in the long run.Simply put, samples don't last forever. They're often for very expensive medicines, and when they run out, you (or your insurance company, or both) can be left with a high price tag. One patient given a 2 week sample that costs over $300. Same patient had been taken the generic equivelant for $2 weeks at $75.
We of course end up absorbing the cost. Check this out, it will make you think twice about accepting the samples.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/04/24/ep.samples/index.html
2 people like this
3 responses
@above31rubies (1863)
• United States
2 May 08
My doctor has never offered samples for only part of what I need. 
He has always A) given me samples for the full course of treatment...or B) said "I have samples here of the brand stuff but not enough so I will just have you go get the generic version".
That is why it took reading 2/3 of the article before I "got" what they meant. Why would a doctor do that to their patient...? 
I love my doctors...I have been with them for over 16 years... I had a new doctor for my twin pregnancy, and when I'd moved down to the city. They were both awesome, too. 
He has always A) given me samples for the full course of treatment...or B) said "I have samples here of the brand stuff but not enough so I will just have you go get the generic version".
That is why it took reading 2/3 of the article before I "got" what they meant. Why would a doctor do that to their patient...?
I love my doctors...I have been with them for over 16 years... I had a new doctor for my twin pregnancy, and when I'd moved down to the city. They were both awesome, too. 1 person likes this
@drknlvly6781 (6246)
• United States
2 May 08
That is shocking. Maybe that is why our family doctor doesn't give out samples anymore. Before, my mom and grandma would get their high blood pressure medicine from her. Especially my mother, because she didn't have insurance, nor the money to pay for even the generics. We were kinda mad that she stopped giving samples, but at these prices, I understand now why she did.
@ersmommy1 (12587)
• United States
2 May 08
I was shocked as well. It was really surprising.
2 people like this
