Patients appreciate when a doctor offers free samples of a needed prescription, but is that courtesy really in a patient’s best interest?

“There’s no question that free samples will save a patient some money up front, but in the long run, the patient may pay significantly more than is necessary to treat his or her condition,” said Dr. Joel Owerbach, chief pharmacy officer at Univera Healthcare.

Owerbach cites a study conducted by the University of Chicago Medical Center that found patients who receive free samples of brand name drugs to have significantly higher out-of-pocket prescription costs than those who do not. The reason is that patients continue to take the higher priced brand name medications that began as free samples even though there are often less expensive comparable alternatives, including generics.

For example, free samples of brand name Bystolic 5mg® to treat high blood pressure will initially save a patient some money. But once the sample is used up, refills will cost the patient the highest level Tier 3 copay for a month’s supply ($40 per month when the three-tier pharmacy copay structure is $10 - $25 - $40).

By contrast, generic atenolol 50mg to treat high blood pressure costs just $7 for a one month supply, which can be less than the lowest level Tier 1 copay.

In addition to concerns about long-term costs, there are also issues of safety.

“It’s important for your pharmacy to have your full medication history on file so that the pharmacist can check for medication errors and drug interactions each time you pick up a new prescription,” said Owerbach. “Since free samples are handed to the patient at the doctor’s office, that information isn’t captured in the pharmacy records.”

The bottom line when it comes to free drug samples from your doctor is to be sure to reevaluate your medication choices after the free trial is up. There may be lower-cost options available, including generics. And, be sure to let your pharmacy know when your doctor has provided you with a free sample of a prescription drug so that your medication history can be updated and any drug interactions identified.

Univera Healthcare offers free information about generics on its Web site at go.univerahealthcare.com/generics.

www.univerahealthcare.com