Freebies

spitfire · Oct 25, 2000

KAREN,SOME OF THE FREE SAMPLES GIVEN THAT I KNOW ABOUT ARE:PROZAC,ZITHROMAX,SOME CARDIAC MEDS,OFTEN WHAT IS AVAILABLE IS WHAT THE DRUG CO.REPS ARE PUSHING.THERE ARE ALSO PROGRAMS(BLIND STUDIES) THAT IF YOU ARE PICKED/ OR PARTICIPATE IN-THEY SUPPLY YOU WITH ALL OF YOUR OTHER MEDS TOO.HOPE THIS HELPS.spitfire

rncountry · Oct 25, 2000

Most physicians have a multitude of samples in their office, many give them to patients when it is a new med that is being tried, such as a BP med, to see if it is the appropriate med. That way the patient doesn't have to pay for a supply unless it works. I can't say that is specific to women however. The patient should ask if the doc has any samples of what is being prescibed. I know my kids ped doc does this frequently. He always asks what type of insurance the patient has, and what the co-pay for meds are. Sometimes that will help a family that doesn't have the money available for expense meds or an insurance co. that doesn't cover. This is run of the mill antibiotics or something like that. My family physician gave my husband a 30 day sample of BP med to make sure that is the med that will bring the pressure down before we pay for it. Both of my parents have had samples of different meds given to them for the same reasons. Drug reps leave them at the docs office and the docs use them.

ceworden · Oct 25, 2000

I know that Doctor's pass out alot of meds as samples for patient's that may be trying out a new drug to see if the drug is effective.

I am also the daughter of a Retired Military Dad. There have been so many changes in caring for our retired Military. I am sure that many Military personnel either active duty or retired read your magizine.

For these individuals, I suggest that they get a copy of the "Pharmacy Formulary" that list the drugs that the Military facility uses. I have gotten a copy for my Mom's Doctor because they are on a limited income and by knowing what is available at the Military Pharmacy he has been able to perscirbe her medications using this Formulary, therefore saving my parents aprox

$400.00 a month.

I am also certain that some Insurance Companies have a special Pharmacy Mail Service which saves them alot of money if their Doctor knows what the Insurance Company Pharmacy carries.

I at one time worked at an Hospital where most of the patients were of American Indian Heritage and they also went by a Fomulary.

I hope this helps all your readers should you be able to use this. Especially those who live on a limited income and need to save as much as they can.

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C.E.Worden,LPN

LydiaRN · Oct 26, 2000

Hi Karen

I was placed on two new antihypertensives and my MD gave me samples of them.

I was also given samples of Biaxin Ext Release 1000mg once a day.

L.

Originally posted by Karen Cicero:
My name is Karen Cicero and I am a reporter for Self magazine. Can any nurses tell me what patients (women in particular) can ask for for free from their doctors--like medication samples, etc? What's usually available? Thanks for all your help (if your tip is printed, we'll send you a Free issue.)

--Karen

goldilocksrn · Oct 27, 2000

Most MDs have most any prescriptions, and will give you as many samples as possible if they know you can't get to the pharmacy right away or you don't have insurance. They can also prescribe a generic, which is what most hospitals use, and will save quite a bit of money.