www.fdanews.com/articles/146421-pharma-blog-watch
Pharma Blog Watch
May 14, 2012
UK Pharma Trade Group May Restrict Samples (Pharmalot blog)
Drugmakers in the UK may face stricter limits on giving away samples or starters packs to physicians for use in emergency situations. The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry has proposed various amendments to its voluntary code of practice, Ed Silverman blogs. One amendment says that starter packs are promotional in nature and that distribution to primary care prescribers would not be permitted. The existing code says starter packs are not samples, but are designed to provide enough medicine to initiate treatment in situations such as a night calls or other circumstances where there would be a delay in having a prescription drug dispensed.
Drugmakers in the UK may face stricter limits on giving away samples or starters packs to physicians for use in emergency situations. The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry has proposed various amendments to its voluntary code of practice, Ed Silverman blogs. One amendment says that starter packs are promotional in nature and that distribution to primary care prescribers would not be permitted. The existing code says starter packs are not samples, but are designed to provide enough medicine to initiate treatment in situations such as a night calls or other circumstances where there would be a delay in having a prescription drug dispensed.