ICHP Position Statement - Drug Sampling

The Illinois Council of Health-System Pharmacists (ICHP) adopts the following American Society of Health-System Pharmacists' (ASHP) position statement #9702 on Drug Samples:

"To oppose drug sampling or similar drug marketing programs that (1) do not provide the elements of pharmaceutical care, (2) result in poor drug control, allowing patients to receive improperly labeled and packaged, deteriorated, outdated, and unrecorded drugs, (3) provide access to prescription drugs by unauthorized, untrained personnel, (4) may encourage inappropriate prescribing habits, or (5) may increase the cost of treatment for all patients."


Industry samples are prohibited except when the institution determines that there are compelling reasons to allow their use.  In these cases, the institution should implement mechanisms for accepting samples that prevent their use as marketing tools and should ensure that drug samples are appropriately stored, labelled, and dispensed.

ICHP encourages the development of alternative drug acquisition programs including, but not limited to, drug vouchers, rebate programs, manufacturer- sponsored, and institution-sponsored patient assistance programs.

References:

American Society of Health System Pharmacists position on drug samples (9702).  https://www.ashp.org/pharmacy-practice/policy-positions-and-guidelines/browse-by-topic/pharmaceutical-industry, accessed 9/20/2021.

Pew Charitable Trust.  Conflicts-of-interest policies for academic medical centers.  https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/reports/00001/01/01/conflictsofinterest-policies-for-academic-medical-centers, accessed 9/20/2021.

Mansur J for Joint Commission Resources.  Sample medications:  are you doing it right? Compliance with the New Joint Commission Requirements.
https://www.jcrinc.com/?_ga=2.130404870.887986580.1632154221-105195256.1632154221, accessed 9/20/2021.

Revised 06/2014, 09/2021