[donut]

I was just wondering if it is OK for a psychiatrist to give out free medications? I am not on any type of benefit and normally pay for all my prescriptions from General practitioner etc. It is really quite kind of him to do this as I know he is aware that I do not have much money, but is it ethical? I have been getting free meds off him for some time now. Obviously I do not want hime to get into bother if it is not right.

Thanks

[CliveWild]

Originally Posted by donut

I was just wondering if it is OK for a psychiatrist to give out free medications?

I would not worry about it. Lots of doctors are given samples by salesmen. Some choose to give them to their patients. It varies but I had one doctor who gave me lots of sample medication. It is mean't to promote medications and its a good thing for the patient.

[Puffyprue]

Honestly i am not sure of its alright or not
but i think as long as he knew what he's doing everything is okay
btw what kind of meds that he gave to you if okay to ask

[donut]

Hi guys and thanks for replies.

It is not just the odd bit of meds that he has as freebies. This is my whole supply of meds brought in from the pharmacy. I have not paid for them. I am on four different psychotropic medications. I think he is just being kind but I do worry about it. I was just wondering how he would clear it with the paharmacy?

[Gus1234U]

i dare say he has enrolled you in one of the "Mercy" programs, where people who can't get psych meds are donated them, by the big pharmacies,,, i hope that's what it is, anyway, and it is a great kindness,,, best wishes,, Gus

[donut]

Thank you though we do not have the mercy thing here. We pay for meds unless on welfare...I am not! Still it is kind,

[kikki27]

Originally Posted by donut

I was just wondering if it is OK for a psychiatrist to give out free medications? I am not on any type of benefit and normally pay for all my prescriptions from General practitioner etc. It is really quite kind of him to do this as I know he is aware that I do not have much money, but is it ethical? I have been getting free meds off him for some time now. Obviously I do not want hime to get into bother if it is not right.

Thanks

No you are good lots of doctors are doing this cause they get paid to promote a med by giving out free samples and he a good doctor so dont worry.

[SunnyD]

I don't know about getting paid for using the samples but since Abilify is so over priced she is glad to help out when she can.

[ECHOES]

Yes it's fine. The psychiatrist is a medical doctor, and medical doctors do that too. They get samples from the pharm sales reps.
My former psychiatrist who was notoriously frequently behind in his schedule (I never minded because he gave me all the time I needed and I knew he did that for everyone and I liked him for that), told me once that part of his getting behind schedule is that he would talk to the pharm sales reps whenever they came so he could get the samples they gave out and have them for those who needed them. Even when I had insurance and had a time or two that I could not afford the co-pay that month, he would give me samples.

Remember too, that you aren't responsible for his decisions that he makes.

[Skully]

Pdocs give out samples all the time to those who cannot afford the medications they are on...unless it is in generic then the drug companies stop giving the pdocs samples. Then you have to go to plan B. But yes, it is normal.

They are not paid, that is illegal, but they will get "perks" as long as no money is exchanged. The laws could vary from state to state, but I have never heard of them being actually paid by a drug company for giving out their meds. That is definitely a conflict of interest and opens the pdoc up for lawsuit.

[lizardlady]

Originally Posted by donut

I was just wondering if it is OK for a psychiatrist to give out free medications? I am not on any type of benefit and normally pay for all my prescriptions from General practitioner etc. It is really quite kind of him to do this as I know he is aware that I do not have much money, but is it ethical? I have been getting free meds off him for some time now. Obviously I do not want hime to get into bother if it is not right.

Thanks

What he's doing is both legal and ethical. When I was out of work and didn't have health insurance my pdoc helped me out by giving me my meds.

Echos made a good point, you are not responsible for decisions made by your doc. Even if what he was doing was "wrong" you would not be responsible for it.

[wing]

Doctors and pharmacists have state licenses that are overseen by a board to investigate unethical practices. I think you are fortunate to have such a caring pair of professionals willing to help you, and have no worries about the legality of it.

[forgetmenot]

I don't think it's anything to worry about