Reps and drugs and a doctor's role

Article Abstract:

The government is trying to stem the annual increase of 12% in the drugs bill and the drug companies are putting even more pressure on their representatives to ensure their product outsells their competitors'. Drug manufacturers' reps call frequently to see doctors and to introduce them to their company's drugs. Medical Director of Glaxo Pharmaceuticals Dr David Jackson says that meeting with reps has a greater effect on a doctor's prescribing than postgraduate education, advertising, periodical articles or direct mail shots. Free gifts are used as enticement to get a rep in to see a doctor.

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GPs with the best prescription?

Article Abstract:

The number of prescriptions received from GPs varies from country to country and from GP to GP. In Britain 80% of visits to the surgery produce a prescription. Family Health Services Authorities monitor prescribing and recommend offering non-drug treatment before drugs. Some high prescribers have more elderly patients or treat more patients requiring prescriptions such as diabetics and hypertensives. GPs need more information about side-effects and effects of mixing kinds of drugs.

Analysis, Practice, Prescription writing, Physicians (General practice), General practitioners

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Drug firms find a new elixir

Article Abstract:

Drug companies increasingly market their products over-the-counter (OTC.) SmithKline Beecham joined Marion Merrell Dow, Merck linked with Johnson & Johnson and Procter & Gamble with Syntex for joint OTC marketing. Wellcome is seeking a partner to increase its OTC products. This change is due to government restrictions on prescribing drugs and the expiry of patents. More advertising is needed for OTC than for prescription drugs.

Pharmaceutical industry, Drugstores

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