A study conducted by the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality found patients who receive free drug samples from their doctors end up having significantly higher out-of-pocket costs for their prescription drugs than people who don't receive free samples.

One reason for this may be patients who receive free samples may be sicker than patients who don't get samples. Another possibility is patients who receive free samples may go on to receive and fill prescriptions for the very same medicine that was initially a free sample. Drugs available as free samples are those that are being widely marketed and promoted, and these drugs are more expensive than their older, less promoted counterparts.
 
The study encouraged patients to work with their physician to find the best therapy for the most affordable price.

This article originally appeared in the April 2008 issue of AAKP Public Policy Briefing.