PharmedOut Releases “No Drug Reps” Certificate

July 15, 2008

PharmedOut, a GUMC project led by associate professor of physiology and biophysics Adriane Fugh-Berman, has recently begun distributing “No Drug Reps” certificates to physicians’ offices with the hopes of educating patients about the consequences of inappropriate pharmaceutical promotion practices.

“The certificate will help patients choose physicians who depend on evidence rather than marketing.” According to Fugh-Berman, the certificate helps physicians, as well, because it explains to patients why drug samples are not available.

“Patients love free samples,” explains Fugh-Berman, “but samples are the single most effective marketing tool pharmaceutical companies have. Once patients start a drug, they usually stay on it, and samples are usually for expensive drugs that are prescribed for chronic conditions.”

Physicians and other prescribers can download the certificate and obtain more information on PharmedOut by clicking here.

Submit your news at any time to the GUMC Office of Communications at gumccomm@georgetown.edu.



More Research News

Browse recent items in this category.

More Education News

Browse recent items in this category.