A pharmaceutical salesperson has just brought in a supply of non-prescription vitamin samples for the physicians in your practice to dispense to their patients. These vitamins are a new, expensive variety that is being given away to patients who are on a limited income and cannot afford to buy them. The other staff members take the samples home for their families' personal use. They tell you to do the same as the samples will become outdated before the physicians can use all of them. It would save you money.

1. Is your action legal? Why or why not?
2. Is your action ethical? Why or why not?
3. Does your physician/employer have any responsibility for the dispensing of these free non-prescription vitamins? Explain your answer.
4. What precautions should be taken when storing nonprescription medications?

Answer rating: 100% (QA)

Legal Perspective 1 Is your action legal Why or why not Dispensing pharmaceutical samples for personal use is generally considered illegal These sampl... View the full answer