Which act prohibits the sale, purchase, or trade of drug samples or redeemable drug coupons?

The Prescription Drug Marketing Act of 1987 is the legislation that specifically prohibits the sale, purchase, or trade of drug samples or redeemable drug coupons. This act was established to ensure that drug samples are used for their intended purpose, which is to allow healthcare providers to try medications before prescribing them, rather than facilitating their distribution for profit or misuse. The law was enacted to prevent the diversion of prescription drugs from legitimate channels, enhancing the integrity and safety of the drug distribution system.

This act also includes regulations regarding the storage, handling, and distribution of drug samples, and it mandates record-keeping requirements for pharmacies and manufacturers. By doing so, it aims to protect consumers from potentially unsafe or ineffective medications that could arise from improper handling of drug samples.

Understanding the implications of the Prescription Drug Marketing Act is critical for anyone working in pharmacy, as it outlines the legal framework for the ethical handling of medications, ensuring that drug samples are used solely for educational purposes in the patient's best interest. This act also provides guidelines on how drug coupons may be offered, promoting their appropriate use while preventing illegal traffic in drug products.