Scenario: A pharmaceutical salesperson has just brought in a supply of nonprescription vitamin samples for the physicians in your practice to dispense to their patients. These vitamins are a new, expensive variety 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 They tell you to do the same as the samples will become outdated before the physicians can use all of them.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.
Answer the following questions.
A.) What do you do?
B.) Is your action legal? Why or why not?
C.) Is your action ethical? Why or why not?
D.) Does your physician or employer have any responsibility for the dispensing of these free nonprescription vitamins? Explain your answer.
E.) What prescriptions should be taken when storing nonprescription drugs?