Pharmacy Law Practice Exam

Can a pharmacist purchase drug samples for the purpose of compounding or reselling?

1. Yes, they can purchase

2. No, they cannot purchase

3. Only if authorized

4. Only for personal use

The correct answer is: No, they cannot purchase

Pharmacists are not permitted to purchase drug samples for compounding or reselling. The primary reason for this restriction is to ensure that drug samples, which are typically marketed to prescribers to sample and evaluate the efficacy of new medications, are distributed appropriately and not misused in the pharmacy setting. Drug samples are intended to provide healthcare professionals with a way to evaluate drugs before they are prescribed, and their purpose is not for resale or compounding. Additionally, the distribution and management of drug samples is regulated by both federal and state pharmacy laws. These laws set forth guidelines detailing who can receive samples, how they should be stored, and the accountability required in managing them. This regulation serves to enhance patient safety and ensure that drugs are obtained through legitimate means. The other options suggest circumstances under which a pharmacist might be able to purchase drug samples, but none of these are consistent with the established legal framework governing the distribution of drug samples. Thus, the prohibition on purchasing drug samples is grounded in regulatory compliance and the safeguarding of proper pharmaceutical practices.