Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2026

High-throughput and Comprehensive Drug Surveillance Using Multisegment Injection-Capillary Electrophoresis-Mass Spectrometry
Published on: April 23, 2019
The Australian rise of esomeprazole-was expenditure on samples a contributor?
Gregory J Kyle1, Lisa M Nissen, Susan E Tett
1School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia. g.kyle1@uq.edu.au
Background:
Administrative data from the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) showed rapid growth of esomeprazole dispensing when it was launched. Australia has universal prescription medicine coverage (the PBS), which included esomeprazole from August 2002. Free samples of new medicines are commonly provided to doctors.
Objectives:
To determine if a relationship exists between marketing expenditure on samples and the dispensing rate for esomeprazole in Australia between June 2002 and September 2006.
Methods:
Quarterly sample expenditures at product/brand level for proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for Australian general practitioners were obtained for July 2002 to September 2006. Corresponding PBS dispensing data were obtained for all PPIs and converted to defined daily dose (DDD)/1000 population/day. Spending on samples was calculated as dollars per dispensed prescription and plotted against time on the Australian market.
Results:
Total PPI usage increased from 34.2 to 50.8 DDD/1000 population/day over the study period. Expenditure on samples per dispensed prescription was higher when a PPI was new on the market and diminished over 5-6 years to a relatively constant level. The rapid decline in this ratio was demonstrated by a case study following esomeprazole from launch in Australia for almost 5 years clearly demonstrating the initial investment to drive sales.
Conclusion:
A relationship appears to exist between expenditure on esomeprazole samples and its usage in Australia. A high initial investment was followed by a rapid reduction in cost per prescription dispensed, predominantly due to growth in market share. This trend was consistent with other PPIs.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Drug Absorption: Factors Affecting GI Absorption
In...
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease II: Clinical Features and Management
Clinical Manifestations
GERD presents itself in a multitude of ways, with symptoms varying from person to person. The hallmark symptoms are...
Prescription, Nonprescription and Orphan Drugs
The misuse and addiction to prescription drugs is a growing problem that can affect people of all age groups, specifically teenagers. This can happen when prescription medications are used in ways not intended by the prescriber, such as taking someone else's prescription or using medication for...
Factors Influencing Drug Absorption: Pharmaceutical Parameters
Drug Absorption: Overview
When drugs are injected intravenously, they directly enter the systemic circulation. Alternatively, orally administered drugs navigate through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
