Interactions between a general practitioner and representatives of drug companies.

Nearly all general practitioners meet representatives of drug companies.' The drug industry spent an estimated £5000 per general practitioner promoting its products in the United Kingdom in 1985.2 Drug representatives are a crucial element in the promotion of products, and expenditure on representatives accounts for over 500/o of promotional budgets.' Information is available on the frequency and duration of meetings between general practitioners and drug companies' representatives.' I describe my meetings with representatives during one year, including the samples, gifts, and literature given to me.