A first-of-its kind study conducted by physicians from Cambridge Health Alliance and Hasbro Children's Hospital looked into the use of free drug samples among children. The results of the venture have revealed that such free prescription drug samples distributed to children may be unsafe.

The physicians, who also serve as researchers at Harvard Medical School and the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, found that kids commonly receive free drug samples from their doctors.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration identified significant new safety concerns for four of the top 15 most frequently distributed samples in 2004.

These four medications acquired new black box warnings or had significant revisions to existing black box warnings issued since 2004.

Also, two of the top 15 sample medications given to children were schedule II controlled substances (drugs controlled and monitored by the Drug Enforcement Agency due to high potential for abuse).

Distribution of these medications, Strattera (atomoxetine) and Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine), carries risk, especially when drug sample closets in physician's offices (or home medicine cabinets) are not strictly monitored.

Some physicians support the use of free drug samples as a way of getting medications to indigent patients, but lead author Dr. Sarah Cutrona and colleagues found that few free samples in their study go to needy children. More than 80 percent of children receiving samples were insured all year.