Anyone here a Drug Rep? (Legal drugs, hahaha)

[Cheney Killed Bambi]

If so, do you like your job?

What do you do on a typical day?

Do you spend most of your day in doctor's offices, trying to get them to buy your company's drugs?

How do you know if you're any good?

Any thoughts appreciated.

[Cannikin]

1. I love drug reps. They keep us fed at the office all the time with great food.

On a typical day we have at least one drug or DME rep come in. Some get very pissy when they dont get to see the Dr. regardless of the fact he's TREATING PATIENTS! lol

Most I've spoken with have either been surgeons or nurses that left to become reps because the money is good and they say its more fun and better hours.

But anyhoo...I'll let an actual rep answer you now!

[Chan790]

3. I love drug reps too...

they come in to my Starbucks and buy anything not nailed down that they can give away to doctors...coffee, cookies, mints, chocolate, burr grinders. I sold one $395 in frosted shortbread cookies the other day.

[mduffy31]

2. Do you know what I love about drug reps

The fact that I haven't had to buy a pen for work in about 5 years, in fact I have been told that I am not allowed to take anymore pens because I have to many lying around the house.

[Midlodemocrat]

4. Serious responses.

Drug reps don't get docs to 'buy' their drugs. They encourage them via samples and literature to write Rxs for their drugs.

Usually it is a 9-5 day, computer checked, so there's no lazing around the house. Additionally most of the Pharma companies require doctor signatures when samples are left off. That being said, no Class 3 drugs (narcotics, controlled substances) are sampled.

You are graded by how many prescriptions are sold in your territory.

It's a great job for a schmoozer. You usually get a company car, start at about $75,000 (at least the ones I applied to started there, and my husband's company starts there) benefits, etc.

Usually there is some type of reward like stock or something if you are the #1 performer in your territory.

Pleasant appearance/demeanor are a must. You don't need to be a model, but you need to dress appropriately and be pleasant. A lot of the times will be spent asking to see the doc and being turned away.

[Cheney Killed Bambi]

5. Thanks

Very helpful.

Do you typically work by yourself? Or are you part of a team?

Do you also sell drugs directly to pharmacies? Or is it all to doctors?

[Midlodemocrat]

6. I'm no longer working as a rep.

Sometimes reps work in teams, more often than not, alone. And, usually don't call on pharmacies because that is the job of the Managed Care Team. For example, the Managed Care group would work with Corporate CVS or Walgreen's or RiteAid to get their drugs on the approved formulary.




Be prepared though, there are typically 2-3 trips a year some lasting as long as 2-3 weeks. If both spouses work as reps and they have kids, it could get dicey.

That's why I quit and I was only part time.

[Cheney Killed Bambi]

7. Thanks!

Very good advice.

[S n o w b a l l]

8. I lived with one for 12 yrs....

My ex husband. He loved his job. And yes, there is a lot of entertaining involved. Lunches, dinners & seminars for the Drs. He was good because he was dedicated and took the time to study his drugs and actually know what he was pushing on the Drs. A large part of your success will depend on your personality too. As in any sales job, they have to like you before they'll give you any time. '

[Kat45]

9. I was really fond of one particular drug rep that used to come around my office

when I worked for a dr in a hospital. He was a sweet kid from Vietnam and it was his first job out of college. The first time he came by our office, he brought bagels. I told him I didn't eat bagels, and the next time he came by he brought me a big fruit salad from Whole Foods. And every time after, he brought fruit salads for the dr and me. He even sent us postcards when he went on vacation to England and brought us back some candy. He was a nice kid, and I often wonder what he's doing these days, if he stayed in that business.