Everyone likes freebies. Eighty percent of respondents in our recent drug survey said they had accepted free drug samples from their doctors. But while those freebies might sound like a great deal, particularly if you're having a hard time affording your prescriptions, they could cost you more in the long run. According to a study published this week in PLoS Medicine, free samples, also referred to as "starter packs," actually increase the cost of health care, and do little to promote safe, rational prescription drug use.

So what questions should you ask before taking free drug samples from your doctor? Watch our video with Dr. John Santa, director of the Consumer Reports Health Ratings Center, to find out.

—Ginger Skinner

We'd like to hear from you: Have you accepted free drug samples from your doctor? Did it save you money, or end up costing you more?