(MONEY Magazine) – As a pharmaceutical sales representative, I am getting tired of being painted as a deceitful and conniving person relaying "clever promotional schemes" to doctors. In your June story "Cut Your Spiraling Drug Costs 70%," you seem to suggest that the dollars drug companies spend on marketing are frivolous. You fail to mention that while pharmaceutical sales representatives do promote their drug, they also provide invaluable information to the physician regarding the drug's side effects, effective dosing and contraindications. The average busy physician does not have the time to read through every drug's package insert to analyze this information. By taking a few minutes out of the day to speak with a pharmaceutical representative, the physician is able to stay current with any new indications or side effects of the drugs. You mention exotic vacations and other questionable gifts that drug companies have given to doctors. This practice is no longer acceptable to either the American Medical Association or the Pharmaceutical Medical Association. I will be the first to admit that there are still questionable promotional practices taking place in the drug industry, as in any industry. However, I believe most pharmaceutical companies are making a concerted effort to promote their products ethically. Brian H. Fenn Charlotte, N.C.

Thank you for the report. When I recently refilled my nine-year-old daughter's prescription for Hismanal, an allergy medicine, I paid $49.95 for 30 pills -- just one month's supply. I also filled a prescription for my older daughter, who needs Vancenase, a nasal spray. That one cost $30. How can a nasal spray cost $30? I have to work all day just to pay for two prescriptions. And I even bought them at a chain to save some money. I think the drug companies could keep prices down if they would stop giving doctors all those free mugs, free pens, free message pads and other favors. Guess who's really paying? Kathy Salm Appleton, Wis.