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Wal-Mart Expands $4 Generic Program

Newly-added drugs treat glaucoma, ADD/ADHD, acne, fertility conditions

October 1, 2007

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Wal-Mart Stores, which began offering a number of generic drugs at $4 last year, says it is expanding the program.

With the changes Wal-Mart said it now covers most commonly treated medical conditions with its $4 generic program. The discounts are offered through Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club and Neighborhood Market stores.

“This announcement reinforces our commitment to driving costs out of the health system and saving money for our customers so they can live better, healthier lives,” said Dr. John Agwunobi, Wal-Mart senior vice president and president for the professional services division.

“The savings were a big deal 12 months ago and an even bigger deal today for customers struggling with spiraling healthcare costs. Everyday, they turn to our pharmacy for prescriptions to manage conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, asthma, or even simple colds,” Agwunobi said.

After phase two of the program, a total of 361 products made up of 157 medication compounds are now available at Wal-Mart pharmacies nationwide. With the changes, $4 prescriptions are available for most commonly treated medical conditions, the company said.

Wal-Mart said it has added 24 new $4 prescriptions – including timolol maleate (glaucoma), terbinafine (antifungal), carvedilol (cardiac), and three $9 women’s medications – including generic birth control product for Ortho Cyclen and Ortho Tri-Cyclen, and a fertility product, Clomiphene.

The $4 prescription program was initially launched in Tampa, Florida on September 21, 2006 and expanded to 49 states by November 28, 2006. Today, the program is available at 4005 Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club and Neighborhood Market pharmacies throughout the United States.

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