Customer demand leads to $4 prescription program launching in 12 new states
today - three months earlier than projected
BENTONVILLE, Ark., Oct. 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Wal-Mart Stores,
Inc. (NYSE: WMT) announced that that its 158 stores in Ohio will begin
participating in Wal-Mart's $4 generic prescription program starting today.
"No one in Ohio should have to cut pills in half, decide between taking
medicine and putting food on the table, or go without medicines
altogether," said Wal-Mart President and CEO Lee Scott. "We are proud to be
leading this effort to make sure our nation's seniors, working families and
uninsured get the medications they need at a price they can afford."
Today's announcement brought 12 new states with a total of 1,008 stores
into the $4 generic program. The new states are: Alabama, Georgia, Iowa,
Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, Ohio,
South Dakota and Virginia.
The program, which was launched in 1,499 pharmacies in 15 states during
the past month, was originally slated to begin in states outside of Florida
no earlier than January 2007. Customer demand, however, prompted Wal-Mart
to accelerate the program's launch. The other states already participating
include: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana,
Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Texas and
Vermont.
The $4 generic program includes 314 generic prescriptions available for
up to a 30-day supply at commonly prescribed dosages. The list of 314
generic prescriptions is made up of as many as 143 compounds in 24
therapeutic categories.
Wal-Mart estimates that the list of $4 prescription medications
represents nearly 25 percent of generic prescriptions currently dispensed
in its pharmacies nationwide. According to the http://www.rxlist.com, the list
also represents 14 of the top 20 prescribed medications in the United
States. Generic medicines have an estimated cost that is 30 to 60 percent
lower than an equivalent brand name product.
In making this announcement, Bill Simon, executive vice president of
Wal-Mart's Professional Services Division, indicated that the customer
response has been significant. Within four days of the October 19 roll out
announcement, more than 152,000 new prescriptions were filled by Wal-Mart
pharmacies in all 14 states.
Simon said he has heard hundreds of stories from customers and
pharmacists about the program's value. He noted, many customers have been
surprised by the savings.
"In Texas, when a woman was told that the prescriptions were $4 apiece,
she became fearful that one of our associates was trying to be overly kind
and help her pay for them. So she said that she could not accept the
prescriptions because she did not want the cashier to be fired. When the
pharmacist convinced her otherwise, she exclaimed -- with tears in her eyes
-- that she was going out to celebrate by having a Whataburger(R) for
supper," said Simon. "You see, she hadn't been able to treat herself to
this indulgence for nearly a year because she was on such a tight budget.
We take great pride in knowing that this program is making a real
difference in our customers' lives."
Simon said customer savings on top-selling prescription medications in
the program are projected to be significant. For specific medications, the
company estimates the following approximate savings to Wal-Mart,
Neighborhood Market and Sam's Club customers and members in the 27
participating states, based on September average retail prices from
http://www.myfloridarx.com:
* Fluoxetine (20 mg), an antidepressant: nearly $1.9 million monthly and
$23.2 million annually on this medication.
* Amoxicillin (500 mg), an antibiotic: about $1.3 million monthly and
$15.5 million annually on this medication.
Simon said that Wal-Mart will continue to push for expansion to other
states as quickly as possible.
"Our goal is to respond to customer demand, but to do so in a way that
doesn't hamper our ability to serve our customers," he said. "We are
listening to our pharmacists and looking at our supply chain management and
in-store operations, so that we can figure out how we can continue to make
this program available to as many customers as possible without
jeopardizing our business or the relationship between our customers and our
pharmacists."
Consumers interested in saving money on prescriptions through the
program should ask their doctor if a generic is available for their
prescription and if it is right for them. At this time, the $4
prescriptions are not available by mail order, but are available on-line,
or by telephone for refills only for in-person pickup in Alabama, Alaska,
Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa,
Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire,
New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, South
Dakota, Texas, Vermont and Virginia.
In addition to offering the $4 generic program in 27 states, Wal-Mart
and Sam's Club pharmacies offer multiple benefits to consumers. With its
proprietary interactive computer system, Wal-Mart speeds up workflow and
accuracy in product distribution, allowing pharmacists to spend more time
with customers. The company also designates one pharmacy associate per
store to serve as the "Medicare Part D expert," which in conjunction with
its in-store informational kiosks, helps customers understand both the
enrollment process and the benefits to which they are entitled.
These systems have enabled the retailer to help enroll 1,080,000 people
for the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit. Wal-Mart pharmacies'
sophisticated coordination of benefits services enables them to process up
to four payors for Medicare beneficiaries and up to three payors for
non-Medicare beneficiaries, leading to less reimbursement hassle and
paperwork for customers. Through its leadership, Wal-Mart has
revolutionized the packaging of pharmaceuticals by offering safer,
user-friendly blister packs that contain individual periodic doses of
medications, along with product details and easy- to-understand
instructions for consumers. Wal-Mart also offers low pricing on
over-the-counter medications. In fact, the company estimates it will save
its customers approximately $20 million on cough, cold and fever
medications this cold and flu season.
For further information on the program, including store locations,
customers can call 1-800-WAL-MART, go to http://www.walmart.com, or visit their
Wal- Mart, Neighborhood Market or Sam's Club in the 27 participating states
to discuss the program with their pharmacist or to pick up a brochure
explaining program details.
Wal-Mart/SAM'S CLUB $4 Generic Prescription Program
The following generic prescriptions are available under the Wal-Mart $4
generic prescription drug program, as of October 26, 2006. The price is
available in select stores only, and to up to a 30 day supply at commonly
prescribed dosages. The prescriptions on this list are subject to change at
any time.
Allergy
Loratadine 10MG TAB
Loratadine 5MG/5ML SYP
Analgesics
Antipy/Benzo Otic SOL
Baclofen 10MG TAB
Cyclobenzaprine 10MG TAB
Cyclobenzaprine 5MG TAB
Tramadol HCL 50MG TAB
Anti-anxiety
Busiprone 5MG
Busiprone 10 MG
Anti-inflammatory
Betameth DIP 0.05% CRE 15
Betameth DIP 0.05% CRE 45
Betameth VAL 0.1% CRE 15
Betameth VAL 0.1% CRE 45
Betameth VAL 0.1% OIN 15
Betameth VAL 0.1% OIN 45
Dexamethason 0.5MG TAB
Dexamethason 0.75MG TAB
Dexamethason 4MG TAB
Diclotenac 75MG DR TAB
Fluocinide ACET 0.01% SOL
Fluocinonide 0.05% CRE 15
Fluocinonide 0.05% CRE 30
Hydrocortisone 1% CRE
Hydrocortisone 2.5% CRM
Ibuprofen 100/5ML SUS
Ibuprofen 400MG TAB
Ibuprofen 600MG TAB
Iburpofen 800MG TAB
Indomethacin 25MG CAP
Meloxicam 15MG
Meloxicam 7.5 MG
Methylprednisolone 4MG PAK
Methylprednisolone 4MG TAB
Naproxen 375MG TAB
Naproxen 500MG TAB
Piroxicam 20MG CAP
Prednisone 10MG TAB
Prednisone 2.5MG TAB
Prednisone 20MG TAB
Prednisone 5MG TAB
Prednisone 5MG 6DAYPAK
Salsalate 500MG TAB
Triamcinolon 0.025% CRE 15
Triamcinolon 0.025% CRE 80
Triamcinolon 0.1% CRE 15
Triamcinolon 0.1% CRE 80
Triamcinolon 0.1% OIN 15
Triamcinolon 0.1% OIN 80
Triamcinolon 0.5% CRE
Antibiotic
Amoxicillin 125/5ML SUS 100
Amoxicillin 125/5ML SUS 80
Amoxicillin 125/5ML SUS 150
Amoxicillin 200/5ML SUS 50
Amoxicillin 250/5ML SUS 100
Amoxicillin 250/5ML SUS 80
Amoxicillin 250/5ML SUS 150
Amoxicillin 250MG CAP
Amoxicillin 400/5ML SUS 50
Amoxicillin 400/5ML SUS 100
Amoxicillin 500MG CAP
Amoxil 50MG/ML DRO
Bacitracin OP OIN
Cephalexin 250MG CAP
Cephalexin 500MG CAP
Ciprofloxacin 500MG TAB
Doxycycline HYC 100MG CAP
Doxycycline HYC 100MG TAB
Doxycycline HYC 50MG CAP
Erythrocin 250MG TAB
Erothromycin 2% SOL
Erothromycin OP OIN
Erothromycin 250MG ECCAP
Gentamicin 0.1% CRE
Gentamicin 0.1% OIN
Gentamicin 0.3% OP SOL
Isoniazid 300MG TAB
Metronidazol 250MG TAB
Metronidazol 500MG TAB
Neo/Poly/Dex 0.1% OPOIN
Neo/Poly/Dex 0.1% OPSUS
Penicillin VK 125/5MLSOL
Penicillin VK 250/5MLSOL
Penicillin VK 250MG TAB
Selenium SUL 2.5% LOT
SMZTMP DS 800160 TAB
SMZTMP 20040/5 SUS
SMZTMP 40080MG TAB
Sulfacetamide SOD 10% OP SOL
Tetracycline 250MG CAP
Tetracycline 500MG CAP
Tobramycin 0.3% OP SOL
Ciprofloxacin 250MG TAB
Polymixin SULF/TMP SOL
Antidepressant
Amitriptylin 100MG TAB
Amitriptylin 10MG TAB
Amitriptylin 25MG TAB
Amitriptylin 50MG TAB
Amitriptylin 75MG TAB
Citalopram 20MG TAB
Citalopram 40MG TAB
Doxepin HCL 100MG CAP
Doxepin HCL 10MG CAP
Doxepin HCL 25MG CAP
Doxepin HCL 50MG CAP
Doxepin HCL 75MG CAP
Fluoxetine 10MG CAP
Fluoxetine 20MG CAP
Fluoxetine 40MG CAP
Nortriptylin 10MG CAP
Nortriptylin 25MG CAP
Paroxetine 10MG TAB
Paroxetine 20MG TAB
Trazodone 100MG TAB
Trazodone 150MG TAB
Trazodone 50MG TAB
Antifungal
Fluconazole 150MG TAB
Nystat/Triam CRE 15
Nystat/Triam CRE 30
Nystat/Triam OIN 15
Nystatin 100000U CRE 15
Nystatin 100000U CRE 30
Nystatin100000U OIN 15
Nystatin 100000U OIN 30
Antipsychotic
Fluphenazine 1MG TAB
Haloperidol 0.5MG TAB
Haloperidol 1MG TAB
Haloperidol 2MG TAB
Haloperidol 5MG TAB
Lithium Carb 300MG CAP
Prochlorperazine 10MG TAB
Thioridazine 25MG TAB
Thioridazine 50MG TAB
Thiothixene 2MG CAP
Antiviral
Acyclyovir 200MG CAP
Anxiety
Hydroxyzine HCL10MG/5ML SYP
Asthma
Albuterol 0.5% NEB
Albuterol 2MG TAB
Albuterol 2MG/5ML SYP
Albuterol 4MG TAB
Cardiac
Amiloride/HCTZ 550 TAB
Atenol/CHLOR 5025MG TAB
Atenol/CHLOR100-25MG TAB
Atenolol 100MG TAB
Atenolol 25MG TAB
Atenolol 50MG TAB
Benazepril 10MG TAB
Benazepril 20MG TAB
Benazepril 40MG TAB
Benazepril 5MG TAB
Bisoprolol/HCTZ 10/6.25 TAB
Bisoprolol/HCTZ 2.5/6.25 TAB
Bisoprolol/HCTZ 56.25MG TAB
Bumetanide 0.5MG TAB
Bumetanide 1MG TAB
Captopril 100MG TAB
Captopril 12.5MG TAB
Captopril 25MG TAB
Captopril 50MG TAB
Chlorthalidone 25MG TAB
Chlorthalidone 50MG TAB
Clonidine 0.1MG TAB
Clonidine 0.1MG PACK
Clonidine 0.2MG TAB
Clonidine 0.2MG PACK
Digitek 0.125MG TAB
Digitek 0.25MG TAB
Diltiazem 120MG TAB
Diltiazem 30MG TAB
Diltiazem 60MG TAB
Diltiazem 90MG TAB
Doxazosin 1MG TAB
Doxasozin 2MG TAB
Doxasozin 4MG TAB
Doxasozin 8MG TAB
Enalapril/HCTZ 512.5MG TAB
Enalapril 10MG TAB
Enalapril 2.5MG TAB
Enalapril 20MG TAB
Enalapril 5MG TAB
Furosemide 20MG TAB
Furosemide 40MG TAB
Furosemide 80MG TAB
Guanfacine 1MG TAB
Hydralazine 10MG TAB
Hydralazine 25MG TAB
Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5MG CAP
Hydrochlorothiazide 25MG TAB
Hydrochlorothiazide 50MG TAB
Indapamide 1.25MG TAB
Indapamide 2.5MG TAB
Isosorb mono 30MG ERTAB
Isosorb mono 60MG ERTAB
Lisinopril-HCTZ 10-12.5M TAB
Lisinopril-HCTZ 20-25MG TAB
Lisinopril-HCTZ 20-12.5 TAB
Lisinopril 10MG TAB
Lisinopril 2.5MG TAB
Lisinopril 20MG TAB
Lisinopril 5MG TAB
Methyldopa 250MG TAB
Methyldopa 500MG TAB
Metoprolol 100MG TAB
Metoprolol 25MG TAB
Metoprolol 50MG TAB
Nadolol 20MG TAB
Nadolol 40MG TAB
Pindolol 10MG TAB
Pindolol 5MG TAB
Prazosin HCL 1MG CAP
Prazosin HCL 2MG CAP
Prazosin HCL 5MG CAP
Propranolol 10MG TAB
Propranolol 20MG TAB
Propranolol 40MG TAB
Propranolol 80MG TAB
Sotalol HCL 80MG TAB
Spironolactone 25MG TAB
Terazosin 10MG CAP
Terazosin 1MG CAP
Terazosin 2MG CAP
Terazosin 5MG CAP
Triamterine/HCTZ 37.525 CAP
Triamterine/HCTZ 37.525 TAB
Triamterine/HCTZ 7550MG TAB
Verapamil 120MG TAB
Verapamil 80MG TAB
Warfarin 5MG TAB
Cholesterol
Lovastatin 10MG TAB
Cough and Cold
Amibid DM 30600CR TAB
Benzonatate 100MG CAP
Decchlorphn LIQ
Decchlorphn DM SYP
Guaifenesin DM SYP
Promethazine DM SYP
Trivent DPC 6215/5 SYP
Diabetes
Glyburide 5MG TAB GREEN
Chlorpropam 100MG TAB
Glimepiride 1MG TAB
Glipizide 10MG TAB
Glipizide 5MG TAB
Glyburide MCR 3MG TAB
Glyburide MCR 6MG TAB
Glyburide 2.5MG TAB
Glyburide 5MG TAB BLUE
Metformin 1000MG TAB
Metformin 500MG TAB
Metformin 500MG ER TAB
Metformin 850MG TAB
Gastrointestinal
Belladonna ALK/PB TAB
Cimetidine 800MG TAB
Cytra2 SOL
Dicyclomine 10MG CAP
Famotidine 20MG TAB
Hyoscyamine 0.125/MLDRO
Hyoscyamine 0.125MG SUB
Hyoscyamine 0.125MG TAB
Hyoscyamine 0.375 ER TAB
Lactulose 10GM/15 SYP
Meclizine 12.5MG TAB
Meclizine 25MG TAB
Metoclopramide 10MG TAB
Metoclopramide 5MG/5ML SYP
Phenazopyridine 100MG TAB
Phenazopyridine D 200MG TAB
Promethazine 25MG TAB
Promethazine 6.25/5MLSYP
Ranitidine 150MG TAB
Dicylomine 20MG TAB
Ranitidine 300MG TAB
Glaucoma/Eye
Atropine SUL 1% OP SOL
Pilocarpine 1% OP SOL
Pilocarpine 2% OP SOL
Hormonal
Estradiol 0.5MG TAB
Estradiol 1MG TAB
Estradiol 2MG TAB
Estropipate 0.75MG TAB
Estropipate 1.5MG TAB
Medroxyprogesterone AC 10MG TAB
Medroxyprogesterone AC 2.5MG TAB
Medroxyprogesterone AC 5MG TAB
Miscellaneous
Allopurinol 100MG TAB
Allopurinol 300MG TAB
Chlorhexadrine GLU 0.12% SOL
Colchicine 0.6MG TAB
Hydrocortisone AC 25MG SUP
Lidocaine 2% VISC SOL
Oxybutynin 5MG TAB
Oncology/Cancer
Megestrol 20MG
Parkinson's
Benztropine 2MG TAB
Trihexyphenadyl 2MG TAB
Seizure
Carbamazepine 200MG TAB
Thyroid
Levothyroxin 100MCG TAB
Levothyroxin 125MCG TAB
Levothyroxin 150MCG TAB
Levothyroxin 25MCG TAB
Levothyroxin 50MCG TAB
Levothyroxin 75MCG TAB
Levothyroxin 88MCG TAB
Levothyroxin 112MCG TAB
Levothyroxin 175MCG TAB
Vitamins
Ethedent 0.25MG CHW
Folic acid 1MG TAB
Klorcon 10 10MEQ ER TAB
Klorcon 8 TAB 8MEQ ER
Klorcon M10 TAB
Magnesium oxide 400MG TAB
Mag64 64MG TAB
Multivitamin 0.25MG CHW
Multivitamin/FL/FE CHW
Multivitamin/BET /FL 1MGCHW
Multivitamin/BET 0.5MGFL CHW
Natalcare PIC TAB
Natalcare Plus TAB
Potassium chloride 10% LIQ
Prenatal Rx TAB
About Wal-Mart
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) operates Wal-Mart Stores,
Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets and SAM'S CLUB locations in the United
States. The company also operates in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China,
Costa Rica, El Salvador, Germany, Guatemala, Honduras, Japan, Mexico,
Nicaragua, Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom. The company's securities are
listed on the New York and NYSE Arca stock exchanges under the symbol WMT.
More information about Wal-Mart can be found by visiting
http://www.walmartfacts.com.
SOURCE Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
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Photo Notes:
NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010831/WALMARTLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
CONTACT:
David Tovar, 1-800-331-0085, Brock Schmaltz,
+1-614-224-4600, both for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
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