Published: February 12, 2008 06:13 pm         

Kroger joins Wal-Mart in selling $4 generic drugs

Most pharmacies in London offer medication at similar prices

Last Wednesday The Kroger Company started offering its pharmacy customers generic drugs for $4 per prescription at most of its stores in Kentucky, including London’s Kroger on KY 192.

“It’s an added benefit for our customers,” Manager Mark Bailey said.

The $4 price will apply to more than 300 generic drugs prescribed for 30-day supplies and will be available at more than 80 Kroger pharmacies in Kentucky.

Wal-Mart Supercenter on KY 192 has been offering $4 prescriptions for qualifying drugs since November 2006.

“A lot of customers are taking advantage of the $4,” Pharmacist Angela Hicks said. “Our business really did increase with the $4 prescription.”

Rite Aid in the Carnaby Square Shopping Center also has a $4 prescription plan and K-Mart will match the ones on the list. All of Britt Thompson’s five drug stores are underselling the drugs at $3.99 each.

At the Kroger on KY 192, there is an information booth manned by a pharmacy technician who will explain how the $4 plan works. She will give out a brochure with a list of the drugs that are covered.

“It’s a great thing,” said Frances Wilhoit who was shopping for groceries at the store on Wednesday. “I’m sure it’s going to attract a lot of customers. I don’t take any medicine except calcium, but I will check the list for my friends.”

The Kroger initiative includes generic alternatives for some of the most commonly prescribed drugs used to treat conditions including diabetes, asthma, depression, heart disease and under and over active thyroids.

“We’re pleased to offer Kroger customers an affordable alternative to meet their health and medication needs,” said John Hackett, president of Kroger’s Mid South division. “Our customers can take advantage of low prices on generic drugs while continuing to rely on the expert, professional counsel of our pharmacists.”

Separately, Kroger will offer generic versions of the family-planning drugs Ortho Cyclen and Ortho Tri Cyclen (28-day supply) and a fertility drug for $9.

Kroger’s Mid South Division is based in Louisville and operates 163 stores in Kentucky, Tennessee, Southern Indiana and Southern Illinois.

Other pharmacies are offering a $4 prescription plan or matching the price of the drugs.



More Info:

• A list of the participating pharmacies and eligible generic drugs are available at www. kroger.com/generic or by calling 1-877-4RX-LIST (1-877-479-5478).