October 31, 2006

Meijer to offer seven antibiotics FREE at stores

Meijer Inc. is giving away seven common prescription antibiotics at its stores, including those in the Louisville area. The giveaway of generic antibiotics, which started yesterday, comes a month after retail giant Wal-Mart began offering many generic prescriptions for $4.

Meijer has eight stores in Kentucky, including four in Louisville and two stores in Southern Indiana. The Michigan retailer also has stores in Ohio, Illinois and Michigan.

The seven antibiotics are used against bacterial infections such as strep throat. They include the antibiotics most often dispensed for children by Meijer's pharmacies.

The free drugs can be obtained by anyone with a prescription. Even people with insurance could benefit because health plans typically require a co-payment.

"There is no card required, no membership to purchase, (and) no special forms to fill out," Meijer said in a statement.

The seven drugs are amoxicillin, cephalexin, SMZ-TMP, ciprofloxacin, penicillin VK, ampicillin and erythromycin.

Meijer Inc. spokesman Michael Zalewski said the company is not disclosing the program's cost. He said Meijer had begun testing a drug giveaway in one market, then expanded it to all 176 stores with pharmacies after Wal-Mart rolled out its $4 drug program last month.

"Retail companies are always looking for ways to get that competitive edge," and that is reflected in both companies' actions, Zalewski said.

Wal-Mart started its $4 prescription plan in Florida. Last week, the company added 14 states, including Indiana, and plans to expand to as many states as possible by next year.

Target, the No. 2 discounter behind Wal-Mart, said it would match the $4 price in those states except in two where it has no stores.

Reporter Patrick Howington can be reached at (502) 582-4229.

Posted by CarolN at October 31, 2006 01:09 PM