Free prescriptions offered

By Campbell Massie

Published Nov. 2, 2007

Schnucks is launching a new program that will give customers certain generic antibiotics for free. The grocery stores' pharmacies will give up to a 21-day supply, along with any needed refills, at no charge to the customer or an insurance company, according to the Schnucks Web site.

"This is one of the most exciting programs we have been able to offer our customers," Schnucks spokeswoman Lori Willis said.

The pharmacies will offer tablets, capsules and oral liquids of the generic brands of seven common antibiotic classes: Amoxicillin, Ampicillin, Ciprofloxacin, Doxycycline, Erythromycin, Penicillin and Trimeth/Sulfa, the Web site stated.

These seven classes make up 54 different types of drugs that represent the most commonly prescribed antibiotics to the most people, Willis said.

"They were chosen because the target groups of antibiotics cross over all age groups," she said.

The company hopes to give people more freedom to stretch their budgets in other areas and to provide a meaningful service to the community. As part of the Health and Wellness initiative in all Schnucks pharmacies, the Free Generic Antibiotic Plan is a good step, Willis said.

"It is not going to solve all problems in health care, but it is a step in the right direction," she said.

Although the company promotes the program as a great service to the community, Schnucks sees other benefits, such as new customers bringing other prescriptions that they must pay for along with the free generic antibiotics.

"Our hope is that the free antibiotics will make it possible for us to bring in new customers," Willis said.

The plan will take up about one-third of the antibiotic business, which is a good portion of the revenue, Willis said.

According to the Web site, the drugs represent the most commonly prescribed antibiotics in the most popular dosages and strengths.

"There is no doubt that this is a significant investment on the behalf of our company," Willis said.

Despite the risk, the company is dedicated to keeping the program going, but there will be a time of assessment. The grocery story chain would like its customers to know this is not a one-time deal, Willis said.

"We will offer this program to our customers for as long as we can," she said.