More small chains introduce $4 generic drug program

PITTSBURGH Nationwide, small grocery chains with in-store pharmacies have taken a page from Wal-Mart's book and have begun to fill prescriptions for generic medications for $4, often for 400 drugs or more.

Shop ‘n Save, a 15-location Pittsburgh grocer, has started filling prescriptions for more than 450 generic medications at a cost of $4 each, the Pittsburgh Business Times reported.

Nine of Shop ‘n Save’s Pittsburgh-area stores, once owned by Supervalu, have pharmacies operated by Med-Fast Pharmacy. The others, operated by local, independent pharmacies, have also implemented the new generic program. The program is designed to compete with such national chains as Wal-Mart, which offers a similar deal.

Lincoln, Neb.-based B&R Stores, too, is offering a $4 generic prescription service on more than 400 drugs. “We’ve always had a good low-cost pricing reputation, and we want to keep that,” said Claude Frerichs, pharmacy director. “The economy is tight right now and if there is anywhere we can help, we will.” 

Shop ‘n Save is pairing its $4 generic program with a guarantee to fill prescriptions in 10 minutes or less. “That will save our customers time and money,” Bryan Bisceglia, the director of marketing and business development for Med-Fast, said in a statement.

Eligible prescriptions include certain antibiotics and treatments for arthritis, cholesterol problems, allergies, eyes, ears, heart conditions, skin irritations, coughs and colds.