Libratto

Yesterday, Wal-Mart announced that it had added 17 new drugs to its list of $4 generics.  What does that mean for you?

Recall that Wal-Mart counts each different strength, form (e.g., pill versus capsule) and package (e.g., blister pack vs. bottle) as a different “drug.”  Of the 17 “new drugs” all but two represent inclusions of additional strengths, forms or packages of drugs that were already on their list.  The two truly new drugs that were added are pravastatin (the generic version of Pravachol, a cholesterol-lowering drug) and Ceron, a cough/cold drug.  (Another addition is Guaifenex DM ER, a combination cough/cold product.)

In addition to the new drugs, strengths, forms and packages, the new list is a bit better organized.  The “miscellaneous” category has been eliminated, drugs are listed alphabetically within each therapeutic category and more fully spelled out, and the quantity is displayed in separate column.  Knowing what quantity is covered can be important.  In general, if you take more than one pill a day, the $4 fee will NOT cover a 30-day supply (i.e., it covers 30 pills, not 60).

Here’s a summary of the 17 additions:

• Prednisone — 3 new “dose packs” (5mg/48 count, 10mg/48 count, and 10mg/21 count)
• Fluoxetine — 1 new form (10mg tablet)
• Warfarin — 1 new package (5mg “compliance” pack)
• Lovastatin — 1 new strength (20mg)
• Pravastatin — new drug; 3 strengths (10mg, 20mg and 40mg tablets)
• Ceron — new drug; Ceron DM syrup and Ceron drops
• Guifenex DM ER — cough/could medication
• Glimepiride — 2 new strengths (2mg and 4mg)
• Glyburide — separate entry for green vs. blue tablets
• Dicyclomine — new stength (20mg tablet)
• Levothyroxine — new strength (200mcg)

Opinions expressed are solely those of the author.