Drug-Market News: The Truth of the $4 Dollar Generics

Walmart keeps rolling back prices, and it's not just on home goods anymore!

If you haven't heard already, Wal-mart created an all out price war when it comes to generic drugs. They will offer 291 generic drugs for $4. Target, their stiffest competitor announced that they will do the same. T hough this may sound wonderful, the 291 drugs on the list are lesser prescribed and already come cheaper. The more expensive generics like a Zoloft or a Zocor will not be included on this list. Retail pharmacies such as CVS say that this will not affect their business. However, if those without insurance are choosing to go to Wal-mart for one drug at $4, they might decide to transfer their prescriptions to Wal-Mart. Is this far-fetched? Not really. By 2008 they are hoping to have 25 % of America's prescription business. Right now they are at about 20%. It is conceivable that with lower prices, they could become the largest pharmacy in the world. 

and Walgreens do not expect this to affect their customer base. However, the Wal-Mart program is being launched in Tampa, where only two years ago CVS transitioned hundreds of Eckerd pharmacies into CVS. In Tampa, Wal-Mart has about 65 stores. They expect the program to run throughout the state of Florida this January, and go nationally shortly there after.
What's on this list of 291?

As stated before, more expensive generics like Zoloft and Zocor will not be on the list. Below, you will find the unreleased list of drugs that will be $4. You will also note that Paxil (Paroxetine) is listed. This is somewhat impressive, along with generic Diflucan, fluconazole as they have not been on the generic market for long. Generic Prozac is included on the list (fluoxetine) and ultimately this will save consumers hundreds of dollars each month!