Comments on: Cheap Drugs

By: PharmTechGuy

PharmTechGuy — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 10:34:20 +0000

How about this, I’ll sell all my drugs at $4 dollars when you charge $4 for all of your services.

Don’t get me wrong, we are all in this business because we like helping people, but we have to make a living too. Walmart will set whatever prices they will because they realize that they can draw in additional customers with their pharmacy. It’s simply a “loss leader” (if you’re familiar with that term).

Imagine, if you will, that for each patient you see, you only make $4 from. How many patients would you need to see in a day to not hemorrhage money? Well, we don’t even make $4 off those drugs. And if you think we make much off high-priced brands, then you’re wrong. Those usually have thin profits too because we try to keep them as affordable as is possible.

By: Jason

Jason — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 23:00:46 +0000

Kate… Brand name drugs are expensive in America because there is no cap on the prices brand name drug manufacturers can charge for their product, unlike more socialistic countries, such as Canada. So, until the patent runs out, the manufacturers make as much as they can.

Many generics in the U.S. are quite cheap. There are so many AB-rated generics on the market now that most disease states can be treated with generic drugs alone.

Walgreens is not such a good deal because you have to pay $20 to join, initially.

Sweetbay Supermarkets has a list of 425 generics for $4 for 30 days supply or $10.99 for 90 days supply. It’s available to anyone, with or without insurance.

Do pharmacies make money off these $4 drugs. Probably not enough to cover the cost of dispensing.

By: Disappearingjohn

Disappearingjohn — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 11:33:18 +0000

I know out here Target has also joined the $4 program. Walgreens has a 3-month supply for $12.99 program, but you cannot have insurance to participate…

It does bother me a little bit that if I go to the pharmacy, with my insurance I have to pay $7.00 for the same prescription someone with no insurance can get for $4

But, like you said, anything that gets them taking the meds is worth it…

By: NPs Save Lives

NPs Save Lives — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 13:31:35 +0000

At first it does sound like another Walmart monopoly but that’s what the free market system is all about. Publix is also joining the system and will be offering free antibiotics on a certain list soon from what I’ve been told. The cost of medications is horrible and it’s the main reason pts don’t take their meds. It’s a choice between compliance and eating. Sad situations!

By: unsinkablemb

unsinkablemb — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 22:42:13 +0000

Wow. That is one angry pharmacist! When he becomes one of those people who have a laundry list of medications, then maybe we’ll see how that tune changes.

By: Melissa

Melissa — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 00:02:57 +0000

As someone who works in a hospital in a low income part of town, it feels so good to know that there’s a little bit better of a chance that they will take home their meds when they get home.

Do I feel bad for the mom and pop shops that can’t match the price and will lose $ for it? Yes, but Wal-mart more than likely will not be making $ off of these either. At least not more than $1, if that.

By: Kate

Kate — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 05:41:28 +0000

I know it’s been said before, but I am always amazed by how expensive medicines are in America. I am an Australian Pharmacist and our healthcare system looks after people like your man who couldn’t pay. Patients on a pension or with a concession (disability, student etc) pay $5 for prescriptions, everyone else pays $30. Once they reach about 56 prescriptions in a year the pensioners get them for free and the others pay the $5 pension price! That’s a bit simplified, but you get it. I just really really don’t get why medicines are SO expensive in America.

By: Beth

Beth — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 08:23:57 +0000

Wow. I had no idea pharmacists could be so vulgar.

I’ll admit that I know nothing about the business end of it but it seems that a patient that takes the $4 prescription is going to be better off than the patient that doesn’t take any med because they can’t afford it.

I think it’s especially funny that the pharmacists get so pissed off by people coming in and specifically requesting that they can get the meds that are on the $4 dollar list. Preposterous! What’s wrong with these people? You mean they have to buy drugs on a budget? How dare them.

By: may

may — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 03:45:40 +0000

wow. another weird, creepy thing. not in bad way though. i was just talking about walmart a post ago. anyway, it’s nice to hear a good story, walmart related or not :)