Wal-Mart's $4 Generics Program Launched In Final 11 States

BENTONVILLE, Ark., Nov. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., (NYSE: WMT) announced that beginning on Tuesday, November 28, 2006, it is launching its $4 generic prescription program in 11 additional states, making the program available in all of its U.S. pharmacies.

With the announcement, the expanded $4 generic prescription program will now be available in an additional 811 stores throughout California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Louisiana, Minnesota, Montana, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Though it kicked off the program in Florida in September, with intentions to spread outside the state in January 2007, Wal- Mart said customer demand led it to accelerate the rollout of the program - now available in all of its 3,810 pharmacies.

"When we made our initial announcement in Florida back in September, we never imagined that in addition to our 3,800 pharmacies, thousands of others would join us in bringing more affordable medicines to our nation's seniors, working families and the uninsured. We are proud to have introduced competition to an area where it has been too scarce for too long," said Wal- Mart President and CEO Lee Scott. "And, we hope others will continue to join us in making prescription medicines more affordable and accessible for all Americans."

With the announcement, Wal-Mart has expanded the program to include 331 generic prescriptions available for up to a 30-day supply at commonly prescribed dosages. The list is made up of as many as 143 compounds in 26 therapeutic categories. According to http://www.rxlist.com/, the list also includes 14 of the top 20 prescribed medications in the United States.

Response to the program has been considerable. Between September 21 and November 12, as the first 27 states were added to the program, 2.1 million more new prescriptions were filled in those states as compared to the same time periods last year. Generic medicines generally cost between 30 percent and 60 percent less than equivalent brand-name products, and Wal-Mart estimates that its list of $4 generic prescriptions represents more than 25 percent of prescriptions currently dispensed in its pharmacies nationwide.

Bill Simon, executive vice president of Wal-Mart's Professional Services Division, said the customer response has been significant. He said that he has heard hundreds of stories from customers and pharmacists about the program's value. He also noted that many customers have greatly benefited from the savings and consumer demand has been a significant factor in the program's expansion.

"This program has had a positive impact on millions of Americans. We have received hundreds of letters and e-mails from customers over the last few months telling us how this program has changed their lives," said Simon. "There are so many folks out there who are living on limited budgets and have paid too much for their medicines for too long. Their stories drove us to expand this program as quickly as possible, and it drove our competitors to meet our $4 price. This program is good for customers, our communities and our healthcare system."

Simon said that certain generic drugs in the program are priced higher than $4 in some states due to state law and customers in those states should see their Wal-Mart pharmacist or walmart.com/pharmacy for details starting Tuesday, Nov. 28. He also noted that the program is not available in North Dakota because the company does not operate its own pharmacies in the state. Wal-Mart leases space to pharmacies in North Dakota, he explained.

Savings on top-selling prescription medications in the program are projected to be significant. For specific medications, the company estimates the following approximate savings to Wal-Mart, Neighborhood Market and Sam's Club customers and members in the 38 states that were announced prior to today's announcement, based on September average retail prices from http://www.myfloridarx.com/

  -- Metformin (500 mg), a diabetes medication: about $1.3 million monthly
     and $16 million annually on this medication.
  -- Warfarin (5 mg), a medication to prevent blood clots: about $750,000
     monthly and $9 million annually on this medication.

Generics contain the same high quality active ingredients as their brand- name counterparts and are equally effective, but cost significantly less. Consumers interested in saving money on prescriptions through the program should ask their doctor if a generic is available for their prescription and is right for them.

At this time, the $4 prescriptions are not available by mail order, but are available online or by telephone for refills only for in-person pickup in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming. For further information on the program, including store locations, customers can call 1- 800-WAL-MART, go to http://www.walmart.com/, or visit their Wal-Mart, Neighborhood Market or Sam's Club in participating states to discuss the program with their pharmacist or pick up a brochure explaining program details.

In addition to offering the $4 generics program in 49 states, Wal-Mart, Sam's Club and Neighborhood Market pharmacies offer multiple benefits to consumers. With its proprietary interactive computer system, Wal-Mart speeds up workflow and accuracy in product distribution, allowing pharmacists to spend more time with customers.

The company also designates one pharmacy associate per store to be a Medicare Part D expert, who, in conjunction with its in-store informational kiosks, helps customers understand both the enrollment process and the benefits to which they are entitled. These systems have enabled the retailer to help enroll 1,080,000 people for the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit, as of October 26, 2006. Wal-Mart pharmacies' sophisticated coordination of benefits services enables it to process up to four payors for Medicare beneficiaries and up to three payors for non-Medicare beneficiaries, leading to less reimbursement hassle and paperwork for customers.

Wal-Mart has revolutionized the packaging of pharmaceuticals by offering safer, user-friendly blister packs that contain individual periodic doses of medications, along with details and easy-to-understand instructions for consumers. In addition, Wal-Mart offers low pricing on over-the-counter cough, cold and fever medications. The company estimates its customers will save approximately $20 million on cough, cold and fever medications this cold and flu season.

About Wal-Mart

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) operates Wal-Mart Stores, Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets and SAM'S CLUB locations in the United States. The company also operates in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Japan, Mexico, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom. The company's securities are listed on the New York and NYSE

Area stock exchanges under the symbol WMT. More information about Wal-Mart can be found by visiting http://www.walmartfacts.com/.

Wal-Mart/SAM'S CLUB $4 Generic Prescription Program

The following generic prescriptions are available under the Wal-Mart $4 generic prescription drug program, as of November 28, 2006. The price is available in select stores only, and at up to a 30 day supply at commonly prescribed dosages. The prescriptions on this list are subject to change at any time.

  Allergy
  Loratadine 10MG     TAB
  Loratadine 5MG/5ML  SYP*

  Analgesics
  Antipy/Benzo Otic   SOL
  Baclofen 10MG       TAB
  Cyclobenzaprine 10MG   TAB
  Cyclobenzaprine 5MG    TAB
  Lidocaine 2% VISC   SOL
  Tramadol HCL 50MG   TAB

  Anti-anxiety
  Busiprone 5 MG TAB
  Busiprone 10 MG TAB*

  Anti-inflammatory
  Betameth DIP 0.05%  CRE 15
  Betameth DIP 0.05%  CRE 45
  Betameth VAL 0.1%   CRE 15
  Betameth VAL 0.1%   CRE 45
  Betameth VAL 0.1%   OIN 15
  Betameth VAL 0.1%   OIN 45
  Dexamethasone 0.5MG  TAB
  Dexamethasone 0.75MG TAB
  Dexamethasone 4MG TAB*
  Diclotenac 75MG DR  TAB
  Fluocinide ACET 0.01%  SOL
  Fluocinonide 0.05%  CRE 15
  Fluocinonide 0.05%  CRE 30
  Hydrocortisone 1%    CRE 30
  Hydrocortisone 2.5% CRE 30
  Hydrocortisone AC 25MG   SUP
  Ibuprofen 100/5ML   SUS*
  Ibuprofen 400MG   TAB
  Ibuprofen 600MG   TAB
  Iburpofen 800MG   TAB
  Indomethacin 25MG   CAP*
  Meloxicam 15MG
  Meloxicam 7.5 MG
  Methylprednisolone 4MG PAK
  Methylprednisolone 4MG   TAB
  Naproxen 375MG      TAB*
  Naproxen 500MG      TAB
  Piroxicam 20MG      CAP
  Prednisone 2.5MG    TAB
  Prednisone 5MG      TAB
  Prednisone 10MG     TAB
  Prednisone 20MG     TAB
  Prednisone 10MG PAK 48*
  Prednisone 10MG PAK 21
  Prednisone 5MG PAK 48*
  Prednisone 5MG 6DAYPAK
  Salsalate 500MG     TAB
  Triamcinolone 0.025% CRE 15
  Triamcinolone 0.025% CRE 80
  Triamcinolone 0.1%   CRE 15
  Triamcinolone 0.1%   CRE 80
  Triamcinolon 0.1%   OIN 15
  Triamcinolone 0.1%   OIN 80
  Triamcinolon 0.5%   CRE

  Antibiotic
  Amoxicillin 125/5ML SUS 100
  Amoxicillin 125/5ML SUS 80
  Amoxicillin 125/5ML SUS 150
  Amoxicillin 200/5ML SUS 50
  Amoxicillin 200/5ML SUS 75*
  Amoxicillin 200/5ML SUS 100*
  Amoxicillin 250/5ML SUS 100
  Amoxicillin 250/5ML SUS 80
  Amoxicillin 250/5ML SUS 150
  Amoxicillin 250MG   CAP
  Amoxicillin 400/5ML SUS 50
  Amoxicillin 400/5ML SUS 75*
  Amoxicillin 400/5ML SUS 100*
  Amoxicillin 500MG   CAP
  Amoxil 50MG/ML      DRO*
  Bacitracin OP       OIN
  Cephalexin 250MG    CAP
  Cephalexin 500MG    CAP
  Ciprofloxacin 500MG  TAB
  Ciprofloxacin 250MG  TAB
  Doxycycline HYC 100MG  CAP
  Doxycycline HYC 100MG  TAB
  Doxycycline HYC 50MG   CAP
  Erythrocin 250MG    TAB*
  Erothromycin 2%     SOL
  Erothromycin OP     OIN
  Erothromycin 250MG ECCAP*
  Gentamicin 0.1%     CRE
  Gentamicin 0.1%     OIN
  Gentamicin 0.3% OP  SOL
  Isoniazid 300MG     TAB
  Metronidazole 250MG  TAB
  Metronidazole 500MG  TAB
  Neo/Poly/Dex 0.1% OPOIN
  Neo/Poly/Dex 0.1% OPSUS
  Penicillin VK 125/5MLSOL
  Penicillin VK 250/5MLSOL
  Penicillin VK 250MG  TAB
  Selenium SUL 2.5%   LOT*
  SMZTMP DS 800160  TAB
  SMZTMP 20040/5    SUS
  SMZTMP 40080MG    TAB
  Sulfacetamide SOD 10% OP SOL
  Tetracycline 250MG  CAP
  Tetracycline 500MG  CAP
  Tobramycin 0.3% OP  SOL
  Polymixin SULF/TMP  SOL*

  Antidepressant
  Amitriptylin 100MG  TAB
  Amitriptylin 10MG   TAB
  Amitriptylin 25MG   TAB
  Amitriptylin 50MG   TAB
  Amitriptylin 75MG   TAB
  Citalopram 20MG     TAB
  Citalopram 40MG     TAB
  Doxepin HCL 100MG   CAP
  Doxepin HCL 10MG    CAP
  Doxepin HCL 25MG    CAP
  Doxepin HCL 50MG    CAP
  Doxepin HCL 75MG    CAP
  Fluoxetine 10 MG TAB*
  Fluoxetine 10MG     CAP*
  Fluoxetine 20MG     CAP
  Fluoxetine 40MG     CAP
  Nortriptylin 10MG   CAP
  Nortriptylin 25MG   CAP
  Paroxetine 10MG     TAB*
  Paroxetine 20MG     TAB*
  Trazodone 100MG     TAB
  Trazodone 150MG     TAB
  Trazodone 50MG      TAB

  Antifungal
  Fluconazole 150MG   TAB
  Nystat/Triam        CRE 15
  Nystat/Triam        CRE 30
  Nystat/Triam        OIN 15
  Nystatin 100000U    CRE 15
  Nystatin 100000U    CRE 30
  Nystatin100000U    OIN 15
  Nystatin 100000U    OIN 30

  Antipsychotic
  Fluphenazine 1MG    TAB
  Haloperidol 0.5MG   TAB
  Haloperidol 1MG     TAB
  Haloperidol 2MG     TAB
  Haloperidol 5MG     TAB
  Lithium Carb 300MG  CAP*
  Prochlorperazine 10MG    TAB
  Thioridazine 25MG   TAB
  Thioridazine 50MG   TAB
  Thiothixene 2MG     CAP

  Antiviral
  Acyclyovir 200MG     CAP

  Anxiety
  Hydroxyzine HCL10MG/5ML SYP

  Arthritis
  Allopurinol 100MG   TAB
  Allopurinol 300MG   TAB
  Colchicine 0.6MG    TAB

  Asthma
  Albuterol 0.5%      NEB
  Albuterol 2MG       TAB
  Albuterol 2MG/5ML   SYP
  Albuterol 4MG       TAB

  Cardiac
  Amiloride/HCTZ 550    TAB
  Atenol/CHLOR 5025MGTAB
  Atenol/CHLOR100-25MGTAB
  Atenolol 100MG      TAB
  Atenolol 25MG       TAB
  Atenolol 50MG       TAB
  Benazepril 10MG     TAB
  Benazepril 20MG     TAB
  Benazepril 40MG     TAB
  Benazepril 5MG      TAB
  Bisoprolol/HCTZ 10/6.25 TAB
  Bisoprolol/HCTZ 2.5/6.25TAB
  Bisoprolol/HCTZ 56.25MGTAB
  Bumetanide 0.5MG    TAB
  Bumetanide 1MG      TAB
  Captopril 100MG     TAB
  Captopril 12.5MG    TAB
  Captopril 25MG      TAB
  Captopril 50MG      TAB
  Chlorthalidone 25MG    TAB
  Chlorthalidone 50MG    TAB
  Clonidine 0.1MG     TAB
  Clonidine 0.1MG     PACK
  Clonidine 0.2MG     TAB
  Clonidine 0.2MG     PACK
  Digitek 0.125MG     TAB
  Digitek 0.25MG      TAB
  Diltiazem 120MG     TAB
  Diltiazem 30MG      TAB
  Diltiazem 60MG      TAB
  Diltiazem 90MG      TAB*
  Doxazosin 1MG       TAB
  Doxasozin 2MG       TAB
  Doxasozin 4MG       TAB
  Doxasozin 8MG       TAB
  Enalapril/HCTZ 512.5MGTAB
  Enalapril 10MG      TAB
  Enalapril 2.5MG     TAB
  Enalapril 20MG      TAB
  Enalapril 5MG       TAB
  Furosemide 20MG     TAB
  Furosemide 40MG     TAB
  Furosemide 80MG     TAB
  Guanfacine 1MG      TAB
  Hydralazine 10MG    TAB
  Hydralazine 25MG    TAB
  Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5MG CAP*
  Hydrochlorothiazide 25MG   TAB
  Hydrochlorothiazide 50MG   TAB
  Indapamide 1.25MG   TAB
  Indapamide 2.5MG    TAB
  Isosorbide mono 30MG ERTAB
  Isosorbide mono 60MG ERTAB
  Lisinopril-HCTZ 10-12.5MTAB*
  Lisinopril-HCTZ 20-25MG TAB*
  Lisinopril-HCTZ 20-12.5TAB
  Lisinopril 10MG     TAB
  Lisinopril 2.5MG    TAB
  Lisinopril 20MG     TAB
  Lisinopril 5MG      TAB
  Methyldopa 250MG    TAB*
  Methyldopa 500MG    TAB*
  Metoprolol 100MG    TAB*
  Metoprolol 25MG     TAB
  Metoprolol 50MG     TAB
  Nadolol 20MG        TAB
  Nadolol 40MG        TAB
  Pindolol 10MG       TAB
  Pindolol 5MG        TAB
  Prazosin HCL 1MG    CAP
  Prazosin HCL 2MG    CAP
  Prazosin HCL 5MG    CAP
  Propranolol 10MG    TAB
  Propranolol 20MG    TAB
  Propranolol 40MG    TAB
  Propranolol 80MG    TAB
  Sotalol HCL 80MG    TAB*
  Spironolactone 25MG    TAB*
  Terazosin 10MG      CAP
  Terazosin 1MG       CAP
  Terazosin 2MG       CAP
  Terazosin 5MG       CAP
  Triamterine/HCTZ 37.525  CAP
  Triamterine/HCTZ 37.525 TAB
  Triamterine/HCTZ 7550MG TAB
  Verapamil 120MG     TAB
  Verapamil 80MG      TAB
  Warfarin 5MG        TAB*
  Warfarin 5MG        PAK*

  Cholesterol
  Lovastatin 10MG TAB
  Lovastatin 20MG TAB*
  Pravastatin 10MG TAB*
  Pravastatin 20MG TAB*
  Pravastatin 40MG TAB*

  Cough and Cold
  Benzonatate 100MG   CAP
  Ceron DM SYP
  Ceron Drops 10 OZ*
  Guaifenesin DM      SYP
  Guiafenex DM ER*
  Promethazine DM     SYP
  Trivent DPC 6215/5 SYP

  Diabetes
  Chlorpropamide 100MG   TAB*
  Glimepiride 1MG     TAB
  Glimepiride 2MG     TAB
  Glimepiride 4MG     TAB
  Glipizide 10MG      TAB
  Glipizide 5MG       TAB*
  Glyburide 2.5MG TAB (BLUE)
  Glyburide 2.5MG TAB (GREEN)
  Glyburide 5MG TAB (BLUE)
  Glyburide 5MG TAB (GREEN)
  Glyburide MCR 3MG TAB
  Glyburide MCR 6MG TAB
  Metformin 1000MG    TAB*
  Metformin 500MG     TAB
  Metformin 500MG ER TAB*
  Metformin 850MG     TAB

  Gastrointestinal
  Belladonna ALK/PB        TAB
  Cimetidine 800MG    TAB
  Cytra2             SOL
  Dicyclomine 10MG    CAP
  Dicylomine 20MG    TAB
  Famotidine 20MG     TAB
  Hyoscyamine 0.125/ML DRO*
  Hyoscyamine 0.125MG SUB
  Hyoscyamine 0.125MG TAB
  Hyoscyamine 0.375 ERTAB
  Lactulose 10GM/15   SYP
  Meclizine 12.5MG    TAB
  Meclizine 25MG      TAB
  Metoclopramide 10MG    TAB
  Metoclopramide 5MG/5ML SYP
  Phenazopyridine 100MG  TAB
  Phenazopyridine D 200MG  TAB
  Promethazine 25MG   TAB*
  Promethazine 6.25/5MLSYP*
  Ranitidine 150MG    TAB
  Ranitidine 300MG    TAB

  Gingivitis
  Chlorhexadrine GLU 0.12%  SOL

  Glaucoma/Eye
  Atropine SUL 1% OP  SOL
  Pilocarpine 1% OP   SOL
  Pilocarpine 2% OP   SOL

  Hormonal
  Estradiol 0.5MG     TAB
  Estradiol 1MG       TAB
  Estradiol 2MG       TAB
  Estropipate 0.75MG  TAB
  Estropipate 1.5MG   TAB*
  Medroxyprogesterone AC 10MG   TAB
  Medroxyprogesterone AC 2.5MG  TAB
  Medroxyprogesterone AC 5MG    TAB

  Incontinence
  Oxybutynin 5MG      TAB

  Oncology/Cancer
  Megestrol 20MG*

  Parkinson's
  Benztropine 2MG     TAB
  Trihexyphenadyl 2MG     TAB

  Seizure
  Carbamazepine 200MG TAB*

  Thyroid
  Levothyroxine 25MCG  TAB
  Levothyroxine 50MCG  TAB
  Levothyroxine 75MCG  TAB
  Levothyroxine 88MCG  TAB
  Levothyroxine 100MCG TAB
  Levothyroxine 112MCG  TAB
  Levothyroxine 125MCG TAB
  Levothyroxine 150MCG TAB
  Levothyroxine 175MCG  TAB*
  Levothyroxine 200MCG  TAB*

  Vitamins
  Ethedent 0.25MG     CHW*
  Folic acid 1MG      TAB
  Klorcon 10 10MEQ ERTAB*
  Klorcon 8 TAB  8MEQ ER
  Klorcon M10        TAB
  Magnesium oxide 400MG     TAB
  Mag64 64MG          TAB
  Multivitamin 0.25MG  CHW
  Multivitamin/FL/FE    CHW
  Multivitamin/BET /FL 1MGCHW
  Multivitamin/BET 0.5MGFL CHW
  Natalcare PIC       TAB*
  Natalcare Plus      TAB*
  Potassium chloride 10%    LIQ
  Prenatal Rx TAB*


  * These prescriptions are priced higher than $4 in CO, CA, HI, MN, MT, PA,
    TN, WI and WY due to state laws. Customers in those states should see
    their Wal-Mart pharmacist or walmart.com/pharmacy for price details.