Publix Offers Free Medicine

Nope, there is no catch. According to Publix's news release on their website on August 6, 2007, they are now offering free antibiotics. And, according to Publix, these antibiotics account for about fifty percent of their generic, pediatric prescriptions filled at Publix. And according to spokesman Dan Fogleman, the program covers about 330 generic prescriptions.

The Lakeland based grocery chain said their customers will be able to get the following antibiotics for free: Amoxicillin, Cephalexin, Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim (SMZ-TMP), Ciprofloxacin (excluding ciprofloxacin XR), Penicillin VK, Ampicillin and Erythromycin (excluding Ery-Tab).

These antibiotics are used to treat conditions such as respiratory infections, urinary-tract infections and ear infections. They are often prescribed with additional medicines for the symptoms.

New or current customers should provide their Publix pharmacist with their prescription and the pharmacist will do the rest! Customers will be given up to a 14-day supply at no charge.

At this time Publix is not limiting the number of prescriptions customers may fill for free. And these free antibiotics will be offered to customers regardless of their prescription insurance provider.

In other news stories following the news release from Publix, Publix admitted that the free antibiotic program is part of an effort to increase business at is in-store pharmacies. But Publix also said the program is a permanent one and there is no limit to the number of times you can refill your prescriptions for free.

Publix promotions regarding the free medicine include "will benefit the total health and wellness of its customers" while not denying that the move would be good for business.

Publix spokesman Dwaine Stevens said "We are a business. We want to build our pharmacy business, and we want to be your pharmacy of choice".

They are following the lead of Wal-Mart, who about a year ago began offering their $4 generic-drug program but taking it one step further by offering the above list of medicines for free.

Some public health officials have expressed concerns that antibiotics will be over prescribed because their overuse causes them to become less effective as the bacteria they are supposed to kill develop immunity.

With rising healthcare costs, this is a bold move by Publix. With the rising costs many families struggle to pay for groceries, gas, and healthcare. I think this bold move is the right move and I hope that other major retailers will follow with similar goals.

The Lakeland-based company has 907 stores. In addition to Florida, Publix operates groceries in Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama and Tennessee.