Meijer Offers Free Generic Lipitor

Meijer Inc. is now offering the generic substitute for Lipitor (atorvastatin calcium) for free in all 199 of its pharmacies.

The addition expands the Grand Rapids-Mich.-based retailer’s free medication program, and makes Meijer the first retailer in the Midwest to offer this generic cholesterol-lowering medication – up to 30 tablets per fill in 10, 20, 40 and 80 mg strengths – free to customers with a physician’s prescription.

“In keeping with our commitment to provide low-cost solutions for the families we serve, the free cholesterol-lowering medication program is another way to help the customers who rely on our pharmacies,” said Co-Chairman Hank Meijer.

Atorvastatin calcium is considered a statin drug, which slows down the production of cholesterol in the liver. Over the past 20 years, the use of statins skyrocketed, increasing tenfold, according to the 2010 annual report from the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics.

This will be the fourth free program offered in all Meijer pharmacies. In six years, Meijer free pharmacy programs have enabled tens of thousands of people throughout the Midwest to receive free medications and lead healthier lives, saving a collective $181 million over that time. Meijer launched its first free pharmacy medication program in October 2006 by filling select antibiotics at no charge.

Meijer Inc. operates 199 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky.