Bi-Lo adds generic Plavix to discount program

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Supermarket chain Bi-Lo is adding the generic form of a blood-thinning drug to its generic-discount program.

The company announced Friday that patients could buy generic clopidogrel for $4 for a 30-day supply and $10 for a 90-day supply with the chain's Pharmacy Discount Card. The branded version of the drug, which recently became available as a generic, is marketed by Sanofi and Bristol-Myers Squibb.

"The generic form of Plavix was just recently released in the market, and it provides customers with initial savings over the brand equivalent," Bi-Lo Holding VP pharmacy John Fegan said. "This prescription is a highly requested medication from Bi-Lo customers, so we are especially pleased to offer an even deeper discount that allows them to focus on what is important — their health."

Earlier this month, Midwestern mass-merchandise chain Meijer announced it would give away generic versions of Pfizer's cholesterol-lowering drug Lipitor (atorvastatin) for free. Prior to the November 2011 expiration of its patent, Lipitor was the top-selling drug in the world, with U.S. sales of $7.7 billion, according to IMS Health. Plavix was the second highest-selling drug, with U.S. sales of $6.8 billion.

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