Harris Poll: More consumers buying generics, drugs at Wal-Mart-like stores

ROCHESTER, N.Y. How and where people by prescription drugs and what drugs they buy have changed substantially over the past two years, according to the Harris Poll.

The poll, released Monday, found that between October 2006 and December 2008, the proportion of adults who would choose generic drugs over branded drugs increased from 68% to 81%, and the number who would choose branded drugs decreased from 32% to 19%. 

Mass merchandisers have also gotten more customers at their pharmacies. Purchases of drugs at stores like Wal-Mart and Target increased from 13% to 17%, while purchases through mail-order and online pharmacies increased from 11% to 15%. Meanwhile, retail pharmacy chains have seen a decrease, from 39% to 33%, while purchases at independent pharmacies have dropped from 12% to 8%. 

The poll was based on an online survey of 2,388 adults nationwide conducted between Dec. 9 and 15. Results were weighted for factors such as age, sex, household income, education, race and ethnicity.