Stop & Shop offering free antibiotics
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Stop & Shop Supermarkets is attempting to help its customers save money this winter season by filling prescriptions for some generic antibiotics for free.
While many people praise the effort during tough economic times, others are wary because of the potential for over-prescribing antibiotics and people filling prescriptions at multiple pharmacies.
The supermarket chain began the program Jan. 2 and will continue it until March 21.
There are nine antibiotics offered in tablet, capsule and liquid form and some ointments on the list, for a total of 36 different prescriptions that are eligible under the program. Eligible antibiotics include amoxicillin, ampicillin, doxycycline, erythromycin and penicillin.
"Your good health is important to us," reads a release from the supermarket chain announcing the program. "And with cold and flu season in full-swing, we want to do what we can to help keep you and your family feeling your best during the winter months."
The program will fill up to a 14-day supply of antibiotics to the prescription holder. New prescriptions and refills are eligible.
The time frame of the program is the heart of cold and cough season, but Dr. Peter Shea, Medical Director of Backus Hospital, cautions against running to the doctor and asking for an antibiotic simply because it is free. Many illnesses this time of the year are viral and cannot be fought with an antibiotic, Shea said. Taking an unneeded antibiotic simply creates more resistance, he said.
"I worry these programs push people to take antibiotics even when they don't need them," Shea said. "It should be up to the physician. But a huge percentage of antibiotics don't ever need to be prescribed."
Having spent many years in his own medical practice, Dr. Shea said he understands how the over prescribing happens.
"When the patient is right in front of you it's easy to give the prescription," Dr. Shea said. "It's not easy explaining why you won't prescribe an antibiotic."
Most of the antibiotics would be used for dealing with uncomplicated bacterial infections found in children, such as ear and sinus infections said Eric Arlia, director of pharmacy services for Backus Hospital. While these antibiotics are commonly known, most are not necessarily what doctors are prescribing most often.
"A lot of children have developed resistance to these antibiotics and they often need a more potent antibiotic," Arlia said. "There are still times when they are used and are effective."
For example, doxycycline and amoxicillin are both common and effective treatments for Lyme Disease, Mr. Arlia said.
Mr. Arlia is concerned people will bring some of their prescriptions to Stop & Shop while leaving others at other pharmacies.
"One of the worst things people can do is get their prescriptions filled at multiple pharmacies," he said. "Have them all in one place so that if there are any drug interactions they will be picked up. It could be dangerous and your medication profile is spread out all over the place."
The drugs on the list are all generic and made by multiple companies, he said. They are also among the cheaper prescription medications available. If saving the money is important, Mr. Arlia suggests transferring all prescriptions to Stop & Shop.
The supermarket chain is not the only retailer offering prescription deals. Wal-Mart offers prescriptions for more than 300 generic drugs for $4 a month. Target has a similar program. Stop & Shop offers more than 350 generics for $9.99 for a 90-day supply.
There are Stop & Shop supermarkets in Norwich, Montville, Colchester, Groton, Killingly, Putnam, Waterford and Windham.