VIAGRA NEWS

Source: Tulsa World

Date: 1-Feb-2007

Author: Barbara Hoberock

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Oklahoma Pharmacy Board has determined that a $4 generic prescription drug program offered by Wal-Mart is within state law, an official said Wednesday.

Pharmacy Board Executive Director Bryan Potter said he began an informal inquiry into the Wal-Mart program after receiving complaints that the company was selling generic drugs below cost.

State law prevents businesses from selling products below cost and addresses pricing issues, Potter said, adding that he is not an attorney.

Potter said he had conversations with Wal-Mart personnel, adding that he was trying to handle the matter informally. No letters went out to Wal-Mart from the agency, he said.

Potter said the inquiry has been completed and his agency has determined Wal-Mart "was selling within the law."

"We have said all along we were in compliance with Oklahoma's pricing laws," Wal-Mart spokesman Kevin Gardner said. "We are glad to have confirmation that we can still bring Oklahomans the prescriptions they need at an affordable price."

Wal-Mart's new drug program lowered the cost of 331 generic medicines to $4 per prescription for a 30-day supply.

The program was launched in September and has expanded to all Wal-Mart

and Sam's Club pharmacies in the United States.

Minnesota-based Target Corp. began a similar low-cost drug program in November.

The issue prompted Rep. Mike Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City, to call for an investigation of the Pharmacy Board.

Reynolds said when the legislative session starts next week, he will ask that the Pharmacy Board be invited to explain to a House committee why it got involved in the issue.

"I guess I'm disappointed to know the Pharmacy Board even ever considered bringing it up as an issue," Reynolds said, adding that he didn't think pricing had anything to do with the functions of the board.

Reynolds said he hoped that in future the board would be "far more careful with the accusations."