GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., April 12 /PRNewswire/ -- With diabetes affecting the lives of millions of people throughout the Midwest, Meijer announced plans today to begin offering Metformin Immediate Release, the most commonly prescribed treatment for type 2 diabetes, at no cost to those with a medical prescription. Meijer's program will include doses prescribed in 500mg, 850mg and 1000mg tablets.
According to American Diabetes Association estimates for 2007, more than 24 million Americans have diabetes, with type 2 diabetes accounting for 90-95 percent of all cases.
"Meijer is pleased to add Metformin Immediate Release to our free medication program," said Effie Steele, clinical services coordinator for the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer. "As our population ages, type 2 diabetes cases continue to grow. Adding Metformin Immediate Release to Meijer's free medication program, while providing other ways to manage diabetes through the various healthy living solutions offered in our stores, reinforces our commitment to promote healthy lifestyles for all of our customers."
To date, Meijer has filled more than five million free antibiotic prescriptions, and more than 500,000 prescriptions for free pre-natal vitamins. Combined, Meijer has provided a total cost savings to consumers of more than $90 million.
"So much of what we do is designed to promote a healthier lifestyle for our shoppers – whether it's helping them to live better or to feel better," said Hank Meijer, Co-Chairman and C.E.O. of Meijer. "Our Healthy Living and Wellness programs include everything from diabetes screenings and in-store food demos to prescription drug programs, immunizations and meal planning. We were pleased when we saw Publix, a company we admire, make this move. We quickly looked at it and decided to do the same here in our five-state region. This is one more way Meijer can help our customers build healthier lifestyles while saving them money."Diabetes is a disease that has no cure. Currently, more than 80 million American children and adults have some form of diabetes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one in three children born today will develop diabetes in their lifetime. The numbers are even worse for minorities.
Metformin Immediate Release is now believed to be the most widely prescribed anti-diabetic drug in the world. In 2008, more than 80 million prescriptions for Metformin were filled in the United States alone. Meijer's addition of Metformin Immediate Release to its free medication program comes just weeks after Florida-based grocer Publix led the industry by announcing it would provide free Metformin prescriptions in its pharmacy.
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How does this make you feel about Meijer's as a company? Although I've learned their pharmacy is not the best this does make me excited as my husband is a diabetic and things are costly. I am hoping they add a few more things since they do offer 7 different types of antibiotics at this time. Were you aware that Meijer's offers free pre-natal vitamins and 7 different types of free antibiotics? I only recently learned this as I got into the blogging world and then I noticed a clearly huge sign advertising it when I transferred a prescription there. Let me know your thoughts!
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I think this freebie prescription program will be very well received by customers.
ReplyDeleteJust keep in mind that medical experts recommend (and it is less confusing) to use one pharmacy as your family pharmacy. Pick Meijer or Target or Wal-Mart or whatever based your overall needs such promotions that work for you, a convenient drive from home or doctor's office, etc.