by Kroger Staff

Starting tomorrow, The Kroger Co.'s (NYSE: KR) in-store pharmacies will expand their generic drug program -- offering customers lower prices and additional drug choices to meet their health needs. The retailer is offering 90-day prescriptions for only $10 on its expanded generic drug program. Kroger pharmacies are also increasing the number of women's health medications offered at a discounted price.

This new initiative expands the program Kroger introduced last fall that provides a $4 price for more than 300 generic drugs prescribed in 30-day supplies. It also complements several other programs Kroger is offering customers to help them stretch their household budgets, including:

-- Kroger's tax relief gift card program that offers customers free groceries when they turn their economic stimulus checks or direct deposits into Kroger gift cards. -- Ongoing fuel rewards programs offered in Kroger's family of stores. -- The retailer's unmatched line of quality private label products offered at great prices.

"Our expanded generic drug program is another example of the many ways we at Kroger are making it easier for customers to stretch their dollars farther for the staples they need for their families," said Don McGeorge, president and chief operating officer of Kroger. "Our customers can continue to rely on the expert health counsel and friendly service Kroger's team of professional pharmacists consistently offer."

Expanded Women's Health Generics

Kroger said it is also increasing the number of women's health medications it offers at a discounted price. These specialized medications are available for $9 in 30-day supplies or $24 for a 90-day supply. They include drugs such as tamoxifen to treat breast cancer, combination estrogen/methyltestosterone for hormone replacement, as well as Alendronate, the generic version of osteoporosis medication Fosamax(R).

To Learn More

For more information about the expanded drugs/medications available, please visit http://www.kroger.com/generic or call 1-877-4RX-LIST (1-877-479-5478).

Customers interested in these low-price generic drugs should consult their doctor or pharmacists at their neighborhood Kroger store to determine if a generic drug is available for their prescription and is right for them. These discounted prescriptions are available in the Kroger family of stores' pharmacies and for on-line and telephone orders for customers to pick up in store.

About Generic Drugs

Generic drugs are as safe and effective as brand name drugs (according to federal law, they must be therapeutically equivalent to brand name drugs) yet cost significantly less. After a company's exclusive right to market a medication expires, other companies are allowed to develop generic equivalents -- usually at a much lower cost.

Due to state laws, certain drugs are priced higher than $4 (for up to 30-day supplies) and $10 (for 90-day supplies) in California, Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming. The $10 prescription for 90-day supplies offer is not available in Alaska.

About Kroger:

Kroger, one of the nation's largest retail grocery chains, is honored to celebrate its 125th anniversary in 2008. The Company's more than 320,000 associates serve customers in 2,486 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 31 states under two dozen local banners including Kroger, Ralphs, Fred Meyer, Food 4 Less, Fry's, King Soopers, Scott's, Smith's, Dillons, QFC and City Market. Kroger associates also serve customers in 782 convenience stores, 394 fine jewelry stores and 696 supermarket fuel centers the Company operates. In addition, the Company operates 42 food processing plants in the U.S. Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, Kroger focuses its charitable efforts on supporting hunger relief, health and wellness initiatives, and local schools and grassroots organizations in the communities it serves. For more information about the Company, please visit our web site at http://www.kroger.com .

SOURCE The Kroger Co.

http://www.kroger.com/generic