Publix Adds Montelukast to Free Meds

Publix Pharmacy has added montelukast, a prescription medication for asthma and allergies, to its Free Medication Program, which provides up to a 90-day supply of some common prescription drugs at no charge to pharmacy customers for as a long as prescribed.

“We’re always happy to help our customers get the medications they need to treat chronic conditions,” noted VP of Pharmacy Operations Fred Ottolino. “Montelukast is an excellent addition to the list of generic prescription medications currently in our Free Medication Program, and it’s the first one we’ve added for the treatment of asthma.”

The Lakeland, Fla.-based chain is offering three dosages of the medication in its free program: 4-milligram and 5-milligram chewable tablets for children, and 10-milligram oral tablets for adults.

Used for long-term treatment of asthma in adults and children, as well as sometimes to treat indoor and outdoor allergy symptoms, montelukast works by blocking a substance called leukotriene, which can cause inflammation and allergy symptoms.

Among the other medications that Publix offers free are amlodipine, lisinopril, metformin and five common antibiotics: amoxicillin, ampicillin, sulfamethoxazole/trimethroprim (SMZ-TMP) and penicillin VK.

Privately owned and operated by its 190,000 employees, Publix has 1,143 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina and North Carolina.