Important New Consumer Information on Prescription Drugs Releases

(Phoenix, Ariz. – May 5, 2004)  Attorney General Terry Goddard announced a new tool today for Arizona residents searching for best prices on prescription drugs.  This website is an outgrowth of the Attorney General’s Prescription Drug Report also released today, and provides residents with information on pharmacies within their neighborhoods. This locator also provides a price range from low to high for commonly purchased prescription drugs. 

These tools provide consumers with the information needed to negotiate the lowest price possible for prescription drugs.  

“Consumers should not have to guess when going into a pharmacy to fill a prescription,” Goddard said.  “This type of information is important so consumers know they are getting a fair price on their prescription drugs.”

As an update to three previous surveys conducted by the Attorney General’s Office, (June 2001, February 2002, September 2002) the Antitrust Unit conducted a fourth prescription drug price survey in late 2003. This survey builds upon the foundation of the previous surveys in capturing pricing data, but also incorporates new information about pharmacy services and pricing discount plans.  Furthermore, the focus of the 2003 survey is to provide useful information to consumers on how and where to safely shop for prescription drugs.

In addition to the report and locator, a brochure was developed to provide general tips on getting the most competitive prices for prescription drugs.  This brochure is available by visiting the AG Web site at https://www.azag.gov or by calling the AG Consumer Information and Complaints at 602-542-5763 or outside the Phoenix Metro area at 1-800-352-8431.