Walgreens to Compound Tamiflu Oral Suspension for Children in Response to Supply Shortage

DEERFIELD, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Less than a month after launching the largest flu prevention initiative in the company’s 108-year history, Walgreens (NYSE: WAG)(NASDAQ: WAG) is taking proactive measures to ensure its nearly 7,000 pharmacies can provide the suspension - or liquid - form of seasonal flu-fighting drug Tamiflu this season. Following Tamiflu manufacturer Roche’s notification that Tamiflu Oral Suspension is in short supply, Walgreens pharmacies in all 50 states are prepared to compound Tamiflu capsules into the liquid form to produce an Oral Suspension prescription. Tamiflu capsules remain in adequate supply.

“We want to be as prepared as we possibly can be to treat those who are in need of prescriptions and other health care services throughout the duration of what’s expected to be a busy flu season”

“We want to be as prepared as we possibly can be to treat those who are in need of prescriptions and other health care services throughout the duration of what’s expected to be a busy flu season,” said Kermit R. Crawford, Walgreens senior vice president of pharmacy. “Whether it’s providing flu shots, expert advice or having the ability to compound and fill a child’s prescription that otherwise might be hard to come by, this is another way our expansive network of pharmacists is positioned to help.”

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has established an approved method for compounding Tamiflu, creating a liquid mixture that ensures the most effective and proper dosing. Walgreens pharmacists are trained in compounding and have the necessary ingredients to begin producing Tamiflu Oral Suspension from capsule form upon depletion of the manufacturer’s supply.

Tamiflu is the most-prescribed antiviral flu medicine¹ for both children and adults.

Seasonal Flu Shots Offered Daily at all Walgreens from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

On Sept. 1, Walgreens began offering seasonal flu shots at more than 7,000 locations, including its pharmacies and Take Care Clinics for $24.99. Through the end of September, all clinics and Walgreens pharmacies will have immunizing pharmacists or nurse practitioners on staff from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, offering shots on a walk-in basis or by appointment. Shots are available outside those hours if an immunizing pharmacist or nurse practitioner is on duty. Age restrictions vary by state, health condition-related restrictions may also apply.

With more than 16,000 pharmacists, nurse practitioners and physician assistants licensed or certified to provide flu shots, Walgreens has the largest retail network of immunizers in the U.S.

Walgreens (www.walgreens.com) is the nation’s largest drugstore chain with fiscal 2008 sales of $59 billion. The company operates 6,997 drugstores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Walgreens provides the most convenient access to consumer goods and services and cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services in America through its retail drugstores, Walgreens Health Services division and Walgreens Health and Wellness division. Walgreens Health Services assists pharmacy patients and prescription drug and medical plans through Walgreens Health Initiatives Inc. (a pharmacy benefit manager), Walgreens Mail Service Inc., Walgreens Home Care Inc., Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy LLC and SeniorMed LLC (a pharmacy provider to long-term care facilities). Walgreens Health and Wellness Division includes Take Care Health Systems, the largest and most comprehensive manager of worksite health and wellness centers and in-store convenient care clinics, with more than 700 locations throughout the country.

¹ IMS Health, 2006