[New York Post] Amazon just handed the nation’s pharmacy chains a tough pill to swallow.The e-tailing giant on Tuesday launched Amazon Pharmacy, a new online store that will allow customers to order prescription drugs directly to their homes.
The news sent shares of CVS tumbling 8.6 percent, while Rite Aid plummeted 16 percent and Walgreens Boots Alliance fell 9.6 percent on fears that the drugstore sector is the latest to land in Amazon’s crosshairs.
Amazon Pharmacy will ship common medicines like insulin and asthma inhalers, as well as generic or brand-name drugs. The new service won’t sell opioids or other drugs that are at higher risk of theft. The service requires a doctor’s prescription, like at a regular pharmacy, and will accept most insurance.
Customers will be able to speak to pharmacists 24/7 via the company’s site, and will give customers the option to compare prices of different drugs, as well as quickly switch between a co-pay and non-insurance option. Prime members using the service will receive "up to 80 percent savings" on generic drugs when paying without insurance, and up to 40 percent on name brands, the company says.
No need for that long ride into town, you can find it right here at the company store.