Pfizer Offers Free Lipitor, Viagra to Jobless

70 drugs available to those who lost jobs since Jan. 1
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted May 14, 2009 10:27 AM CDT
Pfizer Offers Free Lipitor, Viagra to Jobless
In this Jan. 25, 2009 file photo, a bottle of Pfizer's Lipitor is shown.    (AP Photo)

Pfizer is unveiling a new program that will let people who have lost their jobs and health insurance keep taking some of its medications—including Lipitor and Viagra—for free for up to a year. The world’s biggest drugmaker will provide more than 70 of its prescription drugs free to Americans who lost jobs since Jan. 1 and have been on the drug for 3 months or more.

The announcement comes amid massive job losses caused by the recession and a campaign in Washington to rein in health-care costs and extend coverage. The move could earn Pfizer some goodwill in that debate after long being a target of critics of industry prices and sales practices. The program also likely will help keep those patients loyal to Pfizer brands. (More Pfizer stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X