Mike Segar/Reuters
- Amazon is selling an exclusive line of generic over-the-counter medications.
- The private label-line is manufactured by drugmaker Perrigo, which is known for its store-brand over-the-counter medications for things like allergy and cold medications.
- CNBC reports that the line of medications, called "Basic Care," has about 60 products.
Amazon is selling an exclusive line of over-the-counter generic medications.
The line, called "Basic Care," is essentially store-brand versions of medications you might pick up at a grocery or convenience store, like allergy medications or pain relievers. The products are manufactured by Perrigo, which is known for its store-brand over-the-counter medications for things like allergy and cold medications.
The Basic Care line is sold alongside other brands of over-the-counter medications — generic and branded.
CNBC reports that Amazon launched the line back in August 2017, and the line now has about 60 products.
"Basic Care medicine, available exclusively on Amazon, is manufactured under the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) oversight, with the strictest quality assurance standards," the Basic Care page on Amazon states. "Everyone should have their basic healthcare needs met, without having to pay for extras like expensive marketing."
On the prescription side of the industry, speculation that Amazon could be getting into the prescription drug business has been popping up for months. CNBC reported in May that Amazon is seriously considering entering the pharmacy business, leading to speculation about what that might look like. Healthcare companies, which could see their industry change if Amazon does get into it, have been taking the tech giant very seriously.
Of course, the decision to launch a private-label over-the-counter brand doesn't necessarily mean Amazon will get into the prescription business as well. In addition to over-the-counter products, Amazon also sells medical supplies to medical practices.
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