Lipitor, Lyrica, Celebrex and Viagra Free for the Unemployed

Drug giant Pfizer said people who are unemployed and have been taking its products could in some cases receive them free for up to a year in a new program called MAINTAIN. The patient assistance program will provide free access to more than 70 Pfizer drugs including Lipitor, Lyrica, Celebrex and Viagra.

It’s a smart marketing move that keeps people taking the branded versions instead of stopping or going generic.

To be eligible, a person must have lost their job sometime this year and started taking the branded Pfizer medication at least three months before losing their job. They must also be without prescription drug benefits and must be able to attest to financial hardship.

News coverage and more information:

Drug Makers Try to Ease Recession’s Pain
Recession Giveaway! Pfizer Offers Free Drugs to the Jobless
FT.com / UK - Pfizer offers free drugs to jobless