Rite Aid News

Rite Aid Helps Americans Breathe Easier During Allergy Season

Free Allergy Guides Online and at Rite Aid Stores Nationwide; Pharmacists Available to Offer Expert Advice

Local Pollen Counts Available by Zip Code and Educational Games for Children Through www.riteaid.com

Camp Hill, PA (March 19, 2009) - More than 50 million Americans are affected by allergies, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology (AAAAI). And while there are no cures for allergies, Rite Aid and AAAAI are teaming up to help those affected find the best treatments for their symptoms. Resources including an Allergy Health Guide will be available at more than 4,900 Rite Aid stores nationwide and online starting March 29.

Customers who spend $20 or more on select allergy-related products will receive a $5 to $25 Rite Aid Gift Card, depending on the amount of purchase, in the mail through Rite Aid's Single Check Rebate Program. Products must be purchased between March 29 and May 30, when the program ends.

For additional allergy information, those visiting www.riteaid.com will be able to access their local pollen counts by zip code, read the latest research from the AAAAI and try interactive games and puzzles that teach children about allergies and asthma.

The 12-page color Allergy Health Guide at www.riteaid.com and in Rite Aid stores will cover topics including:

• The tell-tale differences between allergies and the common cold or flu, both of which are still spreading in an unusually late season;
• Potential complications of untreated allergies, such as acute or chronic sinusitis;
• Common treatments for allergies based on symptoms, a brief explanation of how they work and a breakdown of allergy products available at Rite Aid;
• Nonseasonal allergies such as pet dander, mold or dust mites;
• Detailed instructions on how to reduce allergens within the home;
• Information on reactions to nickel, latex and other nonbiological triggers;
• Other breathing disorders including asthma and exercise-induced asthma; and
• The possible connection between asthma and weight management.

The AAAAI recommends patients talk to an allergist about their symptoms and range of treatment options. Patients can find a nearby allergist by visiting www.aaaai.org. Then Rite Aid's knowledgeable pharmacists can help them get the right advice about the recommended treatments. Pharmacists are an especially important link in the health-care chain for under- and uninsured Americans, a group that the 2007 U.S. Census pegged at nearly 46 million. Pharmacists also are the best trained to answer questions on common over-the-counter medications and explain possible drug side effects, such as the sensitivity to sunlight that accompanies many antihistamines.

Rite Aid pharmacists also can help patients prevent and anticipate allergy and asthma outbreaks with simple suggestions such as using eye drops before mowing the lawn. By being proactive, allergy sufferers can avoid becoming sidelined from school and work. The AAAAI estimates the annual economic impact of allergies nationwide approaches $8 billion in medical costs and lost productivity.

Rite Aid's focus on allergy awareness is part of its yearlong commitment to health and wellness. Each year Rite Aid offers free information, answers and education on health and wellness topics including skin care, oral health, diabetes, weight management and heart health.

Rite Aid Corporation is one of the nation's leading drugstore chains with more than 4,900 stores in 31 states and the District of Columbia with fiscal 2009 annual sales of more than $26.1 billion. Information about Rite Aid, including corporate background and press releases, is available through the company's Web site at http://www.riteaid.com.

###

Contact:

Media:Eric Harkreader 717-975-5713