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Pharmacy Vending Machine
Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the purpose of the pharmacy vending machines?

A: The pharmacy vending machines were implemented as an initiative to provide students with 24/7 access to affordable over-the-counter (OTC) medications, contraceptives, and personal care products. An example of this commitment to affordability is with the generic Plan B product. The OTC item for emergency contraception is approximately $13.50 in the pharmacy vending machines, while other retail establishments have this priced around $50.

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Q: Where are the pharmacy vending machines located?

A: The 8 PhVMs are currently located inside the Córdova Recreational Sports Center (COREC), Wilmeth Active Learning Center (WALC), Hillenbrand Residence Hall, Ford Dining Hall, Earhart Residence Hall, Stewart Center, Material Sciences and Electrical Engineering Building (MSEE), and Rawls Hall.

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Q: What products are available in the pharmacy vending machines?

A: Products available at the pharmacy vending machines are subject to change but typically offer the following products*:

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Q: What are the generic names of OTC medications found in the machines?

A: The Purdue Pharmacy Vending Machines offer both generic and brand name drugs. Listed below are the brand names and their generic counterparts: 

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Pain/Fever

  • Ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin)

  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Allergy/Cough/Cold/Flu

  • Free COVID-19 Antigen Tests

  • Loratadine (Claritin)

  • Banophen (Benadryl)

  • Daytime cold-flu relief (Vicks Dayquil Cold & Flu)

  • Nasal decongestant spray (Afrin)

  • Cough drops

​Other

  • Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) – motion sickness

  • Hydrocortisone 1% cream (Cortizone-10) – itching

  • Triple antibiotic ointment (Neosporin) – skin infection prevention

  • Phenazopyridine (Azo) – urinary pain relief

  • Miconazole (Monistat) – vaginal yeast infection

  • Artificial tear drops (Visine) – eye redness​

Contraceptives and sexual wellness products

  • Condoms

  • Emergency contraceptive one-step (Plan B) tablets, 1.5 mg

  • Lubricating jelly

  • Pregnancy tests

Personal care products

  • Free Tampons and Pads

  • Deodorant

  • Tissues and wipes

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Lip balm

  • Toothpaste and mouthwash

Stomach Symptoms

  • Loperamide (Imodium A-D)

  • Simethicone (Gas-X)

  • Bismuth subsalicylate (Bismatrol/Pepto-Bismol)

  • Calcium carbonate (TUMS)

Q: Where do the products in the pharmacy vending machines come from?

A: All products are sourced directly from the Purdue University Pharmacy located on the West Lafayette campus.  

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Q: How do the prices of products in the pharmacy vending machines compare to other retail pharmacies?

A: Products in the pharmacy vending machines are in general more affordable to counterparts in a retail pharmacy. The priority of the Purdue University Pharmacy is to improve accessibility to affordable, non-prescription, over-the-counter (OTC) medications.

An example of this commitment to affordability is with the generic Plan B product.  The OTC item for emergency contraception is approximately $12 in the pharmacy vending machines, while other retail establishments have this priced around $50.

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Q: I have a question about the product I purchased. Who can I ask for more information?

A: The Purdue University Pharmacy (Room 118 of the Robert E. Heine Pharmacy Building) can be reached Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM when classes are in session and from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM when classes are not in session at 765-494-1374. Outside of these hours, other local pharmacies can be contacted to answer questions related to OTC products.

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Q: I purchased emergency contraception from the pharmacy vending machine, but where can I get access to birth control services?

A: The Purdue University Pharmacy offers birth control services, including birth control pills, patches, vaginal rings, and depot injections. A full list of services offered can be found on the Services page.

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Q: I purchased an over-the-counter (OTC) medication from the pharmacy vending machine, but where can I get my prescription medication?

A: Prescription services are offered by the Purdue University Pharmacy on the West Lafayette campus. A full list of services offered can be found on our home page.

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