After more than 40 years in business in Catonsville, Oakdale Pharmacy on Edmondson Avenue will close as of Friday, and its space will be taken over by Oakdale Wine and Spirits.

A letter was mailed by store owner Robert Pugaczewski to customers on Wednesday announcing the change.

In the past two years, changes to consumer health insurance policies have significantly impacted the store's business, said pharmacy manager Jan Huppmann.

With many health insurers requiring less expensive mail-order prescriptions, it's become more difficult for independent pharmacies to stay in business. Huppmann said that even she is required to have her prescriptions filled through the mail.

The pharmacy is part of Epic Pharmacy, a national group of independently owned pharmacies.

"Several of our staff are in the same boat," Huppmann said.

Huppmann, a Catonsville resident who has been manager for 35 years, said she will now manage the liquor store. Several of her employees will be staying on.

Customers who had their prescriptions filled there will have their prescriptions transferred to the CVS Pharmacy at Edmondson Avenue and Winters Lane.