Specialty Pharmacy

Specialty Pharmacy Overview

Over the years, new research has greatly improved the way we manage diseases through the development of new medications. We can now treat or better manage many conditions that we couldn't previously. However, due to the newer science behind these medications, they are often expensive and complex, requiring special education and training to use properly. Pharmacies that regularly dispense these medications are commonly referred to as "specialty pharmacy.”

A specialty pharmacy provides products and services to patients who take medications with highly specialized requirements for shipping, handling, storage, dispensing, and administering. Specialty medications often cannot be found at your local pharmacy and may include injectable medications as well as medications taken orally and through infusion.

London Drugs Specialty Pharmacies provide comprehensive service to our patients, including:

• Facilities equipped with medical-grade refrigerators and ambient temperature controls in order to maintain the cold chain. This ensures the medications are safely and properly stored

• Strict observance of guidelines for shipping, handling, storage, dispensing, and administering of specialty medications

• Counselling for patients on the safe use and storage of their specialty medications, along with advice for managing side effects and drug interactions

• Coordination of benefits to help our patients get access to these medications in a timely manner

Specialty pharmacy is an evolving field, set up to meet the needs of patients who are receiving these medications. At London Drugs we strive to continually evolve our specialty pharmacy services to meet those needs.

Specialty Pharmacy Products

London Drugs is committed to delivering the best care for patients requiring specialty medications. Our list of specialty drugs continues to grow to meet the needs of our patients. Currently, the specialty medications dispensed by London Drugs treat a variety of conditions, including:

Please contact your local London Drugs for more information about our specialty pharmacy product offerings.

About London Drugs Specialty Pharmacy Staff

London Drugs specialty pharmacy staff are trained in the highly specific and technical requirements of dispensing specialty products, including safe and proper shipping, handling, and storage. Our specialty pharmacists are continually being educated on the clinical requirements of these specialized medications, including drug interactions and side effects management.

Other things you should know about London Drugs specialty pharmacists:

• Our pharmacists receive ongoing training. Because specialty pharmacy is a rapidly evolving field, continuous learning is essential for our pharmacists to stay up-to-date and informed. In order to provide the best care, we provide regular training to our staff pharmacists to make sure they help deliver the best care possible.

• Our pharmacists provide medication counselling. Your London Drugs specialty pharmacists are qualified to help you learn what you need to know about your specialty medication, to help you manage potential side effects and interactions, and to work cooperatively with other members of your healthcare team so your care is consistent. They may also refer to your questions to our Specialty Pharmacy Call Centre for more complex questions in order to ensure optimum care.

Coordination of Benefits

How London Drugs Specialty Pharmacies can help The price of many specialty medications is high, and the billing process is often complicated. The London Drugs Specialty Pharmacy Call Centre simplifies the process by coordinating with various payers on a case-by-case basis to make sure benefits and reimbursements are processed smoothly and in a timely manner. Our Call Centre is staffed with specially trained coordinators to help process prescription drug claims, allowing the pharmacy staff more time to provide patient education.