A specialty pharmacy patient doing yoga while her dog sleeps nearby

What is a specialty pharmacy?

Specialty pharmacy, defined

Specialty treatments support patients with complex or chronic, often life-threatening conditions, such as cancer, autoimmune disorders or rare genetic diseases. Specialty treatments can be more costly and often require special handling needs such as temperature-controlled shipping, as well as high-touch clinical support.

Your Care Team, working as one

Your specialty pharmacy Care Team and provider will work closely to make sure you’re getting the best treatment possible, no matter how complex.

You: The patient

Focusing on your own care and health needs, without having to manage your treatment logistics

Care Team: Supporting you at every step

Answering your questions and connecting you with the right team members at the right time

Specialty Pharmacists: Facilitators of your treatment

Staying closest to your day-to-day treatment, syncing with your provider to ensure you’re getting the best care

Your Provider: Your doctor or nurse practitioner

Leading the treatment strategy, prescribing and working with the pharmacy to manage side effects and keep you on track

You: The patient

Focusing on your own care and health needs, without having to manage your treatment logistics

Care Team: Supporting you at every step

Answering your questions and connecting you with the right team members at the right time

Specialty Pharmacists: Facilitators of your treatment

Staying closest to your day-to-day treatment, syncing with your provider to ensure you’re getting the best care

Your Provider: Your doctor or nurse practitioner

Leading the treatment strategy, prescribing and working with the pharmacy to manage side effects and keep you on track

We’re experts in complex treatment

We’ll deliver treatments for rare and complex conditions like cancer or HIV that need a higher level of pharmacy support. Plus, we’re tuned in to your needs throughout your journey.

A specialty pharmacy patient managing his prescriptions online

Guidance in insurance verification and financial support programs

Dedicated, condition-specific clinical programs to support and track the progress of your treatment

Special handling needs like temperature-controlled packaging or coordination for treatments taken by infusion or injection

Holistic care for the entire scope of your health goals

Learn about the process

What you can expect

If your insurance plan referred you to us, we’ll call you. If you want to speak with a member of the Specialty Care Team first, call 800-516-9180.

You’ll be supported by a team of experts who are specialized in your condition. They’ll provide personalized care that takes all of your conditions, treatments and health goals into account.

A specialty pharmacy patient and her grandaughter laughing together

Get updates on your Rx and order refills directly from your phone. Simply agree to receive text messages and email notifications from us. You can also create an online account.

Try texting OPTIN to 58732 to get started.*

A mobile device screen showing "RX Received" as the prescription status

* By texting OPTIN to 58732, you agree to receive automated text messages and calls from Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy about your prescriptions and health-related notifications. Consent is not required to get care or services. Text messages are unsecure and unencrypted. You can text STOP to opt out of both texts and calls. Review our Communication Policy and Privacy Policy.

A specialty pharmacy patient and her grandaughter laughing together