Frequently Asked Questions - Specialty Pharmacy Services

A specialty pharmacy provides complex and costly medications, usually requiring special storage and handling, that may not be available at your local pharmacy. The medications are typically injected, taken by mouth, or infused.

• Sometimes, these medications have side effects that require monitoring by a trained pharmacist. CHKD Outpatient Pharmacy focuses on supplying these medications while providing you with excellent customer service and clinical support.

CHKD Outpatient Pharmacy can process medications under most insurance companies. Occasionally, your insurance company will require the use of another pharmacy. In these instances, we will transfer your prescription to the pharmacy of your choice and have the new pharmacy contact you.

According to the FDA, an approved generic drug is the same as a brand name-drug in dosage, safety, strength, quality, performance, and intended use and can be safely substituted.

• Unless your doctor indicates the brand product is medically necessary, our pharmacy may substitute for the generic alternative in accordance with state and federal pharmacy regulations. In circumstances where the brand medication is requested, your insurance may charge a higher copay.

You should call CHKD Outpatient Pharmacy if you:

• Have changed your address, telephone number, or insurance information.
• Have any questions regarding the status of your prescription.
• Have concerns regarding how to take your medication.
• Need to reschedule or check the status of your delivery.
• Need to start or stop a medication or if your dose changes.
• Have a reaction or allergy to your medicine.
• Would like additional information regarding your plan for therapy.
• Need to report a suspected medication issue, or if you believe an error in shipping or dispensing has occurred.
• Notice your medication has been recalled by the FDA.

Our staff is happy to assist you with other questions or concerns regarding your specialty pharmacy needs, including:

• Working with another specialty pharmacy to get your medications delivered.
• Helping you get access to medications during an emergency or disaster.
• Providing you with tools to manage your therapy (including education materials and consumer advocacy support).

• Call 911 or have someone drive you to a hospital emergency room if the reaction appears serious or life threatening.
• Contact CHKD Outpatient Pharmacy or your doctor who prescribed the medicine to report the reaction.

Yes. Follow your doctor’s instructions for both the amount and the length of time you should take your medication.

• We understand that some medications may have unpleasant side effects or be difficult to administer. Our pharmacists are available to offer practical advice on dealing with these issues and can help you to  contact your prescriber regarding the medical management of these side effects.

• Once your prescription is dispensed from the pharmacy, it cannot be returned.
• If you suspect your medication or device is defective, please call us and we will assess if a new medication or device needs to be sent to you.
• If you believe the medication you are taking has been recalled, please call our pharmacy and someone from our staff will assist you.

For instructions on how to properly dispose of unused medications, please contact our pharmacy or visit the FDA’s website for information and instructions:

• FDA.gov/forconsumers/consumerupdates/ucm101653.htm
• FDA.gov/drugs/safe-disposal-medicines/disposal-unused-medicines-what-you-should-know

Additionally, CHKD Outpatient Pharmacy is a DEA authorized collection location.

• To help prevent medication abuse, accidental ingestion by children, and to limit surface and groundwater contaminants, we offer a free, year round drug take-back program. Return your unused or expired medications in the big green bin inside our pharmacy labeled “Safe Drug Disposal”.