7 Things to Know Before Getting Your Specialty Medication Delivered by Mail

Specialty medications often require special handling, monitoring, and coordination. Because of this, it’s common that you’ll need to use a mail-order specialty pharmacy to receive them. In fact, you may not even know you’re taking a specialty medication until you receive a call from the pharmacy about arranging your prescription delivery.

Here are some tips to help you get your specialty medication delivery at the most affordable price and in the most convenient way for your needs. 

1. Research your specialty pharmacy options

In most cases, your healthcare provider will send your prescription to a specialty pharmacy they know and trust. But that doesn’t mean it’s the only pharmacy you can use. There may be a local specialty pharmacy in your area that’s more convenient for you. Or a different specialty pharmacy your prescription insurance prefers.

If you have insurance, a good place to start is their online portal. You can also call the phone number on the back of your card for help finding a specialty pharmacy they prefer. If you’re uninsured or underinsured, it may be a good idea to call around and learn about pricing information and financial assistance resources from several different specialty pharmacies to find the best option. Your healthcare provider may have a price list available, so you can ask them for help as well.

2. Let the specialty pharmacy know the best way to reach you

The best first step when you’re setting up a specialty medication delivery is to make sure the pharmacy filling it knows how to reach you. Let them know what telephone number you prefer, and give them a second number to try (such as the number for your workplace or significant other) if you don’t answer. Some specialty pharmacies can also reach out to you via text message or email if that’s easier for you.

Once you’ve made your preferences clear, be sure to save the specialty pharmacy’s number in your phone, and make a note of it somewhere else. That will help you avoid missing calls if any issues arise.

3. Order your medication before you need it

As a general rule, it’s a good idea to ask for a refill about 1 week before you need it from a specialty pharmacy. This gives them time to set up your medication delivery and make sure it gets to you on time. It also gives a buffer in case shipping is delayed by weather or insurance issues.

You can also ask about automatic refills if it’s a medication you’ll be taking for a while. That way, the pharmacy will automatically ship the medication to you when you need it, without you having to manually order it each time. This can be a convenient option for many people. But remember that if you’re going to be traveling or at a different location than usual, you’ll need to let the pharmacy know in advance.

4. Ask about any supplies you’ll need to take your medication

Specialty medications are often injectable. So you may need needles or syringes, alcohol swabs, and a sharps container to use at home. Ask your pharmacy what supplies they provide and what you’re responsible for getting yourself. That way you’ll be prepared with everything you need to inject your medication.

Good to know: Many specialty pharmacies have videos and resources available online that show you how to inject your medication. They may also have someone available by phone to help answer any questions or talk you through injection steps. So be sure to ask your pharmacy if they provide these resources and how to access them.

5. Ask your specialty pharmacy about shipping details

Every specialty pharmacy works a little differently. Knowing how your pharmacy handles shipments can help you plan ahead to get your medication on time. It can also help you know what to do in case of an emergency. For example, if it normally takes 2 days to receive your medication, but the pharmacy offers same-day delivery for an added fee, that could come in handy if you need your medication last minute.

Here’s a list of questions to ask your specialty pharmacy if you’re receiving your medication by mail:

• What days do shipments go out?

• How far in advance do you need to order your medication?

• What type of delivery service do they use?

• Will the delivery require a signature?

• Can you request a signature requirement if you prefer it?

• How long should it take the medication to get to you once it ships?

• Will they provide a tracking number, and how will you receive it?

• Is next-day or same-day shipping available? And does it involve an extra cost? 

• Is there someone available on-call when the pharmacy is closed in case of an emergency?

6. Watch the weather and plan accordingly

Specialty medications often need to be stored at a specific temperature. If they get too hot or too cold, they may not be safe to use. So extreme temperatures during shipping could be an issue without the right precautions.

Inclement weather can also affect shipping time. It’s common for packages to be delayed a day or two if there’s severe weather not only in your area, but wherever the specialty pharmacy is located, too.

If severe weather is headed your way, reach out to the pharmacy about shipping your medication before or after the expected weather. This can help you avoid any shipping issues.

And be sure to ask your specialty pharmacy how they protect your medication from temperature changes during shipping. Often, they’ll include a temperature strip that shows if the medication was stored at a safe temperature during shipping. But sometimes you’ll have to ask for that to be included in your package.

Let the pharmacy know right away if you receive medication that’s clearly not at the proper temperature. They’ll let you know what to do and send a replacement if necessary.

7. Plan ahead for travel

If you’re not at home when your medication arrives, several problems can happen. In some cases, the package will be left at your door. This could be an issue if it sits there too long and the temperature isn’t ideal. It also makes it more likely your package could be stolen.

If the package isn’t left, it could be returned to the pharmacy if you aren’t home to receive it. Which means you won’t get your medication. Or it could be held at the delivery company’s local office, where storage could also be an issue.

So it’s best to let your pharmacy know ahead of time if you’ll be away from home when your medication delivery is scheduled. They may be able to change when it’s sent with advance notice. If you’re going on vacation, they may be able to fill your medication early so you’ll have it while you’re away. Or they may be able to ship it to you wherever you’ll be, instead of to your home.

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Written by:

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Kentucky and is licensed in New York and Massachusetts.

Reviewed by:

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS, is a licensed pharmacist in Arizona, Colorado, and Rhode Island. He has worked in the pharmacy industry for more than 10 years and currently serves as a pharmacy editor for GoodRx.

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