October 16th through the 22nd is National Pharmacy Week! As a specialty pharmacy, ContinuumRx is proud to serve a specialized group of patients that need us. However, you may wonder what constitutes a specialty pharmacy and how to know if you need their services. So, in honor of National Pharmacy Week, we’re explaining what differentiates a specialty pharmacy and who requires these types of services.

Pharmacy vs. Specialty Pharmacy

A pharmacy is described as a facility or store where medicinal products are dispensed. A specialty pharmacy, however, is a state-licensed pharmacy that provides medications for more complex conditions. These types of medications can typically be separated into two groups: biologics and traditional drugs.

Specialty pharmacies are often required by patients with the following conditions that include, but are not limited to:

  • Cancer
  • Psoriasis
  • Arthritis
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Inflammatory bowel diseases

What to Look for in a Specialty Pharmacy?

When deciding on a specialty pharmacy, patients and physicians need to look for providers who can meet their unique needs. For example, if a physician is looking to partner with a specialty pharmacy to take on some of their patients’ infusion treatment, they want to ensure their care methods align with that pharmacy.

Even if a specialty pharmacy offers standard infusion services, patients may require or prefer home infusion to ease the burden on their schedules. A patient may also want a quiet and relaxing environment to undergo their treatment that is conveniently located, and a company that has infusion clinics or centers can be a big plus. That’s why it’s always important to vet a potential infusion provider to ensure they are the best company to serve you or your patient’s needs.

This National Pharmacy Week, get to know your local infusion provider like our team at ContinuumRx! We’re a specialty pharmacy that’s been serving the industry for over twenty years. Learn more about how we partner with health systems and providers in the Nashville, TN, Knoxville, TN, Birmingham, AL, Huntsville, AL, and Chantilly, VA, areas!

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