Specialty Pharmacy

Why do I need UC Health Specialty Pharmacy?

UC Health Specialty Pharmacy was designed to serve patients by providing access to complex and costly medications that may not be readily available at local pharmacies. These medications often treat complex conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, hepatitis C, Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis, ulcerative colitis, solid organ transplant, and some types of cancer. Many of these medications require unique storage requirements, special handling, and ongoing clinical monitoring. To meet these needs, UC Health Specialty Pharmacy provides ongoing coordinated care, personalized medication education, coordination of medication coverage, and timely medication delivery.

What are the hours of operation?

Monday through Friday 8:30AM to 5PM (except on observed holidays)

Curbside pickup is available Monday through Friday 9AM to 4PM

Where is UC Health Specialty Pharmacy located?

Address: 3200 Burnet Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45229

The specialty pharmacy offers curbside pickup for your convenience, or you may pick up at any of our UC Health retail pharmacy locations.

How do I contact UC Health Specialty Pharmacy?

Call us at 513-585-9700 or 1-855-779-6245 (toll free) to speak to a Specialty Pharmacy employee. Pharmacists provide on-call services for emergency situations after business hours.

Will UC Health Specialty Pharmacy contact me?

We will call you to:

• Set up initial medication dispense and refills.
• Provide counseling on your medications.
• Confirm your pick-up or delivery method and delivery address.

You should call if:

• Your address, telephone number, or insurance information have changed.
•  You have any questions or concerns about your prescription.
• If you suspect an error or experience a delay in receiving your medication.

How do I provide feedback or file a complaint about my service?

Please contact us at any time if you have a question or concern. You may file a complaint by calling us directly at 513-585-9700 or 1-855-779-6245 (toll free).

Medication Access & Coverage

How much will my medication cost?

Your copay will vary depending on your insurance. We will provide your exact cost after your prescription has been processed.

What if my insurance company does not cover my medication?

Our staff works directly with your physician and insurance company to obtain coverage for your medication. If coverage is denied, we will contact you and your physician to discuss other options.

What if I am uninsured or cannot afford my medications?

If you are unable to afford your medications, our staff can discuss alternative payment options with you. UC Health can help you apply for public assistance or determine whether you qualify for discounts based on your family size, income, and residency. Some patients may also be eligible for financial assistance through drug companies or charitable foundations. We can connect you with UC Health’s Financial Assistance Program to review available options and help enroll you in a program if you meet eligibility requirements.

Will my insurance company let UC Health Specialty Pharmacy dispense the drug?

UC Specialty Pharmacy can dispense medications for most insurance plans. Some insurance companies may require use of a different pharmacy. If that happens, we will work with you to transfer your prescription to an eligible pharmacy of your choice.

Does UC Health Specialty Pharmacy have access to all specialty medications?

UC Health Specialty pharmacy has access to most specialty medications. If we are unable to obtain a specific medication, we will contact you and arrange to transfer your prescription to another pharmacy that can provide it.

Will you ever substitute my medication with another one?

When available and allowed by law, the pharmacy will provide an FDA-approved generic version of the medication ordered. You have the right to refuse a generic medication however some insurance providers prefer the least costly medication to be dispensed.

Refills & Delivery

How do I order refills from the Specialty Pharmacy?

You can request a refill by calling the pharmacy or online. We do not automatically ship specialty medications. Even with online requests, we will need to verify information before delivery is scheduled. If you have questions or need assistance at any time, please call us during normal business hours.

How will my medication be delivered from the Specialty Pharmacy?

We offer delivery through UPS, USPS, or courier services. When arranging your medication fills, we will verify your preferred delivery method and address to ensure correct delivery.

Do I need to be home to sign for my delivery?

You may need to sign for your medication depending on the delivery method. This will be determined when setting up the delivery.

Can I pick up my medication in person?

We offer a curbside service at the Specialty Pharmacy, or you can pick up your medication at any of our UC Health pharmacy locations.

Can I fill my non-specialty medications at UC Health Specialty Pharmacy?

Typically, we do not fill non-specialty medications. If we receive a prescription for a non-specialty medication, we will transfer it to one of our retail pharmacies who will fill your medications and coordinate a separate delivery.

Patient Safety

We care about your safety. Here are some suggestions that can help prevent injury or illness.

Keep a list of the names and strengths of any medications, including over the counter medications and supplements. Bring the list to every doctor’s appointment. Let the pharmacy know if you are allergic to any medicines.

Keep all medications, including over the counter medications and supplements out of the reach of children and pets. Call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 if poisoning occurs.

Hand-washing is the best way to make sure you do not get an infection. Remember to always wash your hands before and after you prepare or handle any medication.

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
• Lather for 30 seconds, then rinse and dry.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to keep your hands clean between washings.

What should I do if I have an adverse reaction to a medication?

If the reaction appears serious or life threatening, call 911 or have someone take you to the nearest emergency room. If the reaction is not life-threatening, contact us or your prescribing physician to discuss your symptoms and figure out next steps.

Can I return my prescription?

Most prescription medications cannot be returned. If you have concerns about your medication or suspect it is defective, please call us and we will work with you to find the most appropriate solution.

How do I dispose of unused or expired medications?

There are medication disposal boxes found in the lobbies of Hoxworth, Physicians’ Office Building, and Discharge Pharmacies through the Prescription Drug Take Back Program.

Helpful resources on how to properly dispose of unused medications can be found here:

• FDA: Where and How to Dispose of Unused Medications
• Ohio Board of Pharmacy: Drug Disposal Resources

How do I dispose of needles, lancets, and syringes?

After using an injectable medication, place all needles, syringes, and lancets into a “sharps” container (usually made of hard plastic or metal with a small opening such as a bleach or detergent bottle). Once sealed, these can typically be placed in the regular trash. Please check with your trash collector for more information.

You can also visit: https://safeneedledisposal.org/about-us/

What should I do if my medication has been recalled?

While we will contact all patients impacted by medication recalls, if you suspect that your mediation has been recalled by the FDA, we recommend contacting the dispensing pharmacy for more information and instructions.

What should I do if I have an emergency or disaster?

The effectiveness of some medications can be destroyed by high temperatures and flooding. Contact the pharmacy to discuss replacing your medication if they were exposed to heat, such as from a fire, or unsafe water.

If you experienced a loss of power and take medications that require refrigeration, contact the pharmacy to discuss steps to replace the medication.

More information can be found here:

FDA: Safe Drug Use After a Natural Disaster