Specialty Pharmacy Frequently Asked Questions

When Should I Contact Denver Health Specialty Pharmacy?

You should call our specialty pharmacy team if:

  • Your address, telephone number or insurance information has changed.
  • You have any questions regarding the status of your prescription.
  • You have concerns regarding how to take your medication.
  • You need to reschedule or check the status of your delivery.
  • You need to start or stop a medication or if your dose changes.
  • You have a reaction or allergy to your medicine.
  • You would like additional information regarding your plan for therapy.
  • You suspect an error in shipping or dispensing has occurred.
  • You notice your medication has been recalled by the FDA.

 

You should also contact us with any other questions or concerns. Our staff is happy to assist you with 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 educational materials and consumer advocacy support.

Where to Keep Your Medicines

  • In a cool, dry place unless directed to refrigerate.
  • In a place that help remind you to take them.
  • NOT in the sun, the bathroom or the car.
  • Away from children and other family members.

What to Ask the Pharmacist

  • What each medicine is for.
  • ANY questions you have about your medicines such as:
    • If my pills look different, are they the same?
    • Why did you change my dose when my care provider didn't say anything about a different dose?
    • Why is the name on the bottle different from what my care providers said?

Will My Medication Be Substituted With Another?

From time to time, it is necessary to substitute generic drugs for brand-name drugs. This could occur due to your insurance company preferring the generic be dispensed or to reduce your copay. If a substitution needs to be made, a member of our specialty pharmacy team will contact you prior to shipping the medication to inform you of the substitution.

Drug Interactions

Many drugs interact with other prescription medications, over-the-counter medications and food. Be sure to ask our pharmacist about potential interactions.

What If My Drug Is Recalled?

Our specialty pharmacy follows the drug recall guidelines by the FDA, and the drug manufacturers and/or state and federal regulatory agencies. We contact you and your provider if a drug recall affects you.

What If There Is Severe Weather or a Natural Disaster?

We make every effort to deliver your medicines and supplies early if there is a weather event. If we are unable to deliver your medicines or supplies, we transfer your prescription to another pharmacy. If there is a disaster in your area, call 303-602-8726 to tell us where to deliver your medicine. Be sure to let us know when you return to your home. Make sure your contact information on file is up to date to avoid delay or disruption in your therapy.

Patient Safety Information

  • Adverse drug reactions
    • Patients experiencing adverse drug reactions, acute medical symptoms or other problems should contact their primary care provider (PCP) or local emergency room or call 911.
  • Sharps and sharps disposal
    • After using your injectable medication, place all needles, syringes and lancets and other sharp objects into a sharps container. Do not dispose of sharps in the trash unless they are contained within a sharps container. Do not flush them down the toilet. If a sharps container is not available, a hard plastic or metal container with a screw-on top or other tightly securable lid containers could also be used. Before discarding, reinforce the top with heavy-duty tape. Do not use clear plastic or glass containers. Containers should be no more than three-quarters full.
  • Needle-stick safety
    • Never replace the cap on needles.
    • Throw away used needles immediately after use in a sharps disposal container.
    • Plan for the safe handling and disposal of needles before using them.
    • Report all needle sticks or sharps-related injuries promptly to your physician.

Important Reminders

  • Know the names of your medicines
    • Most medicines have at least two names (the generic name and the brand or trade name).
  • Have a list of all your medicines with you at all times.
    • Your care provider should give you a list of medicines every time there is a change.
    • You can ask your care provider or the pharmacist for a list of your medicines at any time.
  • Tell your care provider and pharmacist about the following.
    • Vitamins, supplements and other medicines you take
    • Any allergies you have to medicines and the reaction (rash, breathing problems, stomachache, etc.).