Cancer patients have so much to keep track of, from doctor appointments and test results to treatment schedules and insurance papers. If you’ve been prescribed medications that are integral to your care, keeping up with your prescriptions becomes an important priority—from taking the drugs as directed and refilling them promptly to managing the side effects they may cause.
City of Hope® Pharmacy understands that cancer is a complex disease, and that oncology medications play a key role in fighting it. That’s why we make our staff available throughout your cancer journey to handle your pharmacy needs, from your hospital bed to your front door.
As the in-house specialty pharmacy at City of Hope, City of Hope Pharmacy serves cancer patients across the country, both at the hospital and in their homes—before, during and after treatment. Our pharmacy is staffed by pharmacists who have comprehensive training in the many facets involved in delivering specialty pharmacy care.
Our oncology pharmacy provides quality care in several ways:
City of Hope Pharmacy guides you through the process of ordering your prescribed medications, such as oral chemotherapies, and works with drug manufacturers to deliver medications securely and promptly to your home. Our pharmacists also take the time to educate you and your caregiver, helping you understand your medications and manage the side effects they may cause.
City of Hope Pharmacy coordinates with your care team to help you understand how and when to take your medications as prescribed, to help avoid and manage drug-related side effects and to alert your doctor to potential drug interactions.
City of Hope Pharmacy serves as a liaison between you and your insurance provider, handling billing and insurance logistics, securing authorizations for medications, and working with patient assistance programs on your behalf to help you find financial support if you qualify for it.
Hours: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM (ET), Monday - Friday
City of Hope Pharmacy plays three key roles in your care: as the go-to pharmacy for your medication needs, as a member of your care team, and as a liaison with your insurance company. Among the possible benefits we offer, City of Hope Pharmacy:
Q. Is a pharmacist available to answer clinical questions?
A pharmacist is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help with your clinical questions and medication concerns. You can reach the on-call pharmacist by calling the pharmacy. If your question is about a prescription status or insurance coverage, please call the pharmacy during normal business hours. If you feel that you are experiencing a true medical emergency, please call 911 immediately.
Q. How do I place a prescription order?
Your prescriptions may be sent to us electronically by a member of your care team or they may be dropped off in person at City of Hope Pharmacy. We’ll contact your insurance company to determine your coverage and let you know your financial obligation as soon as possible. We can also let you know if you qualify for financial assistance.
Q. How do I obtain a refill?
One of our technicians will reach out to you about a week before you are scheduled to run out of your medication. Our technician will ask questions to determine how you’re feeling and whether you are experiencing side effects, and connect you with a pharmacist if you have questions. Our technician can schedule the refill for you.
Q. How do I access medications in case of an emergency or a disaster?
If there is an emergency or a disaster, City of Hope Pharmacy will make every possible effort to help you avoid an interruption in your medication regimen. If possible, we may be able to obtain an override to fill the prescription early if delivery delays are expected. We also can arrange to have the medication delivered via a courier service, or transferred to a different pharmacy, if either of those would help you receive the medication in a timely manner.
Q. How do I check on the status of my prescription?
You can check on the status of your prescriptions during normal business hours. Please call City of Hope Pharmacy, and one of our technicians can update you on the status of your prescription, insurance or shipping.
Q. What information do I need to know about prescription substitutions?
If it is deemed financially beneficial to our patients, City of Hope Pharmacy will institute prescription substitutions, unless specifically stated otherwise by a physician.
Q. Can I transfer my prescription to a different pharmacy?
City of Hope Pharmacy is the most convenient option for managing any specialty medications. If a transfer is necessary, all you have to do is call your pharmacy to schedule this transfer.
Q. If a medication is not available at City of Hope Pharmacy, what should I do?
If there is a medication that cannot be dispensed by City of Hope Pharmacy, we’ll find another pharmacy that can fill your prescription and transfer it there, doing everything we can to make the process as seamless as possible for you.
Q. What should I do if there is a medication recall?
If your medication has been recalled, City of Hope Pharmacy will be notified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and/or the manufacturer. City of Hope Pharmacy will then reach out to you directly to inform you of the recall, to determine if the medication has been taken, and to outline next steps. If you haven’t taken the medication, you may be instructed to return it to City of Hope Pharmacy, and you will be sent directions and packaging to do so.
Q. How do I dispose of my medications?
If your medications are injectables, you should dispose of the needles in the “Sharps” container that City of Hope Pharmacy sends with your initial shipment. Please call your local county government to determine when and how pick-ups are managed. For instructions on proper disposal of oral medications, please refer to this FDA website.
Q. What should I do if I experience an adverse reaction?
You can call City of Hope Pharmacy or your physician if you experience a reaction to your medication at any time. Our pharmacists will work with you to help you manage side effects. If your reaction is severe, call 911.
Q. How do I report concerns? Or if I determine there was an error?
If you have a concern or a grievance, please call City of Hope Pharmacy directly and report the details. Each complaint is investigated and resolved within 10 business days. If you suspect an error, such as receiving the wrong medication, please call City of Hope Pharmacy. Each error will be handled immediately, and you will be guided through the resolution process.
Q. What additional information is there for new or prospective patients?
Please take a look at our City of Hope Pharmacy Welcome Packet in English or Spanish, a document provided to all new patients that explains in more detail our services, instructions on managing your medications, and important forms to fill out.
Hours: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM (ET), Monday - Friday
Fax: 678-552-2014