US Medical Term · medications
Specialty Pharmacy
Farmacia especializada
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Specialty Pharmacy |
| Spanish (Español) | Farmacia especializada |
| Chinese (中文) | 特殊藥局 |
| Korean (한국어) | 전문 약국 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Nhà thuốc chuyên biệt |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Espesyalisadong parmasya |
| Portuguese (Português) | Farmácia especializada |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | ร้านยาเฉพาะทาง |
| Japanese (日本語) | 専門薬局 |
What it means
A specialty pharmacy is a licensed pharmacy that dispenses complex, high-cost medications used to treat serious chronic conditions such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, hepatitis C, or rare diseases. These pharmacies offer additional services beyond a typical retail pharmacy, including clinical monitoring, help with insurance prior authorizations, copay assistance programs, and home delivery. Many specialty drugs require special handling, storage such as refrigeration, or particular administration methods. Your insurer or doctor may require you to obtain specialty medications only from pharmacies in the plan's designated specialty network to ensure proper coverage and support.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
My insurance requires me to use a specialty pharmacy for this biologic medication.
Mi seguro me exige usar una farmacia especializada para este medicamento biológico.
Will the specialty pharmacy help me with prior authorization paperwork?
¿La farmacia especializada me ayudará con el papeleo de autorización previa?
Can I pick up my specialty medication at a regular pharmacy, or must it be shipped?
¿Puedo recoger mi medicamento especializado en una farmacia regular o debe enviarse?
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026