Offers access to limited-distribution MS drugs and non-MS medications.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Furthering its commitment to personalized patient care and continuing education for pharmacy staff, this month Walgreens has designated 20 locations as multiple sclerosis (MS) specialized pharmacies. The pharmacies also are opening up access to limited-distribution MS drugs and non-MS medications that can help manage MS ­comorbidities.

“With the availability of new MS medicines and advances in managing the disease, the pharmacies will increase access for patients to limited-distribution MS drugs and non-MS medications that can help manage MS comorbidities,” said Matt Farber, senior director of patient care and advocacy for multiple sclerosis at Walgreens. “As treatments become more complex, Walgreens’ specially trained pharmacists and pharmacy staff are uniquely positioned to care for people living with MS and provide comprehensive pharmacy care. Pharmacists and pharmacy teams at the MS specialized sites receive training conducted via Walgreens and our NASP ProCE partnership. This training focuses on treatment considerations in MS, the therapeutic and treatment landscape, and how specialty pharmacy can best help those living with MS,” he added.

Farber said Walgreens launched the program with an initial network of 20 locations and more to follow. The specialty sites are located throughout mainland United States, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. Many locations are also located in proximity to neurology centers of excellence.

Farber noted that in previous studies patients who have used Walgreens community-based specialty pharmacies for their MS medication were significantly more adherent to these medications than those using other classes of trade pharmacies.