Patient Perspectives on the Use of their Home Pharmacies for Advanced Therapy Prescriptions in Rheumatology

Objectives While prior studies suggest patient outcomes and safety are improved when all patient medication prescriptions are filled by 1 pharmacy coordinating this component of care (their “home pharmacy”), rheumatology patients on advanced therapies (b/tsDMARD) are provided alternate options by industry sponsored support programs (PSPs) for dispensing these specific medications. This study aims to describe where individuals on advanced therapies fill these prescriptions and their perceptions on the available options. Methods In the first half of 2025, a survey on patient perceptions about PSPs was made available in the waiting room at 3 rheumatology centers in Edmonton, Alberta; the survey was also electronically shared with all patients using b/tsDMARDs signed up to a patient portal at 1 site. A portion of the survey focused on, in addition to collecting demographic data, where patients fill their b/tsDMARD, and how important it was to them to fill the prescription at their home pharmacy. Data were analyzed descriptively. Results Of 580 respondents, 244 provided responses about which pharmacy dispenses their advanced therapy. While 51% are able to access their b/tsDMARD at their home pharmacy, 23% use a pharmacy as instructed by their PSP, and 15% receive it delivered to their home. 56% of all patients preferred to fill prescriptions at their home pharmacy, 35% indicated it did not matter, while 9% were not sure. Of those who fill at their own pharmacy, 84% preferred this option, 10% indicated it did not matter, while 6% were not sure. Of those who did not fill at their home pharmacy, 32% would prefer to use their home pharmacy. There was no difference in patient preferences based on age, gender, income, education, type(s) of insurance, or if they lived in an urban vs rural community. Conclusion Individuals on advanced therapies generally prefer to fill their prescriptions at their home pharmacy. In order to best accommodate patient preferences, as well optimize overall patient outcomes and safety, patient support programs should be encouraged to transparently work with their clients to ensure their medications are filled in a manner that is most preferred by them.