Amazon Will Now Deliver Medications to Your Doorstep

Amazon is launching an online pharmacy that delivers prescription medication to your doorstep, the Seattle-based company announced Tuesday. The announcement comes one day after the company said it would launch a grocery delivery service, and is further proof that Amazon is increasingly broadening its scope to become involved in more aspects of consumers’ lives.

Amazon Pharmacy will launch in more than 50,000 pharmacies in 45 states. The company is also offering discounts for prime members paying without insurance, including 80% off generic medications and 40% off brand-name medications.

Amazon Pharmacy also offers a 24/7 customer assistance line staffed by pharmacists.

Prime members will get free two-day shipping on their medications. Non-prime members get free shipping within five days of placing orders.

Amazon Pharmacy uses the software and fulfillment infrastructure created by PillPack, a pharmacy provider that Amazon purchased in 2018, according to industry publication Grocery Dive. PillPack currently provides customers who take multiple daily medications with pre-sorted dose packaging.

Amazon Pharmacy will not deliver Schedule II controlled medications, including most opioids.

We designed Amazon Pharmacy to put customers first bringing Amazons customer obsession to an industry that can be inconvenient and confusing, says TJ Parker, vice president of Amazon Pharmacy. We work hard behind the scenes to handle complications seamlessly so anyone who needs a prescription can understand their options, place their order for the lowest available price, and have their medication delivered quickly.