Amazon Pharmacy is launching vending machines for prescription drugs

Amazon Announce On Wednesday, prescription vending machines debut at its medical clinics. New in-office kiosks, operated by Amazon Pharmacy, allow patients to pick up their prescriptions directly after their appointment.

Amazon Pharmacy kiosks will be available at Single medical sites In Los Angeles starting in December, Amazon plans to expand to more locations soon after.

After a provider writes a prescription, patients can choose to have it sent to Amazon Pharmacy for in-office kiosk pickup. Patients then use their phones to check out the Amazon app, after which the medications are usually “ready in minutes.”

The kiosks contain a range of commonly prescribed medications, including antibiotics, inhalers, and blood pressure medications. Amazon notes that each kiosk’s inventory is customized based on its specific location’s prescribing patterns, and that controlled substances and medications that require refrigeration are not available through the kiosks.

Patients will be able to use the Amazon app to see upfront costs, including available discounts and estimated insurance labels, and connect with a licensed pharmacist via video consultation or phone if necessary.

Hannah McClellan, vice president of operations at Amazon Pharmacy, said in a… press release.

US pharmacy chains are struggling. Rituals help last week It closed all of its remaining stores; CVS has closed more than 1,000 stores since 2021; Walgreens closed 500 stores over the past year.

Amazon’s new kiosks could disrupt brick-and-mortar pharmacy businesses even more.

The launch of the kiosks marks the latest move from Amazon to expand its presence in the healthcare sector. In 2018, Amazon Purchased online Pillpack For $750 million then Amazon Pharmacy launched In 2020. Two years later, he bought One medical primary care provider.