Expires 06/01/2021

Specialty Pharmacy

Your partner in navigating the ins and outs of prescriptions — at no extra cost.

Alto Pharmacy Technician

Alto Pharmacist

At Alto, we’re obsessed withour missionto improve quality of life for everyone who needs the help of medicine. Our mission guides us in all we do and every decision we make. 

Services that reduce travel and encourage social distancing are now more essential than ever, not only for vulnerable populations but all of us as members of our communities. Alto’s free same-day doorstep delivery ensures you have safe and reliable access to medications in this time of uncertainty. 

Hear first-hand from members of the Alto technology teams.

Alto / Blog

In this post we’ll take you on a tour of our app including how to transfer and pay for a prescription, schedule upcoming deliveries, and message a pharmacist, all from your device. 

How to Make the Most of the Alto Pharmacy App

The Alto app puts pharmacy at your fingertips. With a nearly perfect customer rating, it’s one more way we make managing your medications easier and convenient. In this post we’ll take you on a tour of our app including how to transfer and pay for a prescription, schedule upcoming deliveries, and message a pharmacist, all from your device. 

Download the Alto Pharmacy app today to get started. 

Have prescriptions at other pharmacies? It’s now even easier to transfer your prescriptions to Alto -  just take a photo of your current medication’s label and we’ll do the rest! Select “Add medications” from the main page in the app and upload a photo that clearly shows: 

Our team will coordinate the transfer, search for any savings on your medications, and reach out when it’s time to schedule your free delivery.

At the doctor’s office? Tell them your pharmacy of choice is Alto and show the staff our handy pharmacy info card. It’s available in the top left corner (click the Info Card icon) and pick the Alto location closest to you.  

As soon as your prescription is ready, we’ll send a text or give you a call to schedule your free delivery. It’s really that simple.

With our latest iOS app release, you can now check out with Apple Pay. This feature allows you to make contactless, secure purchases. To set up Apple Pay on your device, follow these instructions. 

You can also manage other payment options (including FSA/HSA, debit and credit cards, and automatic funds transfer) in the Payment Methods menu in your Account settings. And Android users - we didn’t forget you. We're working to integrate Google Pay in the near future. 

Our free, same-day courier delivery model means you’ll never need to go to the pharmacy again. Pick the day and delivery window that works best and let us know if we should deliver to your home or office. You can designate a safe place for packages to be left if you won’t be home. We also offer contact-free signature capture for those expensive medications. 

Your medications will be hand-delivered by a member of our local courier team. Not sure if we deliver to your neighborhood? View our full list of locations here.

Busy schedules mean it can be hard to remember when to take your medications. With custom medication reminders, it’s easier to stay on top of your prescriptions. Head to “Reminders,” select the prescription you’d like to set a reminder for and input the specifics of your medication’s schedule: day(s) of the week, time(s) of day, amounts.

You’ll receive a push notification at the scheduled time and once you've taken your medication, you can check off the dose in the app to track your progress. To turn on push notifications select “Settings” on your phone, tap “Notifications,” and select “Allow notifications” for the Alto app.

Future You will thank you when you turn on Auto Refills for recurring medications to automatically receive refill deliveries right on schedule. Plans change? We’ll confirm the delivery ahead of time in case there’s anything you need to update. 

From your Meds list: open an active prescription to view medication details, your last copay and next available delivery date. Turn on Auto Refills to receive your next delivery a few days before your current supply runs out.

From your cart: turn on Auto Refills during checkout so your next delivery is automatically scheduled.

From your Account settings: view and edit details for all active eligible medications, enroll eligible medications,* and schedule deliveries in the Auto Refill menu.

Questions about coverage, copays or medication side effects? First time taking an injectable medication? Our pharmacists are available to provide advice via in-app secure messaging. 

We take your privacy seriously - our in-app messaging is built with industry-standard encryption and data security practices. Our pharmacists and care team are just a text, chat, or an email away: Monday through Friday 6 am - 9 pm PT ( 9 am - 12 midnight ET) and Saturday and Sunday from 7 am - 6 pm PT (10 am - 9 pm ET).

We’re here to support you with exceptional pharmacy care every step of the way. Our team will look for any available savings to help you get the lowest price, and we’ll deliver your medications to your home for free. 

You can also switch to Alto in minutes by going online at alto.com or by calling us at 1(800) 874-5881. For more information on how to transfer a prescription to Alto visit here.

*Automatic refills are only available for prescription medications that have refills remaining on the prescription and are not available for controlled substances. Some insurance plans may also limit automatic refills.

How to Make the Most of the Alto Pharmacy App 

In recognition of Women’s History Month, we highlight four women at Alto shaping the future of pharmacy. These leaders share their advice for women in the workplace, their unique super powers, and what they appreciate most about Alto's culture.

Celebrating Women at Alto Pharmacy

Liz Kelly, National Sales Manager Fertility 

I'm responsible for hiring, coaching and supporting the needs of the national fertility sales team. I also work closely with fertility business and operations teams to deliver on our clinic and customer promises.

Before joining Alto, I was finishing up a sabbatical where I spent my time volunteering on the board of a non-profit called ServeHAITI. Prior to that, I was the West Coast Area Business Director at EMD Serono and worked with Matt and Jaime [Alto’s co-founders] to secure a contract to distribute fertility meds when they were still working out of AG Pharmacy!

What do you appreciate the most about Alto's culture? 

Hands down my favorite part of being on the Alto team is that the patient is truly at the center of every decision we make. I value that we make business decisions with our mission in mind.

What do you like doing outside of work?  

Of late, my favorite pastime is heading to the dog beach with my rescue, Bodhi, who has been the best medicine to ease some of the COVID-19 isolation I experienced over the past year. Before the pandemic, I made sure to travel to at least one new international spot a year. I love the experience of getting exposed to all things about another culture: cuisine, culture, belief systems, language.

I like to think that my super power is seeing the greatness in others, sometimes before they see it in themselves.

I aspire to live by the motto "be the change you wish to see in the world." I encourage women to speak up for what they believe is right, even if nobody else agrees. That includes planning for your own career path and making it a priority to develop your skill sets so that you are prepared to climb the ladder that serves your own greatness.

I graduated from pharmacy school in May of 1979 and started working at AG Pharmacy after passing my boards later that year. I bought AG in 1998 when the previous owner wanted to retire - he had been with AG since it first opened in the early 60's.

My family moved to San Francisco from Hong Kong when I was five years old. Our story is one similar to those of many immigrant families who came to America looking for a better life in search of the American dream: own a home, have a car, raise children safely and give them the opportunity of a good education and a chance to have a better life. My parents raised their children here, emphasizing family, hard work and education. They lived their American dream, and I have them to thank for all that I am today.

What’s your favorite thing to do outside of work? 

I love to travel. There are so many unique places to visit in this world. With the different cultures, the food, and the amazing sceneries/landscapes, there are endless things to see and experience! 

The thing I appreciate most about Alto's culture is that everyone works so hard together to bring about the best pharmacy experience for all our customers. You can feel the energy and the motivation of all the Altoids. I cannot emphasize how amazing it is to be a part of this team and to watch Alto grow and evolve into the pharmacy of the future and the pharmacy of our dreams!

What’s your favorite memory thus far at Alto? 

In the very early days, when Alto was still Scriptdash Pharmacy, a customer needed to get her trigger shot [as part of a fertility protocol] within the next few hours. It was close to rush hour, and we had no couriers available to deliver to the South Bay. Our CEO Matt came to the rescue on his motorcycle, and off he went to make the delivery. It was such a wonderful and warm feeling to watch and cheer him on together. That is truly what Alto love is all about!

I manage our amazing IT Support team, helping all Altoids get the technology support they need, when they need it. 

For the better part of the last decade I have been managing IT Support teams. From Facebook and Twitter to Lyft and Uber, I’ve seen it all (or at least most of it!).

Our incredible dedication to our mission. In my short time here, I truly see us putting patients first, and it’s moving to see. 

What do you like doing outside of work? 

I’m a big traveler, but since COVID-19 has put a damper on that, I enjoy flying around Colorado with my partner in our vintage Beechcraft Bonanza. I also love hopping on my motorcycle and just exploring! 

I’m in love with Central and Eastern Europe. Some of my favorite places are Prague, Vienna and Budapest. 

Elnaz Moshfeghian, Senior Engineering Manager

I’m originally from Iran but moved a lot growing up, including Oklahoma, Australia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Chicago. I have been in San Francisco for the last six years. I stumbled across software engineering in college and found a passion for building products and teams. I joined Alto as the third engineer and this is now the largest company I’ve ever worked at. 

I lead a group of 20 engineers across three teams. Two teams are focused on getting prescriptions ready to schedule quickly and accurately, and one is focused on enabling faster, higher quality, and more enjoyable product development across the broader product and technology organization. My work involves a lot of collaboration, creativity, transparency, and flexibility. 

I was an early software engineer at a small startup; before that I was a hybrid software engineer and product manager at a design and development studio. 

I like how passionate everyone is about what they do. 

I’m at my best managing a crisis or finding a path through conflicting strong opinions. 

I want to start with some advice for our allies: get more curious about the experience of the women you work with and learn about ways you can support and amplify the work of the women around you. Diversity, equality and inclusion is a team sport and, even if we win a game or two, it’s about the continuous pursuit of excellence. 

For my fellow women at Alto, I wish I knew earlier to focus more on improving my craft and impact so I can get a seat at the table, rather than trying to juggle advocacy and my own work. Once you’re at the table, you can really advocate for hiring, growing, and retaining women. 

To learn more about the work of our six employee resource groups (ERG’s) focused on building community - including Umoja (Black), Auténtico (LatinX/Hispanic), Women (WOAA), Proud (LGBTQIA+), Asian/Pacific Islander, and Working Parents - read our 2020 Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Report. 

Are you passionate about shaping the future of pharmacy? Join us as we deliver our industry-leading pharmacy care to millions of Americans. 

If you have received a prescription delivery from Alto, chances are high that you’ve noticed a caramel sitting alongside your medications. Read on to learn more about Béquet Confection’s start and how this female-founded business remains successful twenty years later.

Béquet Confections: The Story Behind Alto Pharmacy’s Caramel

If you have received a prescription delivery from Alto, chances are high that you’ve noticed a caramel sitting alongside your medications. Alto’s co-founders knew early on that they wanted to include an unexpected moment of delight in each delivery: “We wanted to put a smile on our customers' faces, knowing that taking medicine may not always be the most pleasant experience,” shared Matt Gamache-Asselin, Alto’s CEO and co-founder. “After tasting Béquet’s caramel, we knew we found a winner.”

Read on to learn more about Béquet Confection’s start and how this female-founded business remains successful twenty years later. 

Béquet Confections was founded in 2001 by Robin Béquet and is now one of the largest gourmet caramel manufacturers in the U.S. Robin transformed her hobby into a full-fledged entrepreneurial endeavor at the encouragement of friends and family who couldn’t get enough of her gourmet caramel.

Twenty years later, Béquet Confections continues to delight customers across the nation with varieties such as Celtic Sea Salt®, Salt-Chocolate, and Butterscotch. They’ve received numerous accolades including the sofi™ award, presented by the Specialty Food Association, which is considered one of the most prestigious awards in the gourmet food industry. 

So what sets Béquet Gourmet Caramel apart from the competition? It’s about having a passion for doing something better than anyone else, and that starts with using high quality ingredients. 

The entire process takes place at a facility in Bozeman, Montana, the town where Robin originally started the business. Each batch of Bequet’s Celtic Sea Salt® caramel is hand-crafted under the watchful eye of a master caramel chef, and includes non-GMO sugar, antibiotic-free milk and, of course, authentic Celtic Sea Salt®. This particular grey salt is harvested from the north of France and undergoes a thorough sifting process. 

The raw ingredients are poured into small stainless steel kettles and slow-simmered to a very specific temperature. This a key component of the process as temperature dictates both the flavor and color profile of the finished sweets. Once the caramel is cooked to perfection, it is poured onto a cooling table and cut into strips. The staff then completes a quality control check to ensure the salt is evenly distributed  for the perfect balance of sweet and salty. 

Robin credits the community of Bozeman for supporting her dream and helping the business grow. Without the local assistance of retailers who took a chance on stocking the product, neighbors who championed for her, and even landlords who offered reduced rent, Béquet Confections wouldn’t be where it is today. 

Two years ago, Life is Sweet purchased Béquet Confections. “We’re proud to be a part of the Life is Sweet family of brands and look forward to continuing Robin’s legacy of producing the most exquisite gourmet caramel,” shared Lyndsey Althans, Director of Finance & Administration at Béquet Confections.

To learn more about Béquet Confections and find a local retailer near you, visit their site. Use the code ALTO20* to save 20% off your next online purchase. 

*Limit one use per customer, shipping fees are excluded. Not valid in stores or on previous orders; may not be combined with other offers. Béquet Confections reserves the right to terminate special offers without notice at any time.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, is an HIV prevention method. Many people are still learning about the medication. Here are six PrEP myths debunked.

Debunking Common Myths about PrEP

Pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, is an HIV prevention method. Its most common form comes as an oral medication taken by those who don’t have HIV. PrEP can help prevent HIV from infecting and spreading through your system. Since PrEP is relatively new, many people are still learning about the medication. Here are six PrEP myths debunked.

First, let’s look at its efficacy. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), PrEP has been shown to reduce the risk of getting HIV from sex by 99% when taken as prescribed. And it can even reduce the risk to intravenous drug users by 74% if taken daily. Currently, the two FDA-approved PrEP medications are Truvada® and Descovy®.

Consistent use allows the medicine to remain present in the bloodstream of an HIV-negative individual. If you’re exposed to HIV, PrEP will block the invading virus from spreading throughout your body.

Myth: You don’t need to use condoms on PrEP.

PrEP provides protection from HIV, but it does not protect against other STDs like gonorrhea and chlamydia. Using condoms along with PrEP can help reduce your risk of contracting an STD.

Myth: You can start taking PrEP after you’ve been exposed. 
PrEP is for people who are at risk for HIV. According to the CDC, PrEP is not the right choice for people who may have been recently exposed to HIV. If you think you’ve been exposed in the last 72 hours, talk to your health care provider, an emergency room doctor, or an urgent care provider about post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) immediately. 

Myth: PrEP is only for gay men. 
PrEP is recommended if you have an HIV-positive partner, a partner with multiple partners, or a partner whose HIV status is unknown. Truvada® is also specifically recommended for those taking drugs intravenously and who are at risk. Descovy® is not for those at risk through vaginal sex. 

Myth: You don’t need to take PrEP every day. 

PrEP is a both a daily prescription and on-demand medication depending on your situation and risk level. Studies have shown on-demand PrEP to be effective for gay and bisexual men having sex without a condom who are not at ongoing risk of HIV, but studies have yet to show the medications on-demand efficacy for heterosexual partners. The daily medication is for those with an ongoing risk of contracting HIV. In this situation, PrEP needs to be taken every day as prescribed for it to work effectively. If it’s not taken daily, there may not be enough medicine in your bloodstream to block the virus. 

To help you remember to take your PrEP pill, you can try our helpful Reminders feature in the Alto app that will let you know when it’s time for your next dose. To ensure you don’t run out of PrEP, you can also opt into auto refills so that we can reach out to you when you’re close to being due for your next delivery.

It’s true that paying for PrEP out-of-pocket can be costly. The good news is that most insurance plans and state Medicaid programs cover PrEP. There are also PrEP assistance programs that can help you get the medication for low or no cost, even if you don’t have insurance.

If you think PrEP may be right for you, make an appointment with your doctor or healthcare provider. They can answer any questions you have, write a prescription for you (PrEP is prescription-only), as well as help you set up your HIV test, which is required before you can start taking PrEP. If you don’t have a health care provider or can’t get a prescription from your doctor, organizations like Please Prep Me can help quickly connect you with a provider who can write you a prescription for PrEP. 

If you have additional questions, we recommend talking it over with your provider. When it comes to helping you set up auto refills, daily reminders, or to ensure you get your medications the day you need them, our team of expert pharmacists is here to help. We’ll also deliver your prescription for free and send you quarterly lab reminders. You can download the Alto mobile app from the App Store or Google Play to get started.

Reach out to our HIV speciality team at 1 (800) 874-5881 (call/text) or send us a message through our mobile app. 

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Starting Friday, March 12, residents of the greater Dallas-Fort Worth metro area can now choose Alto’s same-day doorstep delivery for their pharmacy needs.

Hello, Dallas-Fort Worth!

Alto’s launch in the Dallas-Fort Worth market extends our industry-leading patient care model to even more Texans. 

Starting Friday, March 12, residents of the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area can now choose Alto’s same-day doorstep delivery for their pharmacy needs. 

At Alto, we believe it’s our job to ensure you have your medications at the best price, on time and with the support you need. We bring pharmacy to you - no more waiting in line, making an extra trip, or finding out your prescription isn’t ready to be picked up after you’ve already arrived. Our free doorstep delivery means your medications come directly to you on the day and time you select, and most medications are available the same-day. Stay up to date on your courier’s progress with text alerts or in our mobile app. 

Starting a new medication or doing an injection for the first time? Message a pharmacist with your questions, even in the evenings and on weekends. And we’re a full service pharmacy - we stock all major brand, generic, over-the-counter and specialty medications, meaning your entire family’s pharmacy needs can be managed in the Alto app and coordinated into one delivery.

Courier delivery windows
Monday - Friday: 6 - 9 pm CT
Saturday - Sunday: 2 - 5 pm CT

Walk-in hours
Monday - Friday: 9 am – 7 pm CT
Saturday - Sunday: 10 am - 5:30 pm CT

Dallas-Fort Worth residents interested in using Alto’s services for their medication needs can ask their doctor’s office to send all prescriptions to Alto Pharmacy (via ePrescribe, phone or fax). 

Have existing prescriptions at another pharmacy? Start a transfer online or give us a call at 1 (800) 874-5881, and we’ll handle the switch. 

Need to pick up? Our pharmacy is located at 475 State Highway 121, Suite 150, in Lewisville.

General customer support hours are Monday - Friday 9 am - 11 pm CT and Saturday - Sunday 10 am - 7 pm CT. Patients can reach out to Alto via phone/text at 1 (800) 874-5881, email or app.

Founded in 2015, Alto is a patient-centric digital pharmacy based committed to the health and wellbeing of you and your family. We provide free same-day delivery to your door seven days a week for prescriptions, but, more importantly, offer cost transparency, personalized in-app and phone support, and real-time coordination with doctors and insurance companies to get you the care that you need. Alto is headquartered in San Francisco with offices in Denver and currently delivers across the greater Bay Area, Los Angeles, Orange County, Seattle, Denver, Las Vegas, New York City, Houston and Dallas.

Reverend Stacey, who is also the Executive Minister at Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, sat down with us to share more about the challenges of fertility in the Black community, what fertility care providers can do to create more inclusive experiences, and some of her favorite memories in the history of FFCG. 

Rev. Dr. Stacey L. Edwards-Dunn on Her Mission To Improve Black Fertility Care

When it comes to fertility, there is a lot to navigate—from deciding which treatment option is right for you to figuring out how to afford the costs. In the U.S., about 11% of women experience infertility, and studies suggest that Black women are twice as likely to face infertility as white women. 

Rev. Dr. Stacey L. Edwards-Dunn is trying to change this. After working as a health educator in Chicago and an education director at Planned Parenthood, she founded Fertility for Colored Girls (FFCG) in 2013. As a 501c3, FFCG’s mission is to provide education, awareness, and support to Black women/couples and other women of color who struggle with infertility—something Stacey wished she’d had when she was on her own infertility journey. 

With 14 chapters across the country spanning urban and suburban communities, and with more opening each year, FFCG provides services including educational programs, grant opportunities, counseling, and monthly support groups where women can share their experiences and receive support.

What are the reasons Black women are almost twice as likely to experience infertility as white women?

There are a few factors behind this. The first is that in the Black community, infertility is a taboo topic. And it’s not something we expect to experience. In our communities, we have believed the hype that Black women are hyper-fertile. Much of this comes from breeding myths during slavery around our ability to be able to give birth. But the reality is, these myths are incorrect. So it begins with how we have been socialized and educated around our own reproductive health and our Black bodies. 

A second reason is that there are many Black women and couples who don’t trust the medical system. And because of this distrust, we’re not accessing health care. We think doctors don’t take us seriously and impose their biases on us. And even today, we still hear stories of Black women and couples having surgeries done on them and being sterilized without permission.

A third reason has to do with research. Most of the research around reproductive health and treatment has primarily been done on white women. So when research shows that in vitro fertilization (IVF) is not as successful with Black women, it’s because the trials haven’t included Black women. Once we start seeing more research done that includes black and brown women and other ethnicities then we’ll be able to tailor treatments better. 

A final reason has to do with marketing. We still have a number of fertility clinics that aren’t including women and babies of color and other ethnicities in their marketing. So Black women and couples don’t see themselves in the marketing and if you can’t see yourself, it makes it harder to feel welcome and to trust that you’ll get quality care. 

In addition to marketing and staffing, what other recommendations do you have for clinicians and fertility care providers to create a more accessible and equitable experience? 

I would say education. The staff working with women of color need to be educated. They need to be equipped with tools on how to be culturally sensitive to the Black women and couples that are coming into their spaces. Something I hear from Black women and couples is they want the doctor and team to partner up with them in their treatment—not to look down on them or talk at them. They want someone to walk with them on their journeys. 

Education can also help staff understand their own biases which, a lot of the time, they’re unaware of. It’s important they know what to say and what not to say to make sure they aren’t deterring Black couples. In addition, Black and other ethnicities need to be represented in executive roles and throughout the organization —from doctors to nurses to lab technicians. Making sure staff is inclusive, diverse, and culturally-educated.

Finally, they need to work with organizations like FFCG, who have their pulse on the community and can help them create relationships with the Black community. And they should be open to having these conversations not just during Black History Month, but all the time.

For the communities you work with and those who might not understand their family building options and the resources available to them, what do you want them to know? 

I want them to know there are multiple paths to parenthood. And though they are all different, they are not deficient. When I educate the women and couples I coach and that come to me, I help them focus on the goal, which is to be parents and to build a family. When you know the goal, then you can understand that you have other natural options, like IVF, intrauterine insemination, donor eggs or donor sperm, domestic adoption, et cetera. 

There is an option and a path that has been designed for everyone and I help them see that. Because when you have options, there are possibilities. I am very intentional about helping to open up the minds of the women and couples that I work with to help them see the goal. Because when you reach the goal of becoming a parent to a child, the reality is that you’re not going to love them any less because it is the child that God has sent you.

Is there a particular memory or moment that stands out for you since you founded Fertility for Colored Girls?

A powerful moment for me was when we gave away our first free IVF [cycle] to a couple. After experiencing a few unsuccessful IVF [rounds], they didn't have any money left and their state of Mississippi doesn’t have insurance toward infertility treatments. So they put their name into our raffle and won. They took the Megabus from Mississippi up to Chicago, Illinois to meet everybody that they had been talking to on the phone during prayer time. 

At this time, I was also one month away from giving birth to my daughter after seven in vitro cycles, so I really felt for them. Now they have five-year-old twins. This was significant because it was the first time we were able to provide physical resources to a couple in need. 

In addition to this, I am always so honored when women and couples call me and tell me they got a positive pregnancy test after IVF, or that their surrogate is pregnant, or their adoption just got approved. Often, I end up finding out before anyone else in their family does. I’m so honored that these women and couples trust me to share their journeys and their hearts. And most of them have never met me in person, they’ve just talked to me on the phone. 

These are women who have cried so many tears in silence and lived so long in shame, and they’ve found a successful path to starting a family. That is what gives me joy and fuels me to keep doing the FFCG work. It reminds me there’s still hope and the work that we are doing is not in vain. 

Is there anything else you’d like to highlight about your work with FFCG and your mission?

I will add that I think you are able to have peace on your [infertility] journey when the mind, body and spirit are aligned. Because if any of those aspects are not aligned everything can really fall apart. Therefore, my approach, and the mission of FFCG, is to minister to each aspect of a person’s life as they are all equally important. 

In addition, it’s important for people to know the resources that are available to them through FFCG—from grants they can apply for to education to support in our prayer circles. Many Black women and couples struggle with having the resources and support to move forward, so I want to make sure they know this.

To support or donate to Fertility for Colored Girls visit the FFCG site. You can also learn more about the Black Reproductive Endocrinologist and Infertility Specialists making history and bringing hope to their families on 2/25 at 6 pm CT. Register here.

At Alto, we know fertility treatment can be an emotionally, financially, and physically challenging experience. That’s why we believe choosing the right pharmacy can help you avoid additional stress caused by waiting for hours on hold, tracking down your medication delivery, and navigating insurance benefits.

Starting Wednesday, February 24, New York City residents can now choose Alto’s same-day doorstep delivery for all of their pharmacy needs. 

Hello, New York City!

Alto extends beyond fertility medication support to offer full-service pharmacy operations in New York City.

Starting today, Wednesday, February 24, New York City residents can now choose Alto’s same-day doorstep delivery for all of their pharmacy needs. 

Courier delivery windows
Monday - Friday: 

3 - 5 pm ET for Manhattan to 125th St, 4 - 6 pm ET full service area 

6 - 8 pm ET for Manhattan to 125th St, 7 - 9 pm ET full service area

4 - 6 pm ET for Manhattan to 125th St, 5 - 7 pm ET full service area

Walk-in hours
Need to pick up? Our pharmacy is located at 100 Park Avenue - that's 40th between Park and Madison.
Monday - Friday: 9 am – 7 pm ET
Saturday - Sunday: 10 am - 6 pm ET

New York residents interested in using Alto’s services for their medication needs can ask their doctor’s office to send all prescriptions to Alto Pharmacy (via ePrescribe, phone or fax). Have existing prescriptions at another pharmacy? Start a transfer online or give us a call at 1 (800) 874-5881, and we’ll handle the switch. 

General customer support hours are Monday - Friday 9 am - 12 midnight ET and Saturday - Sunday 10 am - 9 pm ET. Patients can reach out to Alto via phone/text at 1 (800) 874-5881, email or app.

Starting Monday, February 1, residents of the greater Houston metro area can now choose Alto’s same-day doorstep delivery for their pharmacy needs.

Hello, Houston!

Alto’s launch in the Houston market extends our industry-leading patient care model to Texas.

Starting Monday, February 1, residents of the greater Houston metro area can now choose Alto’s same-day doorstep delivery for their pharmacy needs. 

Houston area residents interested in using Alto’s services for their medication needs can ask their doctor’s office to send all prescriptions to Alto Pharmacy (via ePrescribe, phone or fax). 

Need to pick up? Our pharmacy is located at 4950 Terminal Street, Suite 200, in Bellaire.

Founded in 2015, Alto is a patient-centric digital pharmacy based committed to the health and wellbeing of you and your family. We provide free same-day delivery to your door seven days a week for prescriptions, but, more importantly, offer cost transparency, personalized in-app and phone support, and real-time coordination with doctors and insurance companies to get you the care that you need. Alto is headquartered in San Francisco with offices in Denver and currently delivers across the greater Bay Area, Los Angeles, Orange County, Seattle, Denver, Las Vegas, New York City and Houston.

In May 2020, a major clinical trial found that injections of long-acting cabotegravir, an antiviral medication, were highly successful at preventing HIV when taken as a form of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). We take a closer look at the study to find out what’s likely giving cabotegravir the edge and what this means for the future of PrEP.

What We Know about Injectable PrEP for HIV Prevention

A Hopeful Start for a Promising New Form of PrEP

The past year has been an exciting time in the world of HIV prevention. In May 2020, a major clinical trial found that injections of long-acting cabotegravir, an antiviral medication, were highly successful at preventing HIV when taken as a form of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). The injectable, which is given every eight weeks, resulted in 69% fewer new cases of HIV than Truvada, a daily pill. 

Learn more about PrEP in “All About PrEP for HIV Prevention.” 

When taken as prescribed, Truvada is highly effective, reducing the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99%. So how could injectable PrEP have such a strikingly superior protective effect? Let’s take a closer look at the study to find out what’s likely giving cabotegravir the edge and what this means for the future of PrEP.

The clinical trial looking into the effectiveness of long-acting cabotegravir for HIV prevention consisted of two parallel studies: HPTN 083 and HPTN 084. HPTN 083 looked at men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women, while HPTN 084 focused on cisgender women.

Each study randomly assigned participants to one of two arms: half were given a placebo injection and daily Truvada, while the other half received long-acting cabotegravir injections and a daily placebo pill. The Data and Safety Monitoring Boards overseeing the studies recommended that this randomized, blinded portion of both studies be stopped early, once data revealed cabotegravir to be highly effective in preventing HIV acquisition.

The results of these studies do not necessarily mean that long-acting injectable cabotegravir is more effective than daily Truvada. With perfect use, it’s likely that both forms of PrEP are similarly effective. 

What the results do suggest is that if a group of MSM and trans women are prescribed cabotegravir injections every eight weeks, they will end up with an estimated 69% lower HIV acquisition rate than a similar group that is prescribed daily Truvada. For cisgender women, that number is 89%. 

What makes cabotegravir more effective across a group of people is likely adherence (i.e. taking the medication as prescribed). Studies have shown that inconsistent use of oral PrEP can sharply reduce its effectiveness, and some people find it difficult to remember to take a pill every single day. Cabotegravir only needs to be administered every eight weeks, offering the potential to improve adherence, and thus, the preventative effect of PrEP.

Just like Truvada, injectable PrEP was considered safe and well-tolerated by the participants in the study. The most common side effects were injection site reactions such as pain, redness, and swelling. Only two percent of the 4,600 participants who received cabotegravir injections dropped out of the study due to this type of reaction compared to zero percent in the placebo group.

After the trials ended, the participants were informed about the results, and those who had been receiving daily Truvada were offered the choice to begin receiving injectable PrEP until the original end date of the study. They also had the option to continue taking Truvada. 

It may be some time before injectable PrEP becomes available to people outside the study, however. The results must first be rigorously reviewed and submitted for regulatory approval, and other safety measures and implementation issues will need to be addressed. 

While the news about injectable PrEP is undoubtedly a reason for excitement, oral PrEP continues to offer highly effective prevention for anyone at risk of HIV infection. 

The rate of HIV acquisition in the study was low overall, providing further proof of Truvada’s well-studied effectiveness. Still, the addition of a long-acting injectable form of PrEP offers an opportunity to improve adherence among those who have trouble with a daily regimen or simply find an injection every eight weeks preferable. 

As Myron S. Cohen, MD, the co-principal investigator of the HPTN trial and a professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, said in a press release, “Each year, an estimated 1.7 million people are newly diagnosed with HIV. To lower that number, we believe more prevention options are needed in addition to currently available oral tablets for daily use. If approved, a new injectable agent, such as long-acting cabotegravir administered every two months, could play an important role in reducing HIV transmission and helping to end the HIV epidemic.”

If you have trouble remembering to take your daily PrEP pill, try our helpful Reminders feature within the Alto app to alert you when it’s time for your next dose. You can even manage multiple medication schedules throughout the day and track your progress. 

And to make sure you never run out of PrEP, you can opt into Auto Refills when scheduling your next delivery to get your future refills delivered automatically. We’ll always remind you when your next fill is on its way so you can make updates to your delivery details.

Download the Alto mobile app from the App Store or Google Play to get started. 

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a long-term inflammatory condition that obstructs the airflow from the lungs. Here’s what you need to know about keeping your lungs healthy to avoid or manage COPD. 

Understanding Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

The delicate, branching structures of the lungs bear a striking resemblance to trees. The air you breathe travels down your windpipe, or trachea, and enters the lungs through two large tubes known as bronchi. Just like the roots and limbs of a tree, these tubes divide again and again into smaller bronchioles before finally ending in clusters of tiny air sacs called alveoli—what you might consider the leaves. 

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a long-term inflammatory condition that obstructs the airflow from the lungs and makes it difficult to breathe. Although it's the third leading cause of death in the U.S., the good news is that it can be prevented and treated to slow the progression and maintain quality of life. Here’s what you need to know about keeping your lungs healthy to avoid or manage COPD. 

COPD refers to a group of progressive lung diseases, meaning the condition becomes worse over time. The most common are emphysema and chronic bronchitis, and many people with COPD have both of these conditions. 

Emphysema destroys the fragile air sacs in the lungs, which impairs the airflow. The air carrying carbon dioxide out of the body cannot be adequately expelled and some remains trapped in the lungs. Fresh, oxygen-rich air is then blocked from entering the lungs, causing gradually worsening shortness of breath, even while at rest.

According to the Mayo Clinic, most people with emphysema also have bronchitis, which causes inflammation and narrowing of the bronchial tubes. With bronchitis, mucus builds up in the lungs, spurring a persistent cough. 

The CDC reports that sixteen million Americans have trouble breathing due to COPD. However, they estimate that the actual number includes millions more who have not yet been diagnosed. 

In the vast majority of people with COPD, lung damage is caused by cigarette smoking. According to the COPD Foundation, about 90% of people with COPD are current or former smokers. However, damage can also be caused by long-term exposure to irritating gases or particulate matter, including air pollution and workplace exposure to dust, smoke, or fumes. 

An estimated five percent of people with COPD have a deficiency in a protein known as alpha-1-antitrypsin, which causes the lungs to deteriorate and can also affect the liver. People with severe asthma can also progress into COPD. 

The most telling—and distressing—symptom of COPD is difficulty breathing. According to the Mayo Clinic, another major symptom is a constant cough that produces a lot of mucus. Additional symptoms may include chest tightness, wheezing, frequent respiratory infections, and fatigue. Severe COPD can cause swelling in the ankles, legs, and feet and weight loss. 

As a progressive disease, symptoms often begin mildly and may be confused for the common cold. But rather than clearing up after a week or two, the coughing and shortness of breath will continue to worsen over time and make daily activities more difficult. 

Unfortunately, by the time COPD symptoms appear, there may already be significant lung damage. Symptoms will continue to escalate, particularly if smoking or exposure to lung irritants continues. With proper intervention and treatment, however, most people with COPD can slow the disease’s progression and maintain their quality of life. 

People with COPD often experience flare-ups known as exacerbations. During these episodes, symptoms become much more severe for several days or weeks and may require treatment with antibiotics, oral corticosteroids, and even hospitalization. 

Respiratory infections or inflammation triggers—such as air pollution, secondhand smoke, dusts, fumes, or other toxic substances—are common causes of exacerbations. Anyone who experiences a marked increase in coughing, difficulty breathing, or mucus in the lungs should seek immediate medical attention. 

The best way to prevent COPD is to never smoke or stop smoking now. Quitting isn’t easy for most people, so it’s a good idea to enlist your healthcare provider’s support.  They may recommend nicotine replacement products or medications that can help. 

The CDC offers a variety of resources that can help you quit smoking, including a free text message program (text QUIT to 47848) and their quitSTART app, which is available for both Android and iOS. The Mayo Clinic outlines ten tips to help you resist the urge to smoke that you may find helpful as you get started. 

It’s also important to avoid secondhand smoke exposure and occupational exposure to chemical fumes and dust. If you work with any type of lung irritant, the Mayo Clinic advises talking with your supervisor about the best ways to protect yourself, like using respiratory protective equipment. 

Staying active will not only improve your overall health; it will also strengthen your lungs. The American Lung Association recommends getting thirty minutes of moderate physical activity five days a week. Both aerobic and muscle-strengthening exercises will benefit your lungs, so you can include anything from brisk walking to weight lifting to vigorous household cleaning. 

Lastly, make sure to get your annual flu vaccine each fall, as well as a pneumococcal vaccine, to prevent infections that can weaken your lungs. 

While there is no cure for COPD, treatment can ease symptoms and lower the risk of complications like heart disease, lung cancer, respiratory infections, pulmonary hypertension, and depression. 

COPD can be treated with medications, supplemental oxygen therapy, and surgery. However, many people with mild forms of the disease may only need to quit smoking and avoid other inflammation triggers. 

The most common medications used to treat COPD include: 

Bronchodilators, which usually come in inhalers and relax the muscles around the airways to make breathing easier. 

Inhaled corticosteroids, which help to reduce airway inflammation and prevent exacerbations. 

Oral steroids are sometimes used in short courses during periods of exacerbation to prevent further worsening of symptoms.

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