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

Alto Pharmacy Technician

Alto Pharmacist

It’s official: Alto Pharmacy is a great place to work! We’re honored to join the community of Great Place to Work-Certified™ companies based on team member feedback and a rigorous assessment of our company’s culture and benefits.

Join us in delivering our industry-leading pharmacy care to millions of people across the country. As a member of the team, you’ll play an integral role in improving our customers’ quality of life and redefining what’s possible in pharmacy. 

Be Part of a Great Place to Work — Join Our Team

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

Read the latest Alto blog posts covering healthcare, family health, managing diseases, and other Alto highlights.

Blog | Alto Pharmacy

When you’re happy, we’re happy. That’s why we put together a quick guide with five tips for a great delivery experience, based on what we’ve learned from making more than a million deliveries to Alto customers just like you.

How to Have an Easy Alto Pharmacy Delivery Experience

When you’re happy, we’re happy. That’s why we put together a quick guide with four tips for a great delivery experience, based on what we’ve learned from making more than a million deliveries to Alto customers just like you.

Share any information needed to access your house or apartment  — for example, your intercom, gate code or apartment number/letter — by verifying your delivery address details and completing the “Delivery Instructions'' section in the Alto app. Head to Account > Delivery Addresses > Edit Address> Delivery Instructions to provide all of the specific info our delivery team needs to find your location. (If you don’t want us to ring the doorbell, this is the place to note that, too!)

2. Review your medication’s signature requirements

For controlled substances and medications of more than $500, either you or an authorized signer will need to be present to sign for your delivery. Many Alto customers with limited mobility choose to designate a caregiver as an authorized signer. Head to Account > Delivery Addresses > Edit Address> Delivery Instructions in the Alto app to add an authorized signer .

When required, you may sign electronically on your phone via a link you’ll receive by text, but your driver will need to physically see you during the delivery handoff. If an authorized signer is receiving medication on your behalf, they will be asked to sign for the medication and share their full name with our driver, who will note it in our delivery tracking system.

3. Designate a safe delivery space (and leave the front lights on!)

If your medication does not require a signature, you may schedule your delivery for a time when you are not at home by designating a safe space in the Alto app. Head to Account > Delivery Addresses > Edit Address >Delivery Instructions to provide all the specific info for your safe space. As a reminder, due to federal law, mailboxes are no longer accepted as safe spaces. Pro tip: you may also designate a separate safe space in case of rain or snow! 

We love pets, but please keep your four-legged friends secured when your delivery arrives, both for our drivers’ comfort and your animal’s safety.

At Alto, we’re more than just a pharmacy — we’re a partner in your health, and we go above and beyond to get you the medication you need at the best price possible.

Free, same-day delivery is only the beginning. Our pharmacists are available until 9 pm PST on weeknights and 6 pm PST on weekends to answer any questions you have about your medication. We also offer support with insurance and finding the best price possible on your prescriptions.

Reach out any time through in-app secure messaging or by phone at 1-800-874-5881 to learn more or transfer your prescriptions to Alto.

Alto Connect is the industry’s first mobile app for clinical teams to track prescriptions and message with the pharmacy on-the-go.

Introducing Alto Connect

Big news from the team here at Alto: today we launched Alto Connect, the industry’s first mobile app for clinical teams to track prescriptions and message with the pharmacy on-the-go! You’ll also see the new Alto Connect brand on our desktop portal, formerly known as AltoMD: new name, same great pharmacy services.

The Alto Connect mobile app is the next evolution of Alto’s custom-built provider communications center, formerly known as AltoMD. Alto was the first pharmacy in the United States to offer a prescriber-focused pharmacy communication platform when the original desktop-based AltoMD product launched in March 2016. Since then, more than 500 doctors offices have integrated Alto Connect into their daily workflows and prescription management. 

Doctors offices who work with Alto Pharmacy can now access Alto Connect across all of their devices, providing greater flexibility and convenience for monitoring prescriptions on busy days spent juggling patient consultations and other business needs. Instead of spending hours on the phone or fighting with the fax machine, Alto Connect provides instant access to prescription information and pharmacy messaging, and Alto Connect users can move seamlessly between the two platforms throughout their workday.

With Alto Connect, clinical staff can view all current prescriptions at Alto Pharmacy, including delivery status, out-of-pocket costs and refills. You'll never have to wonder if a patient picked up their prescription or stayed on track with their refills between visits - our system tells you exactly where every prescription stands for every patient.

Have a question for our pharmacy team? Curious about insurance coverage, delivery times, or other aspects of our service? Our team is here to help! You can send us a general message or ask a question specific to one of your patient's prescriptions. 

Alto Connect's push and email notifications alert you when a prescription needs additional information to move forward — most commonly, a clinical clarification or additional data needed for a prior authorization. We'll only alert you when we're certain we need your team's input, so you can stay focused on your patients.

Using AltoMD on your computer today? Nothing changes other than the name! Ready to try Alto Connect mobile for yourself? Scan the QR code above to download the app - your AltoMD login works on the mobile app. 

Need help setting up an Alto Connect account or want training for your staff? Reach out to providersuccess@alto.com.

Get an inside look at the patients team at Alto Pharmacy to learn what it's like to work on Alto's customer-facing apps, which projects are on the horizon, and who makes the best barbecue short ribs.

Get to Know the Team That Builds Alto's Customer-Facing Apps

Imagine an app that allows you to buy things and have them delivered to you the same day, for free. Now take that app and put it in a highly regulated space like pharmacy. You face the challenge not only of building an e-commerce platform from scratch, but also of navigating medication pricing, federal and state regulations, and patient safety—and that's just the way the Patients Team likes it.

"It's a really exciting and fun problem to solve," says Mike Riess, the team's Engineering Manager. Software Engineer Angelique Nehmzow agrees: "There's a really strong product and design aspect, like more traditional startups, but then everything gets a little bit more interesting because it's healthcare."

Below, we chat with the team to learn what it's like to work on Alto's customer-facing apps, which projects are on the horizon, and who makes the best barbecue short ribs.

What does the Patients Team do at Alto? 

Ask anyone on the team why they joined, and chances are, they'll tell you they wanted to be on the product team closest to Alto's customers: "We really try to own the customer experience," says Peter Zeng, the latest Software Engineer to join the team. "If a customer is coming to the web app, or they're coming to our mobile app, we want to make sure that they're able to onboard with us as easily and conveniently as possible."

The team is also responsible for the customer experience beyond onboarding, from the moment a customer schedules a medication for delivery to the time that it shows up on their doorstep. "We already offer great services like free, same-day delivery and cost savings. The Patients Team empowers customers to make the most of our offering," Nehmzow explains. "You can see what prescriptions you have, check on the status of your order, and schedule automatic refills. In a more traditional pharmacy, you don't get that kind of visibility. You have to call them up or even wait in line in person. At Alto, it's a different experience."

What was it like in the team's early days?

Today, there are eleven engineers on the team working to build that better end-to-end experience—but it wasn't always that way. When the team first formed in 2019, it consisted of just three members: Riess, Brian McRae, and Andy Lau, all of whom are still on the team.

"The first priority for us was just stabilizing the foundations," Riess says of the team's early days. Every other week, the three team members, along with Alto co-founders Matt Gamache-Asselin and Jamie Karraker, would meet to audit the app's core flows. "For the first three months we probably didn't make it through some flow at least 50% of the time," Riess recalls. "There would be a ton of bugs in the onboarding experience, things that weren't working with the flows or navigation or deep linking."

Among the team's first projects was a redesign of the checkout flow. "There was a lot of work to be done to streamline the checkout flow, which is pretty much the main function of the app," says McRae, who initially joined the team as a software engineer and later transitioned into product management. "We had to make it easier to add a payment, add your addresses, everything you need to do to schedule your prescription for delivery."

"The growth of the team, in terms of both size and stability of the platform, has allowed us to swing at more interesting bets for the company," Riess says. In particular, the Patients Team has turned their attention toward experiences personalized for specific medical conditions.

"Different customers have different needs. A customer who wishes to start a family will have a different experience than a customer who needs to order their routine heart medications that they've been taking for the last eight years,” McRae says. “The challenge for us is how we serve all these customers well through the app."

"I think that's where Alto can be such a differentiator," Riess adds. "A world-class pharmacy experience is about so much more than just dispensing medications. We want to build tools for customers that help them get the most out of their medications—everything from simple videos teaching them how to perform injections safely at home to the ability to synchronize deliveries for multiple prescriptions for managing complex health conditions."

With these new projects on the horizon, engineers have ample opportunity to focus on the areas that excite them most. "We're full-stack and mobile and web," Nehmzow says. "Part of the team focuses more on experimentation, iterating quickly, and using data to make decisions. Part of the team focuses more on platform work, tooling, and improving the developer experience. There are a lot of areas to explore and contribute to."

One spring night, the Patients Team gathered in a back yard in San Francisco’s Mission District for short ribs and an impressive spread of side dishes. "Kudos to Robbi, who's the grill master. I just provide the grill!" Nehmzow says, laughing. While the team barbecue was the first time some members had met in person, Zeng notes that the team has been supportive of one another even while working remotely during the pandemic.

"The first real project that I was assigned to was working with the communications system. Before writing my first piece of code, I spent two weeks exploring what already exists and understanding the different parts of the system," Zeng says. "I've been really impressed with how understanding my teammates have been. They make the space for you to learn all the different pieces of code we own."

That culture of support is by design, reflected in the six principles—complete with matching emojis—at the top of the #patients-team Slack channel: "Empower each other," "be an owner," "find the path," "learn by doing," "embrace complexity," and "foster trust." 

While these principles echo Alto's company-wide values, they are unique to the Patients Team. "For a long time, we were the only external-facing product team at Alto," Riess says. "These principles were intended to be this motivation around how we win. It's a combination of how we treat each other, how we reason about decision making, and how we approach solving a problem that's never existed before."

As the team looks toward the future, those principles have never been more relevant: "We have a goal and an area we want to focus on, but in terms of which projects we're going to do, it's not a top-down thing," Nehmzow says. "It's very much, 'We're going to figure out how to solve this problem together, even when it's difficult.' That's my favorite part about the team."

The Patients Team is hiring! Learn more about open positions here.

Starting Monday, August 16, residents of the San Diego metro area can now choose Alto's same-day doorstep delivery for their pharmacy needs.

Hello, San Diego!

Alto's launch in San Diego extends our free, same-day pharmacy delivery model to even more Californians.

Starting today, August 15th, residents of the San Diego 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 PT (6:30 - 9:30 pm PT for outlying areas)
Saturday - Sunday: 2 - 5 pm PT (2:30 - 5:30 pm PT for outlying areas)

Walk-in hours
Monday - Friday: 9 am – 7 pm PT
Saturday - Sunday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm pT

San Diego 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 4240 Kearny Mesa Road, Suite 107.

General customer support hours are Monday - Friday 6 am - 9 pm PT and Saturday - Sunday 7 am - 6 pm PT. Patients can reach out to Alto via phone at 1 (800) 874-5881 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 Dallas, and currently delivers across the greater Bay Area, Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Seattle, Denver, Las Vegas, New York City, Houston, Dallas, and Austin.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in August 2021 and has been updated for accuracy and completeness.

If you’re allergy-prone, this time of year goes hand in hand with itchy eyes, congestion, heavy sneezing, and other unpleasant allergy symptoms. Here’s a quick primer on how to prepare for spring allergies.

The Best Ways to Prepare for Seasonal Allergies

Spring brings everything out of hibernation: baseball, perennials, and seasonal allergies, as millions of people in the U.S. unfortunately know all too well. If you’re allergy-prone, this time of year goes hand in hand with itchy eyes, congestion, heavy sneezing, and other unpleasant allergy symptoms. The good news is that small preventative steps, like extra cleaning and paying attention to pollen counts, can reduce your exposure to allergens. Here’s a quick primer on how to prepare for spring allergies.

Spring is a time of growth and renewal, and the science responsible for the fresh green leaves is also what causes pollen allergy symptoms. Pollen is a tiny grain that’s essential for plant reproduction. While some plant varieties count on insects to carry the tiny particles from one plant to another, others — like grasses and native trees including oaks, cedars, and birches — are wind-pollinated. That means these plants produce vast amounts of pollen to ensure the next generation of plants have a high chance of reproduction. Unfortunately for your sinuses, it can trigger allergic reactions that are uncomfortable and irritating.

As you’re waiting for winter to end, you may find that your allergy symptoms have already arrived. Trees start to release their pollen in late winter and early spring, while grasses pollinate in late spring. There’s lots of regional variation too, so depending on which part of the country you live in, you might experience pollen allergy symptoms as early as February or as late as fall.

While wind pollination is the primary source of seasonal allergies, mold also releases spores in the spring which travel by wind and can cause allergy symptoms.

What are the most common allergy symptoms?

As spring breezes begin to disperse pollen and mold spores, the body’s immune system goes into overdrive, leading to allergy symptoms like the following:

Hives may occur in some cases, though they are rare.

People with asthma should take extra precautions, as the same substances that trigger seasonal allergies — and even those that trigger year-round allergies, like pet dander — can also trigger acute asthma attacks. Allergy-triggered asthma, which is relatively common in children, affects the lungs and may lead to coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, or rapid breathing.

With COVID-19, this year’s spring season poses some additional challenges for asthma sufferers, even as vaccination numbers increase. If you have asthma, follow the suggestions below on how to prevent spring allergies and learn more about asthma coping strategies during COVID.

We can’t change how susceptible our bodies are to allergies or asthma, but we do have some control in preparing for seasonal allergies and preventing pollen allergy symptoms. Here are three prevention tips.

After more than a year of travel restrictions, remote work, and limited access to public spaces, we’re all understandably eager to spend lots of time outdoors, where — you guessed it — there’s plenty of pollen in the air. You can limit your exposure to allergens and reduce your chances of an allergic reaction by taking a few extra steps before going outside. Check the local pollen count online — most weather apps include this as well — and take allergy medication in advance if the forecast is high. Pollen counts are typically highest in the morning, so consider opting for an indoor workout rather than an early run. In general, it’s best to stay inside when it’s dry and windy while rainy days offer a reprieve for allergy sufferers.

You’re unlikely to completely eliminate all allergens from your house, but there are some steps you can take to keep indoor air as clean as possible:

Turn on the AC instead of opening the windows when pollen counts are high.

Use a dehumidifier to keep indoor air dry — while dry days have higher pollen counts, too much humidity indoors can lead to mold growth and dust mites, intensifying allergy symptoms.

Vacuum at least once a week, ideally using a vacuum cleaner with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, which catches smaller particles like allergens.

When you’re ready to head home, avoid bringing the pollen back with you by changing and washing your clothes and taking off your shoes as soon as you’re back. Drying clothes in a dryer is better than putting them on a clothesline, where they’ll likely gather more pollen.

Top Over-the-Counter Treatments for Seasonal Allergies

There are a variety of medications used to manage allergy symptoms, including the over-the-counter treatments below. It may take some trial and error to find the best relief for your seasonal allergies, so if you’re still sniffly after exploring several options, don’t worry: a healthcare provider can work with you to find the best solution for your needs.

A saline sinus rinse flushes allergens out of your nose to relieve congestion.

Oral antihistamines like Claritin, Allegra, and Zyrtec are helpful for sneezing, itchy, runny nose, and watery eyes.

Decongestants like Afrin and Sudafed offer temporary relief from congestion, but they should only be used for a few days, as longer-term use may aggravate allergy symptoms.

Nasal sprays like Flonase and Nasacort ease pollen allergy symptoms and can be used preventatively even before symptoms appear.

Learn more about how to manage any potential medication side effects.

If your seasonal allergies persist even after preventative steps and over-the-counter medicine, there are other treatment options that may bring you more lasting relief. Our team of patient care pharmacists will work with your doctor to get you the allergy medications you're prescribed at the lowest cost, and we’re happy to answer your questions about allergy symptoms, asthma, or any other health concern. Download the mobile app for secure messaging or call 1-800-874-5881. 

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.

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 reach out within the hour 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 an in-app message chat, or an email away: 9 am – 12 midnight ET Monday – Friday, and 10 am – 9 pm ET on weekends.

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 

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 via in-app secure messaging or phone at 1-800-874-5881.

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. 

Courier delivery windows
Monday - Friday: 

12:30 pm - 3:30 pm CT (1:00 pm - 4:00 pm CT for outlying areas) 

6:00 pm - 9:00 pm CT(7:00 pm - 10:00 pm CT for outlying areas)

2:00 pm - 5:00 pm CT (3:00 pm - 6:00 pm CT for outlying areas)

Walk-in hours
Monday - Friday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm CT
Saturday - Sunday: 8:00 am - 4:30 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). 

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 Dallas, and currently delivers across the greater Bay Area, Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Seattle, Denver, Las Vegas, New York City, Houston, Dallas and Austin.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in March 2020 and has been updated for accuracy and completeness.

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. 

12:30 pm - 3:30 pm ET (1:30 - 4:30 pm ET for outlying areas)

6:00 am - 9:00 pm ET (7 - 10 pm ET for outlying areas)

2:00 pm - 5:00 pm ET (3:00 - 6:00 pm ET for outlying areas)

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: 8 am - 4:30 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 at 1 (800) 874-5881 or app.

*Weekday afternoon delivery is only available to residents of New York City's five boroughs at this time.

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. 

12:30 - 3:30 pm CT (1:00 - 4:00 pm CT for outlying areas) 

6:00 - 9:00 pm CT (7:00 - 10:00 pm CT for outlying areas) 

2:00 - 5:00 pm CT (3:00 - 6:00 pm CT for outlying areas)

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.

General customer support hours are Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 11:00 pm CT and Saturday - Sunday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm CT. Patients can reach out to Alto via phone at 1 (800) 874-5881 or app.

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.

Phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors are used for severe COPD. These medications decrease airway inflammation and relax the airways.

Theophylline may be used when other treatments are ineffective or if cost is a factor. It may help improve breathing and prevent exacerbations but can cause side effects like nausea, headache, rapid heartbeat, and tremors.

Antibiotics may also be used to treat respiratory infections but are generally not recommended for prevention. 

Often, a combination of these medications is used to treat COPD. Inhaled medications are taken using a device called an inhaler, which allows the medication to be absorbed straight into your lungs. If you’re prescribed a new inhaler, one of Alto’s pharmacists can walk you through how to use it.  Not all inhalers work the same way, so learning the proper technique is crucial for ensuring adequate therapy.

People with COPD are also generally prescribed a pulmonary rehabilitation program. These individually tailored programs combine exercise, nutrition advice, and counseling to prevent exacerbations, slow the progression of symptoms, and improve quality of life.

Those with insufficient oxygen reaching their blood may benefit from supplemental oxygen therapy. It involves using a lightweight, portable device to deliver oxygen directly to your lungs as needed.

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