FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS...

What is Alberta Pharmacy Co-op?
Alberta Pharmacy Co-op (APC) is a member owned pharmacy providing prescription medications to anyone living in Alberta. APC will deliver your meds to you. Other than that, we are the same as any other pharmacy in Alberta.

Why have a pharmacy Co-op?

The profits of a company belong to the shareholders, and a Co-op is a special type of company where the customers are also the shareholders. Co-ops provide value to their shareholders by building equity in the company, and by returning profits to the shareholders in the form of patronage dividends. ACP was formed by people like you that see the value in purchasing their medications from their own company.

The pharmacy industry is dynamic, profitable and growing. As our population ages, and new medicines are developed, owning a pharmacy will very likely continue to be a profitable venture.

How do I get my prescriptions to the pharmacy?

As with all pharmacies, APC will provide prescription medications upon receiving a valid prescription from your doctor. Like all pharmacies, you can have your doctor fax your prescription directly to the pharmacy (note that we cannot dispense from a faxed prescription unless it comes from the doctors office), or have your doctor telephone us with your prescription. You can also come by the pharmacy with your prescription if it is convenient for you, or you can mail or courier your prescription to us.

How will I receive my medications?

We can deliver to a business address via courier overnight to almost anywhere in Alberta. Delivery to a residential address is done by Canada Post, and takes 2 to 3 days. Of course, if it is convenient for you, you can pick up your order at the pharmacy. As members of the Co-op, everyone can help increase the profitability of the co-op. It is less expensive (and quicker) to use the courier, so we would recommend using a business address if you can.

What if I am not at home when my package arrives?

Like all mail deliveries, you do not have to be home to receive the delivery.

Will I be able to get any medication from ACP?

ACP is a fully licensed pharmacy that can provide all prescription meds. Because membership in ACP is available for all Albertans, most of the meds will be delivered to the members. This means your meds will arrive in 2 to 3 days. Because of the time it takes to deliver the meds, there are some things that are better purchased from your local pharmacy. For example, if you have an ear ache and your doctor has prescribed ear drops, you will likely want to get the drops in your ear as soon as you can.

How do I pay for my prescriptions?

Exactly the same way as you would with any pharmacy. If you are covered by an insurance plan that pays for all or part of your meds at the pharmacy, APC will bill your insurance for whatever portion is covered, and charge your credit card for whatever portion you are responsible for. If you pay for your own meds and then submit your receipt to your employer or insurance company, then ACP just bills your credit card and sends the receipt with your meds.

What if I have questions about my medications?

You can call and speak to a pharmacist, or request a call from one of our pharmacists.

How do I become a member?

Just fill in the information forms and fax them to us or simply call us and in 5 minutes we will gather the information on the phone. That’s all there is to it.

How do I transfer my prescriptions from my current pharmacy?

Simply fill out the transfer form and send it to us, or we can do it over the phone.

What does it cost to become a member of the Co-op?

It doesn’t cost anything to join the Co-op.

Do we carry products other than prescription drugs?

Like other pharmacies, we carry a wide range of non prescription products. We carry thousands of products, from wheelchairs to bandages, cold medicines to shampoos

Do we deliver these products the same way as the prescriptions?

We deliver everything unless you want to pick it up. Keep in mind that with a prescription, there is a fee that provides the income allowing the cost of shipping to be covered. With non prescription products, the income comes from the margin. That is the difference between what we buy it for and what we sell it for. As we will have very competitive prices for these products, we have to make sure there is enough income generated to pay for the shipping on every order. So if are having a prescription filled, you can also order any amount of non prescription product at the same time. If you are not having a prescription filled, the minimum purchase must be $50. Remember, this is your pharmacy. We all can help to make it more profitable!

Do we provide blister packing for prescription meds?

Yes we do.