I’ve always been one to go inside CVS and pickup my prescription in person. But since the CVS drive-thru seems much more convenient, I figured I’d give it a try.
So how does CVS drive thru pharmacy work exactly?!
How Does CVS Drive Thru Pharmacy Work?
The CVS drive thru pharmacy (or CVS Express) is a curbside delivery service which functions through the CVS smartphone app. The service was launched in 2016 in The United States and gradually introduced to all CVS physical stores with easy vehicle access.
This article takes a look at the CVS drive thru pharmacy service: what it is, how it works, and how you can use it.
What Can You Get At The CVS Drive Thru Pharmacy?
You can’t get every product at the CVS drive thru pharmacies that you can get instore. And you may need to pick up prescription medications from a separate drive thru window. However, you can expect to pick up nearly all every day essentials at the drive thru.
These include a range of:
- Pain relief
- Allergy relief
- Skin care
- Sun care
- Cold relief
- Flu relief
- Digestive care
- Vitamins
- Select health items
- Select grocery items
- Medical supplies
- First aid and paper goods
CVS advise that stock availability can fluctuate and vary from store to store. Unfortunately, even if online stock shows up as available, this may not be the case when you go to pick it up. If the item is urgent, it’s best to phone ahead first.
It’s also important to remember that some medications cannot be purchased at a pharmacy drive thru. This is because the medications are associated with a level of customer service/health advice which is not available through a drive thru service.
What Do I Need At The CVS Drive Thru Pharmacy?
When you enter a CVS drive thru, you’ll need to first locate the service window. The first thing you’ll be asked for are some personal details.
You will need to provide these or you won’t be able to pick up any kind of prescription or prescription refill. However, there are some prescriptions (and some circumstances) when the pharmacist will need your actual presence instore.
If you’re shopping for everyday pharmacy items, you’ll only be able to confirm availability at the CVS drive thru window. The same availability and quantity restrictions for instore items apply at the drive thru.
Wait times will always apply. Sometimes customers will be asked to park while an order is being processed. This allows for other customers to be served.
The purchase transaction will conclude with payment and receipt of pharmacy goods.
What Time Does The CVS Drive Thru Pharmacy Close?
CVS pharmacies and drive thru services are different from state to state. This means that the best way to find out if your local pharmacy (or the pharmacy you want to visit) is open is to use the CVS store locater.
The CVS pharmacy store locater will give you up to date information for the following:
- Those stores which are 24 hour locations
- Those stores which have passport photo labs
- General available services
- General operating hours
- Covid 19 testing locations
- Drive thru availability and hours
Can You Get Sudafed At The CVS Drive Thru Pharmacy?
Sudafed, which is a decongestant used for the temporary relief of stuffy nose and sinus pain/pressure, contains the drug pseudoephedrine. Because Sudafed is associated with certain side effects and health risks, it is unavailable as a drive thru item.
You can buy pseudoephedrine products (such as Sudafed) from pharmacies instore. It comes in the form of tablets and a liquid that you swallow. Sudafed medications are commonly kept behind pharmacy counters, and there are limits on how much you can purchase at any one time.
Side effects include:
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Irregular heart beat
- Dry mouth
- Increased blood pressure
- Dizziness
- Feeling shaky, anxious, or nervous
Associated health risks include:
- Allergic reactions
- Blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Thyroid (overactive)
- Glaucoma
- Enlarged prostate
- Liver or kidney problems
Can Family Members Pick Up MY CVS Prescription?
CVS offer a range of ways for customers to get their prescription medications. Their aim is to make it as easy and convenient as possible for customers to see to health needs.
- Pharmacy pick up: CVS advise that if you if you prefer to pick up your medication, they will have it available for you at any CVS Pharmacy you choose. Family members can pick up your prescription providing they are able to provide a valid government picture ID. You will also need the actual prescription (not a copy).
- Home delivery: CVS also offer a home delivery service which is free of charge for CVS Specialty members.
- Vacation Care: you can arrange delivery of medication to any CVS pharmacy location for then you’re away on vacation.
Want to learn more about CVS? Make sure to read these posts next to learn if you can print documents at CVS, does CVS develop film, and does CVS take passport photos.
Summary
CVS pharmacy drive thru services were developed to maximize customer satisfaction and convenience.
During the Covid 19 pandemic, services were further developed and streamlined to meet new safety and distancing requirements. Not all CVS pharmacy locations have a drive thru service, so it’s best to check first before visiting the store.