We manage rare and complex medications every day

At Larivière & Massicotte, Pharmaciennes inc., we offer vast knowledge in navigating the intricacies of specialty pharmaceuticals. We work closely with your healthcare providers and your local pharmacist to tailor our services to your needs.

Our approach focuses on anticipating and effectively addressing the side effects of treatments, allowing patients to reach therapeutic doses and maximize benefits, while minimizing discomfort.

Understanding the ecosystem of specialty pharmaceuticals

Foundations and patient associations

The Larivière et Massicotte pharmacy is a proud partner of numerous patient associations, notably in oncology, cystic fibrosis, and multiple sclerosis, to help support research and affected communities.

Cutting-edge treatments

Our pharmacy is closely involved in various initiatives to help make clinical trials more accessible to patients, and help them understand the benefits of participating for their well-being. This gives you access to cutting-edge treatments and the latest advances in clinical research.

Healthcare innovation

We implement state-of-the-art practices to significantly improve your well-being. With your Quebec Health Record, we can accurately confirm your laboratory and imaging results, as well as your medications, even if they come from other pharmacies. This integrated approach to medical data gives you complete visibility of your health record for the best course of treatment. All this is achieved through regular communication with your local pharmacists and medical team. This close cooperation is designed to maximize therapeutic results, so you can receive comprehensive care. We’ve also introduced a number of innovative features, including virtual medical consultations to provide fast, convenient access to our services anywhere in Quebec.

At Larivière & Massicotte, innovation, treatment coordination, and concern for our patients’ well-being are fundamental. We are proud to work together to improve your health and quality of life.

In collaboration with your community pharmacist

Our dedicated team takes great care in overseeing rare and complex treatments, considering all the treatments provided by your medical professionals.

An integral part of our approach is coordinated care. Our pharmacists work with your healthcare team, including your local pharmacist, to oversee the overall management of your medications, ensuring that all your treatments are properly handled.

With your consent, your local pharmacist can also refer you to us so that we can support you through your treatments. Thanks to this approach, you’ll have access both to our expertise, as well as to your pharmacist’s expertise, helping you manage potential side effects. This way, you can achieve the therapeutic doses you need for a successful treatment.

This teamwork allows us to handle all your treatment needs, so you can focus on your recovery. Our team is dedicated to providing you with the best possible care for your peace of mind.

A collaborative approach with your hospital medical team

Welcome to the Larivière & Massicotte pharmacy, where our team of healthcare professionals works closely with your doctors, nurses, and hospital pharmacists to ensure the best possible drug therapy.

We pride ourselves on an ongoing dialogue with all healthcare professionals involved in your medical treatment. This constant collaboration ensures that every aspect of your treatment is carefully coordinated and optimized to meet your specific needs. We are committed to providing you with quality care, excellent treatment coordination, and answers to your questions. You deserve the best, and that’s exactly what we strive to deliver.

Our patients are at the heart of our mission

Patients and their caregivers always come first. We are committed to supporting them throughout their care journey, helping them navigate the complex environment of specialty products.

We understand that managing specialized treatments can be daunting. For this reason, we ensure close, seamless follow-ups with medical teams, community pharmacists, and health insurance providers. We know how to work with the support programs and resources available to help you. Our team is constantly on the lookout for healthcare innovations and cutting-edge treatments to offer our patients the best options available.

Our commitment to you extends beyond high-quality services to providing you with enduring peace of mind. Your well-being is our priority, and we will do everything in our power to guide you through your treatment journey.

Private insurance and RAMQ: comprehensive guidance

A rare disease diagnosis can involve expensive medications, but also time-consuming formalities with insurance companies and the RAMQ. Our claim management experts will take care of your claims process, enabling you to start your treatment as quickly as possible, and limit unplanned interruptions.

Patient support program

There are a number of different patient support programs to help you navigate your treatment, from blood tests to home-care nurses, nutrition and kinesiology follow-up, financial assistance, and even temporary compassionate care.

We want to make your life easier, which is precisely why we help you manage program registration and requests for financial assistance and compassionate care, if available. This way, depending on the situation, you can start your treatment quickly, without relying on insurance companies.

Frequently asked questions

What is a complex, rare disease?

A complex and rare disease is characterized by its rarity within a given population, as well as by the complexity of its symptoms, and the difficulties associated with its diagnosis and management. Such diseases are referred to as “rare” as they affect a limited number of people; they therefore usually require a specific practice to develop the knowledge and skills needed to manage them. Beyond rarity, some diseases can be extremely complex, requiring specialized medical care due to their uncommon nature and the particular needs of the patient. Rare and/or complex diseases can vary considerably from one condition to the next, but they often share characteristics such as being difficult to diagnose, requiring specialized treatment, and having a significant impact on patients’ daily lives.

Can my community pharmacist refer me to your services?

Absolutely! Your pharmacist can refer you to us if they think it would be beneficial to you, providing you with help to manage your medications. You can also contact us directly if you wish. The Code of Ethics specifically covers this situation.

Code of ethics of pharmacists

Will my local pharmacy keep track of my file if you manage my specialty drug?

Of course. We’re committed to keeping your healthcare professionals up to date. And thanks to the Quebec Health Record, every pharmacist in the province has access to your medication list.

What is a specialty pharmacy?

Because a specialty pharmacy is not a recognized title in Quebec, a pharmacist cannot call themselves a specialist in a given therapeutic field. However, some pharmacies have decided to focus their practice on the management of more complex or rare diseases to better serve the needs of their patients. In Quebec, all pharmacies can provide all types of medication, including specialty drugs.

An expertise pharmacy is therefore usually dedicated to the management of specialized medications, which are used to treat rare, chronic, serious, and/or complex diseases. This includes cancer, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, cystic fibrosis, hepatitis, and other specific medical conditions.

Expertise pharmacies offer personalized support to patients by providing specialty drugs, coordinating treatment with other healthcare professionals, helping manage medication side effects, offering follow-up and education services, and working closely with other healthcare providers to enable safe and effective treatment.

What is a specialty drug?

A specialty drug, also known as a specialty medication, is mainly prescribed to treat serious, rare, chronic, or complex medical conditions. Due to their complexity, these drugs require close monitoring, specific medical expertise, or sometimes the use of special medical equipment.

Because of their complex nature and high cost, specialty drugs are often closely managed by healthcare professionals. This ensures that patients receive appropriate treatment, properly follow treatment protocols, keep side effects to a minimum, and get the most out of their therapeutic benefits. Given the nature of these drugs and their substantial cost, it is particularly important to properly manage and coordinate claims to avoid unwanted interruptions.

Can I have my specialty drug transferred?

Absolutely! Our goal is to support you to the best of our ability. To transfer a prescription, simply contact us directly.

Contact us

What is an orphan disease?

An orphan disease is a rare medical condition that affects a small number of people compared to the general population. They are often severe, chronic and, in many cases, genetic. Because of their rarity, they pose unique challenges for medical research, diagnosis, treatment, and patient support. Patients with orphan diseases often have difficulty obtaining an accurate diagnosis, and there may be a lack of specific treatments for their condition.

Over the years, there has been an increase in awareness and research into orphan diseases, leading to better diagnoses, advances in treatment development, and increased support for patients with these conditions.

Learn more (french only)

What diseases require specialty drugs?

Specialty drugs are mainly used to treat serious, chronic, and complex conditions, including certain rare diseases. Here are some examples of diseases that may require specialty drugs:

  • Cancer: Chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies for various types of cancer are often considered specialty drugs.
  • Autoimmune diseases: Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and Crohn’s disease may require immunomodulators and immunosuppressive drugs.
  • Rare genetic diseases: Diseases such as cystic fibrosis, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and Gaucher disease require specific specialty drugs.
  • Blood disorders: Patients with hemophilia and other blood disorders may require specialty drugs.
  • Infectious diseases: Certain viral infections, such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C, require specialty antiviral medications.
  • Growth disorders: Patients with growth disorders such as growth hormone deficiency require specialty biologics.
  • Neurological diseases: Conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and epilepsy may require specialty drugs to manage symptoms.
  • Gastrointestinal disorders: Conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis may require specialty drugs to help control inflammation.

These examples are not exhaustive, but they illustrate the diversity of diseases for which specialty drugs are used. These drugs can be complex to administer, and generally require close management by healthcare professionals to ensure efficacy and help minimize side effects.

Do you have questions about a rare and complex disease?