Amazon Unveils Pharmacy Kiosks to Enhance Patient Access to Medications
Amazon announced on October 8, 2025, the introduction of vending machines stocked with prescription drugs at its One Medical clinics in Los Angeles, allowing patients to collect their medications directly after appointments, reports 24brussels.
The kiosks will offer a variety of common prescriptions, including antibiotics, inhalers, and blood pressure medication. Amazon plans to roll out these kiosks across One Medical offices in Los Angeles starting December, with intentions to expand to additional locations in the future. The availability of specific medications will depend on the “prescribing patterns of each office location,” and controlled substances or medications requiring refrigeration will not be dispensed.
The introduction of the vending machines aims to simplify medication collection for patients, eliminating the need to visit a separate pharmacy and thereby reducing the number of unfilled prescriptions. Patients can have their prescriptions sent directly to Amazon Pharmacy, where they will be reviewed by qualified pharmacists. Using the Amazon mobile app, patients can verify their prescriptions and collect their medications within minutes.
“We know that when patients have to make an extra trip to the pharmacy after seeing their doctor, many prescriptions never get filled,” said Hannah McClellan, president of Amazon Pharmacy operations. “By bringing the pharmacy directly to the point of care, we’re removing a critical barrier and helping patients start their treatment when it matters most — right away.”
In addition to the kiosk services, users will have access to phone and video consultations with Amazon’s pharmacy team to address any questions regarding their medications, similar to services offered at traditional pharmacies. This initiative comes as physical pharmacies in the U.S. face increasing challenges from competition and declining profit margins, leading to the closure of many locations, including those of major chains like Rite Aid, CVS, and Walgreens.
Amazon’s move is expected to reshape the landscape of medication distribution by directly integrating pharmacy services within healthcare facilities, thereby enhancing patient care and improving medication adherence.