What to Look for in a Secondary Drug Supplier

The drug supply chain is a complex ecosystem that involves manufacturers, wholesalers, and pharmacies of various sizes. Given the ever-evolving nature of these partnerships, it is critical for community pharmacies to identify reliable secondary wholesalers to help offset stock shortages and address pricing challenges that may arise with their primary suppliers. However, not all secondary suppliers are created equal. At Pharmacy Marketplace, we prioritize ensuring that you work with the most professional and trustworthy partners in the market. Here are the key factors we recommend considering when selecting a secondary wholesale partner:

1. NABP Accreditation

Working with a wholesaler accredited by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) ensures that your supplier adheres to high ethical and professional standards. NABP accreditation guarantees that patient safety and product reliability remain a priority. You can review accreditation standards here: NABP Drug Distributor Accreditation.

• Accreditation confirms compliance with federal and state regulations.
• Ensures proper handling, storage, and distribution of pharmaceuticals.
• Reduces the risk of counterfeit or compromised products entering your supply chain.

2. DSCSA Compliance Criteria

The Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) establishes requirements for tracking and verifying prescription drug products to enhance patient safety. Your secondary supplier should be fully compliant with DSCSA guidelines to ensure transparency and traceability throughout the supply chain.

3. Diverse Product Portfolio

A reputable secondary supplier should offer a broad range of products, including a few brand-name, and a robust generic offering. This diversity ensures that you have access to essential medications that might be unavailable through your primary supplier.

4. Consistent Shipping Criteria and Manageable Minimums

Timely and reliable delivery is crucial for maintaining inventory levels and ensuring patient care. When evaluating a secondary supplier, consider:

• Shipping reliability,  and turnaround times.
• Temperature-controlled logistics for sensitive medications.
• Efficient handling of urgent orders.
• Minimum Order Requirements

5. Reliable Communication on Expiration Dates

Clear and proactive communication regarding drug expiration dates is essential for inventory management and regulatory compliance. A trustworthy wholesaler should provide transparency about product shelf life to minimize waste and financial losses.

6. Service and Shipping Standards

Excellent customer service and shipping reliability are non-negotiable. Your supplier should:

• Offer easy and responsive communication channels.
• Provide tracking and status updates on orders.
• Resolve issues efficiently and professionally.

7. Competitive Pricing and Market Intelligence

A strong secondary supplier should help you stay competitive by providing market insights and cost-effective pricing strategies. Look for partners who:

• Offer transparent and competitive pricing.
• Provide access to market intelligence for better purchasing decisions.
• Help optimize procurement strategies to maximize profitability.

Our Commitment at Pharmacy Marketplace

At Pharmacy Marketplace, we maintain strict standards when selecting our secondary wholesale partners. Purchasing drug inventory should be about relationships not just a transaction.  We limit our partnerships to a select few at the top of the market, ensuring reliability, compliance, and superior service. By following these guidelines, you can secure a trustworthy secondary supplier that enhances your pharmacy’s efficiency, profitability, and patient care.

For more information on NABP accreditation and compliance criteria, visit: NABP Drug Distributor Criteria.

Choosing the Right Sourcing Strategy: Primary Wholesaler Agreement vs. Secondary Suppliers

For independent and community pharmacies, sourcing pharmaceuticals efficiently is critical to maintaining margins and ensuring a steady supply of medications. One of the key decisions pharmacies must make is whether to enter a primary wholesaler agreement with some secondary spend or to completely source from secondary suppliers. Each approach has its own advantages and challenges, and understanding these factors can help pharmacies optimize their purchasing strategies.