although convenient to the neighborhood, the prices can be quite higher than you can find elsewhere. also, though I tried to give the benefit of the doubt, there is a particular employee who is always rather unpleasant and bordering on rude. I try to not go there, especially when they are there. read more

Incredible personal service, recommendations, great selection. Owner consulted voluntarily and was an immense help. Purchasing was not just a chore, but a pleasant experience. Nice interior of shop too. Parking spots just out front on the street. read more

I am a quadriplegic. When I am in my hospital bed, I use an over bed hospital table to hold my phone. When my table doesn't work, I am helpless. My table broke on Sunday night. I called Skendarian when it opened on Monday morning. As always, the person who answered was knowledgeable and professional. My new hospital table, already assembled, was delivered before noon. read more

The pharmacy here is WONDERFUL. The staff is EXCEPTIONAL. It can be extremely difficult to get topical/transdermal ointment made for a given drug from ANY pharmacy. In my experience, it's impossible from the big chains. Skendarian is one of the rare places that can not only create custom topical/transdermal medications, but do it exceptionally well. My Boston vet had directed me to an out-of-state pharmacy to make a topical version of the steroid my cat could not tolerate in liquid form. It would have taken at least five business days for me to get the meds, even paying for express shipping. I remembered that Skendarian can compound medications on site. I called them. They had the prescription cream it ready the same day they received the prescription! I'm embarrassed to write that this is not the first time Skendarian came through for our household when no other pharmacy could. The experience reminded me how critical it is to patronize local pharmacies for every day needs. CVS or Walgreens would not have done for me at all what Skendarian was able to do in ONE DAY. I wish I lived in Cambridge rather than Boston so I could do all my drugstore shopping there. They are the best. Seriously. read more

On the spot! Walmart, CVS all out of prescription so I googled pharmacies near me and figured it was worth a shot. Pharmacist called walmart for me got my prescription transferred in a matter of minutes! Also pretty cool to see a locally owned pharmacy in a very competitive corporate environment. I've honestly never been to one. It's that good old fashioned America you read about in fiction novels or see on the silver screen. Dude was mad cool. Came through with the quickness when nobody else could. read more

Overpriced for a lot of the over-the-counter and medical accessories you may need, but it is an independent store, that isn't CVS, and I value that. Even for being a small business, they have always carried whatever I've come in for. The pharmacists are generous with their consultations and give great advice that you'd have to wait on hold for with the nurse advice line. I much prefer to pick up my prescriptions here and get a thorough explanation (or with an inhaler I recently needed, a demonstration, since I've never used one) than picking something up from a big name, anonymous chain store. Glad to have them in the neighborhood. read more

I cannot believe this place exists. I got in the knack of using family pharmacies back when I lived in New Hampshire -- my mother always used chains and never thought twice, but it occurred to me at one point when I passed the forlorn-looking pharmacy in my hometown that it wouldn't be open much longer unless people went there, and indeed, I was the only person under 70 who ever seemed to be in there. Voting with your dollars and all that. So, it was natural to seek out Skenderian's when I first came to Boston. I could not believe how awesome it was. I have a chronic health condition, and the first they made mention of my rather-frequent trips to their shop was six months later when they pointed out a drug interaction both I and the prescribing physician had missed, when I was filling a new script. (And I'm normally very careful about these things.) I learnt that they delivered by looking at their Web site. Then I learnt that they would accept my refill request by Web. As I'm nigh-unto deaf (at the age of 27), this was a life-saver. I could *pay* by Web as well. I did that, until I discovered that I could (2 years into my association with them) just leave an imprint of my card on file with them, and then have them deliver the next day, for $5 above my co-pay. Done. Happily. Between my doctors calling in the script and their delivery service, when I'm in agony from an emergency room visit and they open in the morning, I can go crash and have the script there in a few hours, all without moving a muscle more than needed. As if these weren't enough virtues, as a former lactation counsellor, I can tell you that they stock absolutely everything a nursing mother would need, both in the way of pumping supplies and soothing ointments and cold packs. They run a decent variety of hospital-type medical supplies, a more than adequate supply of OTC needs (everything I've ever needed, I've found there, and as a former medic, I can tell you that my medical kits can be rather esoteric) and, of all things, Swiss chocolate from fall until spring. (They don't stock it in the summer, when it would melt before we could lay our hands on it.) They have all of my prescription business and almost all of my medical business. They are phenomenal and I cannot stop trumpeting their praises. read more

I really wanted to come to a local pharmacy to get out of corporate pharmacies, especially out of Walgreens after their about-face on abortion-care medication. I had a prescription sent to Skendarian because my insurance (my benefits manager is CVS Caremark and my insurance is BCBS of MA through Harvard) said that they are in-network. I went in yesterday and initially talked to one of the two brothers who works there and he was very kind and calm explaining to me that they did not take my insurance (CVS Caremark) but that I could have my prescription filled for $15 a month when my copay is normally $0. I called my insurance (specifically, the CVS Caremark side of things) to check on everything again today and to try and better understand the situation. They said that it likely was that the pharmacy is in-network but tried to fill the prescription for 90 days when the limit on my plan is a 60-day quantity. I went in today to pick up the prescription and talk about the insurance again, and I was confronted with the other brother. He was very harsh and had a tone that was very aggressive. I just wanted to try and figure out the insurance. He didn't want to hear heads or tails of it and basically said that my insurance company/pharmacy benefits manager was lying to me. He went on a long diatribe about the whole history of Harvard's pharmacy for students closing, all of the pharmacy benefits managers that my plan had had, etc. Eventually, I came to the conclusion that it is not that they do not take my insurance -- I could be wrong, but I think they actually DO take my insurance. What the pharmacist kept referencing was the formulary and the amount the pharmacy would be reimbursed for the prescription. What it seems like to me is that they pharmacy really won't fill the prescription because they won't make enough money off of it. I obviously can't be certain of this, but he did not want to hear anything about what I had to say, what I had heard from the insurance, and he didn't even make any offer to re-run the insurance. He even confirmed that he takes some BCBSMA plans, takes CVS Caremark, but just specifically does not take these insurances when they are related to Harvard. It was really disappointing that the tone from this second brother was so different and so much more harsh than the very sympathetic first brother who seemed like he really wanted to help me. What was the worst, though, was that the pharmacist even made disparaging remarks about my age, saying, "You must be 22 or 23," implying that I do not understand how insurance works. Yes, insurance is complicated but it was so disappointing to be treated this way when I wanted to support a local business. I grew up my whole life going to a local pharmacy in my home town and I really, really wanted to go to a local pharmacy again. At one point, I was so upset about how he was speaking to me that I turned toward the door and said that I wouldn't listen to him talk to me that way. I really hate that I had such a horrible experience at this pharmacy. If I had dealt with the first brother like I had yesterday, I probably would have just paid the $45 for the 90-day prescription because I thought he really cared. The second brother seemed like he just wanted to run me out of the door, so I asked him to transfer my prescription back to Walgreens. It all came down to the tone of the pharmacist today; I won't return even to just buy an over-the-counter item unless I am really desperate. I did not feel respected. If you are a young person or are associated with Harvard's health insurance, don't come to Skenderian, I guess. read more

The staff at Skenderians really take the time to get to know their loyal customers. Needless to say, they will remember your name, greet you, and get your pick-up ready the moment they see you. Superb customer service and counseling you won't get at chain pharmacies like CVS. To decrease your wait, call ahead of time letting them know your refill numbers so your order is ready the moment you walk in. Another thing that really sets Skenderians apart is their ability to do custom compounding--for human and pet medications. The only thing they don't compound are sterile preparations. Although they don't take insurance for their compounded products (base price of $45), at least the service is available for Bostonians. They also have a wide variety of medical equipment available. If they don't have it, they can order it for you. In terms of over the counter products, they have all the essentials. While they don't have as much variety compared to your chain stores, they do have at least 2 options available for most products. They also don't carry a lot of stock for their products but new stock will be available within 24 hours should anything run out. The Skenderians are very accommodating to delivering orders ($5 delivery fee outside Cambridge/Somerville area, but free within the area) and doing special requests. They are experienced in taking phone orders and answering questions over the phone so don't hesitate in calling them. While the store from an outside glance and the inclusion of 'apothecary' in their name makes Skenderians seem so retro, don't let these fool you--- the service and personal connection Skenderians offer is excellent and far exceeds the treatment you'll get at retail chains! read more

Skendarian in relatively short order helped transfer my prescription from an out of state pharmacy, and resolved (for me) a stressful situation. They were communicative, acted quickly, and even though I had to pay out of pocket (they don't accept all insurance plans which is totally reasonable, especially if you're relocating from out of state) I found the price reasonable and absolutely worth it. Grateful to be able to continue care for my health. Thanks Skendarian! read more

Purchased a universal walker tray for my mother who just went from a cane to walker - well it turned out not to be so universal - it did not fit I was concerned at the time of the purchase and was assured I would not have an issues he was the owner - not once did he tell me all sales where final - I am pretty sure he told me to come back and see him. Wen I called to speak with owner got the run around told me he was really in maybe once every 5 months that it was not returnable and was posted on the recipe as well as at the register. well the recipe you don't get till after the purchase and the sign is not noticeable - buyer beware - all sales are final - customer service not the best - read more

Beyond the usual, they also carry a good selection of supplies for infants-- diapers of course, but also nursing supplies like bottles, breast milk storage, formula, etc (see photo). They also rent the Medela Symphony breast pump, the same as the hospitals use (so you can use the kit from the hospital), for a reasonable monthly rate. I'm not sure how I would have found out about that other than word of mouth, though! read more

Skenderian Apothecary - Drugstores Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Skenderian Apothecary is a genuine community resource. They're incredibly knowledgeable; I've been coming here for years and consistently get helpful advice about medications and treatments, often better explained than what I get from doctors. They go the extra mile for a lot of older neighbors, too. So good to have them around. read more

STAY AWAY! I bought a heating pad from Skenderian. When I got home I tried it and the switch didn't work. I brought it back. The owner REFUSED to exchange it or refund the purchase. His reason was that it was "used". The cover was slightly creased from trying it out. He was abrupt, at first, and then actually became rude, intimidating, and abusive when I dared to insist that the only way I could know it was defective was if I tried it out. I normally never write a negative review. But seeing the T. V. ads portraying these people as friendly and trustworthy made me upset every time I watched one. They are unethical and arrogant. Nathan G. Cambridge Ma read more

I stopped going to Skendarian. It used to be great, but the druggist who brought out my prescription actually said (with other people in line).."Oh, you must have been really bad on your vacation!" I was getting antibiotics because I had been raped while on vacation. To have him insult me like that, it was horrid! What a total sexist. NO WOMAN should ever go in there. If I wasn't so humiliated and upset about the rape, I'd spend more time giving this place the VERY BAD PRESS that it deserves. read more

One star for TERRIBLE, inexcusable, atrocious customer service. My fiancee was deathly ill today, puking everywhere. We paged a doctor and had them call in two prescriptions to Skenderian. I waited 20 minutes and then called to make sure they had received the orders and that I could come in to pick them up. The woman who answered said they were closing in 10 minutes. I said I would be right there, at which point she asked where I was (presumably because she didn't want to wait around for me). I told her I was less than five minutes away, and THEN she checked to make sure she actually had them. She said they only were able to fill one of the two. The medicines we needed were ONLY for people are violently puking, and I made it clear that that was what was happening and that we HAD TO have this right away. She said I could call another pharmacy and have them call Skenderian to transfer the prescriptions. I told her I was calling CVS right away and asked if she would definitely be there for five minutes because I needed this; she said yes. I called CVS and told them how urgent it was. They said they would call right away (maybe two minutes had passed). I called Skenderian back, with 5 minutes to spare, AND THEY WERE CLOSED. I called again and again and just kept getting the voicemail. I called CVS, and they said they could not reach anyone and were just getting the voicemail as well. THANKS SKENDERIAN, and THANKS TO THE AWFUL WOMAN WHO ANSWERED THE PHONE THERE. What a terrible business you have. My fiancee is puking her brains out and needs medication, and you know that, but you decided to close two minutes early today. YOU SUCK. read more

"This place is great! This place rocks!" Well, I must be missing the joke here. I've been here let's say, a dozen times to refill prescriptions for my cat. They are compounds and as such need to be called in well ahead of time, but yet within some mystical window because they will not keep them in a fridge for a day. We're never on the same page with this. The last time was indeed the last straw. The two brothers, reminiscent of the two codgers up in the balcony from 'The Muppet Show', are about as demeaning, condescending and arrogant as one could ever dread encountering. George C. Scott's rendition of "Scrooge" was cuter and cuddlier. The pills (two scripts) ordinarily come to $50. The compounding, which consists of grinding the tiny pills into a powder and combining with some gelatinous goo is another FORTY FIVE DOLLARS. This time, I politely cleared my throat and inquired why. Before I could finish my sentence, one of the brothers, Waldorf I think, has my response waiting like a finely polished Colt in a gunfighter's holster. He snaps off, "TIME!" Time? Cue the ensuing pissing match. He begins yammering on about taking his car to his mechanic and being charged an exorbitant sum for a tiny turn signal bulb. Then, he very venomously asks, "You go to a doctor don't you? WELL, DON'T YOU?!? Do you ask THEM why it's so expensive??" Yeah, I was pissed. I mean, who doesn't love revisiting those days of being spoken to like an 8-year-old who just wrote "dad is fat" in Crayon on a bedroom wall? I don't recall exactly what my response was, but it wasn't one of gratitude and well-wishes. Actually, I don't think I said anything. I simply gave him a look that could melt stone. I tell him there's no need to speak to me like (see above) and that's when he tells ME I'm the one who came in with the, how did he phrase it? Oh yes, "a big chip on my shoulder". That's when I pay, take my receipt and very calmly respond with, "Sir, if you don't want my money then I'm more than happy to spend it somewhere else." and leave. If you're into the whole, "kiss the ring" vibe and fancy a good tongue-lashing, then this will be your Nirvana. Go ahead. Question their prices or methods. But, you'd better be wearing a cup and a helmet. It's going to get messy for you. read more

I'm sure the atmosphere is charming and retro if that is your only criteria for a pharmacy. Also retro is the chauvinism, and the lack of services we've become accustom to in this day and age of high tech. I rented a wheelchair from here because I was staying with my sister after an injury. She lives in the neighborhood and likes to support local small businesses. On the third day of rental, the front wheel fell off. We screwed it back on and tightened it. No problem. After 2 weeks in a nursing/rehab home after surgery I was allowed a brief outing to the local mall. I could not go because the wheelchair was jammed and would not fold to fit in the car. I waited until the next day for my physical therapist to come in and fix it. Again, fixed it, no biggie. On the third week, one of the front wheels broke. I called Skenderian's to see if they could replace it and they told me they had no delivery. My sister was out of town, but brought it back a few days later. They offered no apologies and told her that the wheelchair must have been abused and mentioned that I must have been racing in the street or something to cause the damage, before charging her $40 for the 'damaged' wheel. I am in my 50's in a nursing home post surgery and did not use this wheelchair in any way that could be described as abusive. After she gave me the receipt a few days later I called the store. The person told me that he was the one who received the chair and that it obviously been abused, (totally not true) he also told me that he hardly believed that the wheel fell off, (Again, I'm a liar) I didn't even mention the folding issue. The physical therapy dept staff who deal with medical supply companies on a regular basis could not believe that I was charged for something that was clearly either defective, cracked, caused from ordinary wear and tear, or neglectful maintenance and upkeep. If you are renting equipment from them, please be sure to inspect it very carefully before leaving the store or you will be stuck with extra charges, being accused of being a liar, and with the problem of returning the equipment if you are not ambulatory. Also keep in mind that you can find a wheelchair of the same quality as the rentals online to buy for $109-$149 as opposed to renting here at $125+/month read more

You won't want to buy into their "flowers and sausages" advertisements, but get over the bitterness the media has imbued you with. The Skenderians actually ARE that sweet as pie, old fashioned, and genuinely concerned about customer service and giving you what big chains can't. Once I went in there very obviously ill, and not only was I given a cup of water, but this fine fellow opened my package of pills for me, and invited me to sit down until I felt well enough to head back out on my walk. This place is definitely the last of its kind in this part of the world, so have a heart and keep them in business! Also, they are obviously responsible for maintaining all those old people in Youville right next door. Results you can see! read more

They're awesome. Get your meds, crutches, walkers, plastic cast covers, BP monitors, shoe horns, hand exercisers, raised toilet seats, commodes, reachers, grabbers, urinals (male AND female), shower seats, neck braces, compression stockings, ostomy supplies, and PLENTY more crazy medical supplies goodies. and where else (between harvard and inmann) can you get your cat's methimazole suspension specially made tuna flavored? or your super 9138428 ingredients migraine headache suppository? or your all-purpose-nipple-ointment aka APNO for all the lactating mothers out there? WHERE??!???!? The 3 brothers are fast-talkin', friendly, knowledgeable pharmacists who'll go the extra step to get to know you, mano a mano. The ladies, Cassie, Rebecca, and Nadia, are pretty damn amazing too. and Joel! They deliver! (for a mere $5 fee.. that's what you get for being L A Z Y) Support independent pharmacies! AND they're next to Darwin's, so go grab a sandwich and coffee while you wait for your script. read more

Love Skenderian's! Locally owned and operated. If your doctor has you looking for something obscure that you can't find anywhere else- Skenderian's will have it, or they will know what you're talking about and have it for you tomorrow! When you go in here, it feels like you're on a TV set from "Leave It to Beaver" or "The Andy Griffith Show". Yes, it feels that old timey and authentic. Nice. Support family owned businesses! read more

I never think twice about sending my prescriptions to Skendarian! Whenever I call them to check up on something they're always extremely friendly and helpful too (i.e. tell me exactly what the problem is, instead of just saying "oh, I can't help you, sorry"). The other day I witnessed one of the pharmacists spend 10+ minutes going over the intricacies of sitz baths with a slightly befuddled old woman. If that's not customer service, I don't know what is! I probably wouldn't buy personal care products here, since they're usually cheaper at CVS/Walgreens/etc. (As much as I would like to support local businesses, I'm not trying to spend my hard-earned money on Kleenex.) Still, Skendarian is a neighborhood treasure, and I would definitely recommend coming here if you want to feel like your pharmacist is actually looking out for you! read more

Customer service is this Apothecary's goal. They will deliver, via the USPS, the vitamins and prescriptions you need. They are respectable of you, as the customer, and importantly your doctor. Ask them for interactions or if you need to eat food and know the timing of your medicine - they will advise. Write yourself a note or call back for explanations. Find the parking spots around the block and behind the store. Shop for heat, cold packs and sleep aids for tired legs and shoulders. A win, win healthful shopping experience. read more

I've had nothing but good experiences at Skenderian. At the 24 Hour CVS in Porter everything was always a disaster - you could call in advance, but it didn't matter, because when you got there, you were going to wait in line for twenty minutes and then they would tell you that they never got your call and you get to wait for another twenty minutes. Skenderian's just made me so happy. It's that feeling that you get when you call and talk to a human, and then the humans tell you human things that recognize that, hey, we are both humans and we don't have to treat each other like zombie robots. My experiences were all professional and positive. When I moved away, I asked them if they could refer me to a West Coast branch, because the thought of going back to CVS made me dramatically unhappy. read more

This might just be the best pharmacy in the entire world. They have everything a pharmacy should have, and not the stuff it shouldn't. They compound, carry a large amount of medical supplies (to include tons of helpful baby related stuff), are family and locally owned, and the staff is incredibly helpful and friendly. They don't carry groceries and I couldn't care less. The bottom line is that this place is fantastic. read more

I have been coming here for years as it is my neighborhood pharmacy. The pharmacists and staff are so incredibly nice and welcoming. They always remember who you are and welcome you like family including our dog (They always have dog biscuits). Whether picking up my prescriptions or looking for over the counter meds, they are incredibly knowledgable and patient. I have never needed something they didn't have and I feel incredibly lucky to be able to go there. I would never think of going anywhere else. read more

I don't have a need for a pharmacy (or Apothecary) particularly often, but I really liked this place when I went. It has an old-timey feel to it, and the staff is much more helpful than at your average CVS / Walgreens. It's too bad the big pharmacy chains have mostly killed off these little local guys, as it really is a much more pleasant environment. read more

I love that this place is a small business and they use the word Apothecary. It sounds so regal and nice. I've gone here for vitamins, band-aids, various things for my Papa, toiletries, etc. The Skendarian brothers are nice and helpful. The store is always well-stocked and the prices are right. I will go out of my way to shop here for items. Glad to see it's still in business. read more

I love this place so much that I moved to the other side of Boston, but still go there for everything, including over the counter stuff I could pick up anywhere. If someone must have my money for these things, I want it to be them. A neighborhood business that has the sort of customer service my generation is completely ignorant of...it lends credence to the "Back in my day" stories our older relatives tell. The nicest staff, and they'll bend over backwards to help in any way they can. My best shopping experiences have been at this pharmacy, which is sort of strange to say. read more

I've been a very happy customer of Skenderian's since 2005, when I discovered it, living in the neighborhood. I've since moved, but I will never, ever get my prescriptions filled anyplace else. Why? 1. Possibly the best pharmacy in the world, as far as customer service, fast prescription-filling, great advice. 2. Local, family-owned. They remembered my name the third time I went, and always greet me 3. Delivery (haven't used this service, but it's good to know its there if I need it). In a previous lifetime, I used to use Target and/or CVS. At both of these places, I've received the wrong prescriptions and/or dosage. That has never happened to me at Skenderian Apothecary (I mean, sure, these guys are probably human, too, but they are very, very, very careful with what they dispense and they handle a high volume). read more

An apothecary was the last place I thought I'd be visiting on my recent trip to Boston. When the rubber tips to my husband crutches wore through, it was Skenderian Apothecary to the rescue. We called first to confirm availability and pricing. Upon arrival, we asked where to find the rubber crutch tips. They had already held them in the front for us! They also did the laborious task of getting them on. We were able to continue the Boston vacation fun from there, thanks to a shiny new pair of crutch tips from Skenderian. read more

These guys are fantastic. They know me by name, and always make sure to help me out. There are a few people working up front (not the pharmacists) who may not be as great, but someone will always look out for you. I was so touched by the personal service I got here. I once had an unusual prescription that wasn't going through my insurance company, and the pharmacist spend over 30 minutes helping me, even offering to deal with the insurance company for me! He explained everything, and was willing to help make sure everything went through. At most other pharmacies they'd just send you home with nothing. In addition to the service (which really is why I go), they also have a great selection of medical supplies--pressure stockings, injection supplies, OTC medications, tons of medical supplies you'd only see in a hospital, and a whole bunch of chocolate! Also, they compound medications, and try to keep the prices as low as possible, which is impressive. I switched to using these guys exclusively, and it was a great decision. read more

After calling all the chain stores to find a simple product and hearing no we dont have this. I called them up and a very pleasant man told me oh ya we have it. It was so nice to hear it cause I was so frustrated at this point. When I showed up, walked threw the door, I was greeted with smiles and a helpful person and asked them for the product, they walked me over to the item, they picked up for me and gave it to me. I went to pay for it and when I was just to walk out the door that same person said to me have a great day and I do hope the person you bought that for gets better....now how sweet is this.. This just shows you everyone at this place really cares and have totally awesome customer service skills. Alot of places could take lessons from this place... I will be coming back... read more

This is such an awesome place! I admit it: I only heard of it because of the many local commercials aired, but who cares? Not only is it a well-stocked drug store, but the people who run it are so pleasant and sweet. I like having someone smile at me when I come in and ask me how I am, and mean it. And find things for me when I (am dumb and) cannot find them myself. I'm so happy that places like this still exist and that I have access to one so nearby. read more

I love this place. They have wonderful products and great customer service. I would give this pharmacy 5 stars, but I'm a cyclist, and I don't feel that I am welcome at their business. Many of my fellow cyclists feel the same way. I understand that they may need more car parking spaces if they have a lot of elderly customers. However, getting more people out of cars and biking or walking is the only way for our cities to respond to climate change and address public health concerns. Many of my friends want to support local businesses, and go out of our way to support places like Skenderian (instead of CVS for instance). I worry they will lose business from this. I am torn about whether to return or not. read more

I have been a customer of Skendarian for the last couple of years. I was thrilled to go out of my way to support a local business and avoid the nightmarish hell of CVS. The staff is decent enough, but on three separate occasions, I heard one of the owners say that something was "retarded." I couldn't believe that a business owner would be casually saying that it was "retarded" to have to deal with a particular issue. Either way, it rubbed me the wrong way. read more

I'm with Lesli G. A doctor in Arlington suggested I go there specially for an item I needed and said they would be helpful. The place was quiet and the pharmacist came over with me to the area with the product and .. a minute later was snide and condescending! He misunderstood my question but rather than assume I was intelligent and there was an explanation other than stupidity he just shot out a "surely you.." kind of comment. I just don't believe if I was a male he'd not have paused to confirm my question! I added a star because a doctor did recommend the place and I do like supporting local businesses! But heck - one feels vulnerable enough after dealing with medical stuff to have this kind of treatment. I'm not going back. read more

This is truly the only pharmacy I have ever loved--as in, a) it broke my heart when a certain local university changed its insurance and I could no longer fill my prescriptions here; b) every pharmacy I tried after that was disappointing in comparison; c) when it came time to pick my new insurance, my primary criterion for evaluating plans was whether both my PCP *and* Skenderian accepted the carrier. Things to love: For one, it's a locally owned, independent pharmacy, and there aren't a ton of those left. But there are other things that set Skenderian apart, even from another LOIP about a mile down the road. From the moment you walk in, for instance, it just feels different--it's bright and airy, well-stocked but not cramped, and surprisingly open. I never realized what a difference it makes in the atmosphere of a place to have the pharmacists right there when you walk in (instead of tucked in the back behind a high wall and/or 2" of reinforced glass), but it's notable: You feel a lot more like these friendly people are here to help, and a lot less like they're convinced you're going to try to rob them for prescription painkillers. :P The most amazing thing about Skenderian, though, is the people who work there. The pharmacists have answered any and every question I've ever asked, which is *a lot* of nerdy, nerdy questions. They've gone above and beyond to get my prescriptions filled, up to and including borrowing tablets from another pharmacy so that I didn't have to wait a day for something urgent. Doctors have told me for years that I should use a Peak Flow meter for my asthma, but I never bothered until one of the pharmacists at Skenderian told me about all the useful things I could do with that data if I made a habit of collecting it. Another time I asked for pseudoephedrine-containing cold medicine (that's the more effective kind you have to show a driver's license to get) and, rather than automatically toss me some Whatever-Quil, the woman behind the counter asked me some questions about my symptoms--and then handed me this inexpensive, nondescript box of tablets containing one active ingredient I'd never heard of (which is impressive; I'm kind of a pharma nerd), and that turned out to be *far and away* the most effective cold medicine I've ever taken. The people who answer the phones have been equally patient and helpful, whether the question is "Which insurances do you take?" or "Could you possibly read me my full prescription history for the last year?" In short, I go out of my way to go to Skenderian--and so long as I can help it, I'm never going anywhere else again. read more

I completely agree with Mats K. This is hands-down the best pharmacy in the Boston-Cambridge area. I believe it's owned/run by two brothers, both pharmacists and extremely knowledgeable. I've never had to wait longer than 5 minutes or so to get a prescription filled. Their store is extremely well organized and stocked with useful but hard-to-find medical supplies. Once you've been, you won't go near a CVS/Walgreens anytime soon. (http://www.skenderianapothecary.com/) read more

The people who run Skenderian's are truly class acts. I had a billing issue that was resolved easily and with a smile. I've been nothing but pleased with their business, and their delivery service is a lifesaver. read more