Walgreens Pharmacy Chat allows users to talk online with Walgreens pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in order to get answers about prescription and over-the-counter medications. Users can also get pricing information and status updates on whether their prescription orders are ready for pickup at their local store.

The new services joins several other initiatives by the company to more closely connect the Web to neighborhood stores. Earlier this year Walgreens introduced prescription text alerts: a service which notifies customers when prescriptions are ready for pickup or if there are any delays with their order. Other services include automatic refill reminders by phone and e-mail, and access to online health records.

Live Pharmacy Chat is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at Walgreens.com/pharmacychat. Registration is required to use the service, but it is free.