Computers, technology and the availability of the Internet have really affected the way consumers shop.  The convenience of comparing prices and buying items all from the comforts of home can be irresistible.  However, when it comes to purchasing medications from the Internet, it is important to be aware of all of the advantages and disadvantages that area involved.  You must do your own investigating and look for websites where the pharmacy is licensed by the state board of pharmacy, has a licensed pharmacist, requires a prescription from a doctor who is licensed in the United States to write prescriptions and has a way for you to talk to a person in the event of a problem.

Some of the pros of buying medications online include:  1) Convenience for patients who do not drive, driving is difficult or cannot drive because of the medications they take, small towns that may not have certain drugs, no fighting traffic for patients who do drive but prefer not to get out, no standing in lines or fighting crowds in the pharmacies themselves. 2) Prices are usually more affordable online due to competition. 3) Patients can consult with a licensed pharmacist within the privacy of their own home. 4) The increasing use of computer technology is likely to reduce human errors in the pharmacy. 5) Internet pharmacies can meet the same basic needs as a regular pharmacy. 6) Patients do not encounter the “impulse buyer” issue that comes about when standing in lines at the pharmacy.

There are also many cons to buying medications online:  1) there is no personal touch for the patient. 2) Because the medication is delivered to you it takes longer to get them.  You have to plan ahead better to allow for shipping time.  This can cause trouble with insurance because a lot of companies will only refill the week the medications run out.  3) If there is a problem with your order it takes even longer and usually cannot be fixed quickly.  4) The medication may cost less but with shipping costs you could end up paying more.  5) Products can be unapproved or even illegal as well as marketed with fraudulent health claims.  6) You cannot pick up other items you may need and could have to make a trip out to the pharmacy anyway.  7) Not all online pharmacies keep patient records so you could have drug interaction problems that a pharmacist who sees you regularly and keeps record of your medications would catch before hand.  Some online pharmacies use medicines that are fake, too strong or weak, have expired or are not made using safe standard.  9) Some websites that sell medicines do not protect your personal information, which opens you up to the possibility of identity theft and stolen credit card or bank account numbers. 10) There are online pharmacies that are not United States licensed and some are not even pharmacies at all.

Online pharmacies are actually a relatively new online market but are growing quickly due to the large amounts of money being put into them by larger pharmacy chains.  Some major pharmacy chains that have ventured into the online arena include Soma, CVS, Rite Aid and Walgreens.  GNC has also contributed a large amount of money to the development of online pharmacies.  Currently in the United States there are 400 websites that dispense and prescribe medications. Due to the increase in online pharmacy activity, the World Health Organization (WHO) is working to make online pharmacies safer for consumers.  WHO is putting together a guide called “Medical Products and the Internet” that is designed to inform the online user of the safest ways to shop the Internet.  The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy has put together VIPPS – Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites. 

Any website that carries the seal of approval by VIPPS has been approved by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.  This seal guarantees that all of the licensing standards in the states that medications are dispensed in have been met, all prescription orders are secure, quality assurance policies are in place and there is a system by which a customer’s questions can be answered by a pharmacist.

Buying your medication via the Internet can make life easier.  Just make certain you do it safely. 

 

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