FOLLOW US

Buying medicines online is common practice today. Online pharmacies sell a wide variety of products, including prescription drugs. Consumers can use some of these online pharmacies with the same confidence they have using their neighborhood pharmacist. However, illegitimate online pharmacies also exist, selling unapproved versions of prescription medicines and illegal medications.

What is an online pharmacy?

An online pharmacy is internet-based and usually sells drugs cheaper than physical drugstores due to many clients and reduced running costs. Foreign online pharmacies offer even cheaper drugs because drugs cost less in other countries. Consumers can simply go to a website and buy a wide variety of drugs, including opioids and antibiotics.

Pros of using an online pharmacy

Cost: Many online pharmacies offer lower prices on medications and great deals. They often provide free shipping too. This is hard to resist for budget-strapped consumers.

Convenience: Medication can be ordered at any time and delivered right to the client’s door. For those who are unable to leave home or don’t live near a pharmacy, this may just be a life-saver.

Privacy: Clients have the freedom to buy the medicines they need without any embarrassment. They are also able to ask any questions anonymously.

Information: Many of the online pharmacies offer useful information on their websites. Clients can keep up to date with facts about certain medications and what is being used effectively to treat specific diseases. Such knowledge can help them to make more informed decisions.

Legality: Clients are not contravening any laws if they buy drugs through a US-based online pharmacy certified by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP).  This professional organization supports state pharmacy boards and is recognized by the FDA as the leading authority.

Cons of using an online pharmacy

Safety: Some online pharmacies are more concerned about profits than the safety of their customers. They may even be run by criminal networks that distribute illicit drugs knowingly.  Illegitimate pharmacies may sell products that are expired, counterfeit or contaminated. Many of them are based outside the U.S. and sell drugs from other countries. Purchasing medicines from unlicensed online pharmacies may have serious health consequences.

Reliability:  Online pharmacies may be unreliable, with factors like shipping delays coming into the picture.  Missing dosages of certain medications can have serious consequences.