Online Pharmacies: The Basics

Online Pharmacies: The Basics

In the United States alone, there are roughly 400 legitimate online pharmacies that market and sell over-the-counter, prescription drugs, and other pharmacy products. They operate just like your corner drugstore, with the obvious exception that everything is done online – in some cases, even a patient’s consultation with a physician. To date there are three different types of online pharmacies based on prescription requirements including:

Traditional, where prescription is dependent upon an in-person examination
Remote Consultation, where prescription is based on an online or phone consultation; and
Rogue, where a prescription is not required to order prescription drugs.

Types of Products Sold by Online Pharmacies

Aside from the prescription requirements, online pharmacies also differ according to their product range.

Some online drugstores carry a full range of medication, meaning consumers can buy both prescription and non-prescription products, as well as other health and beauty products that you would normally find in a large community pharmacy; while others just sell popular medications like Viagra, Cialis, Levitra and other top-selling prescription drugs. Also worth mentioning are Internet pharmacies that specifically sells “lifestyle” medications such as male enhancement drugs, hair growth and weight loss solutions, contraceptives, and so on. These types of pharmacies don’t sell prescription or over-the-counter drugs but focus instead on alternative medications.

Benefits and Risks

Online pharmacies are no doubt beneficial especially to patients who are homebound, with no one to care for them. Aside from offering cheaper prices and assuring consumers of privacy and discreetness, online pharmacies are a good source of information when it comes to medications and health conditions. Of course, despite the numerous benefits of using an online pharmacy, consumers should still take note of the risks. As mentioned, there are rogue pharmacies that wouldn’t think twice about selling counterfeit or subpar drugs. Some customers even complain that they do not receive their medications after being charged for them. Your best bet is to check for a license and accreditation. Always remember that your safety comes before everything else!