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!

Generic Cialis, Forever Second Best?

Generic Cialis, Forever Second Best?

Recently, Hugh Hefner talked about what Viagra had done for his love life. Hefner, founder of Playboy Magazine, is engaged to Crystal Harris (a 24-year old British model), calling the drug “God’s little helper.” Now, we all know Viagra’s got a five-year head start on its competitors, namely Cialis (tadalafil) and Levitra (vardenafil). But is Viagra really the best choice when it comes to treating erectile dysfunction (ED)? Let’s look at the drug profiles to find out!

Viagra (Sildenafil citrate)

Sildenafil (generic Viagra) is used to treat ED. It works by blocking an enzyme (PDE-5) to produce an erection. It is not an aphrodisiac or a hormone, which means it, cannot give you the desire to have sex or increase your libido. It will also not protect your from contracting an STD including HIV, as it is not a contraceptive.

You still need to practice safe sex to protect your sexual health.

Cialis (tadalafil)

Tadalafil (generic Viagra) also works by blocking PDE-5. Just like sildenafil, it helps direct blood flow into the penis so that a man can produce and maintain an erection. Cialis can be taken daily or as needed, that is, prior to sexual activity. Understand that Cialis and other PDE-5 inhibitors can cause a heart attack or stroke if taken with other medicines such as nitrates and “poppers” like amyl nitrite and butyl nitrite.

Levitra (vardenafil)

Levitra’s claim to fame is that it works faster than Viagra – within 15 minutes, according to the manufacters, but may take up to an hour when taken with a very fatty meal. Vardenafil is also a PDE-5 inhibitor, which means the mechanism of action is the same as sildenafil and tadalafil. It is not safe to take Levitra and Viagra together. In fact, for these drugs, it is better to take the smallest effective dose to guarantee fewer side effects. Combining PDE-5 drugs may cause adverse reactions and may even result in death.

Where to buy Viagra/Cialis/Levitra

PDE-5 inhibitors are available in both traditional and online pharmacies. But if you want to save money, or if your insurance doesn’t cover this meds, you may buy from an online pharmacy without prescription. Beware though of counterfeit drugs, which are sold by unscrupulous Internet pharmacies. Remember to only purchase from trusted e-pharmacies such as onlinepharmacynorx.net.