Some people have to spend $1,200 every year for the prescription medications they need to stay healthy. By shopping online, you can save money and stress. It’s fast, convenient, and easy!
Unfortunately, not all online pharmacies are safe and reliable. Before you start shopping, there are a few things you should know, first.
That way, you can make a smart, informed decision before you press “Add to Cart.”
Learn everything you need to know about online pharmacies with this helpful guide!
The Benefits of Buying Online
You might wonder why you should start shopping online in the first place. Here are a few benefits of choosing online pharmacies when purchasing your medications.
1. The Variety
When you visit a pharmacy, there’s a chance they won’t have the medication you need. The Internet, on the other hand, has nearly everything. By visiting online pharmacies, you’re more likely to find your medication.
Beyond that, there are also many different brands you can choose from. Each brand might offer a different quality, though. It’s important to do your research before buying.
Searching online will help you find numerous options without driving around town. You don’t even have to leave the house! Instead, you can find a large prescription of medications straight from your computer.
2. It’s Convenient
Driving around town searching for the medications you need is exhausting. With the internet, you no longer have to search “pharmacies near me.” With social distancing, it’s more important now than ever to stay at home, too.
Instead, online pharmacies allow you to shop on your schedule without leaving home. That means you won’t have to worry about slow employees or long lines. Instead, you can order your prescriptions and have them delivered.
Some pharmacies only allow a 30-day supply of the medications you need. By shopping online, you can order a 90-day supply. In other words, you won’t have to worry about ordering prescriptions as often.
Instead, you can focus on your family, friends, and other obligations.
3. Better Prices
Once you learn about online pricing, you might want to discover how to switch pharmacies.
Shopping online can help you find better prices and regular deals. Some online companies even offer discounts and rebates. That way, you can save money and spend it on other necessities.
You can also explore different pharmacies to compare prices.
4. Access to Information
Trying to choose between different medications without medical experience can get confusing. Buying online, however, can give you easy access to the information you need. You can find clinical studies and data before you buy.
Make sure to research dosages and side effects before choosing medications. You can also read reviews from other shoppers as well. They can help you avoid wasting time and money.
5. Fast Comparisons
With so many options available online, you’ll want to compare medications to find the best ones. By exploring online pharmacies, comparisons are easy! In fact, many online pharmacies provide quick comparisons for you.
That way, you can determine which medications best suit your needs and budget.
6. Automatic Refills
Many online pharmacies offer an option for automatic refills. That means you don’t have to worry about remembering to call ahead. Instead, you can set it and forget it!
7. Privacy
Some people feel embarrassed when they visit a pharmacy. After all, you don’t want to hear the pharmacist call your name for something like Viagra. Shopping online, on the other hand, can offer you discretion and privacy.
You don’t have to worry about anyone judging you for picking up anti-depressants or cream for a skin condition. Instead, you can get what you need delivered to your door without anyone knowing.
Tips for Savvy Shopping
Now that you understand the benefits of shopping online for your prescriptions, here are a few things you need. Take these precautions to start shopping safely online!
1. Doctor’s Prescription
Almost 90% of online pharmacies don’t require a prescription from a doctor. Most of these online pharmacies are operating illegally.
Make sure the pharmacy requires your prescription before they complete your order. A pharmacy that requires a prescription can increase your chases of getting the right medication. Otherwise, you might get a medication that does more harm than good.
2. Licensing
As you explore different online pharmacies, make sure they’re licensed and registered. You can use the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) to verify their licensing.
Does the website not display the licensing and registration information anywhere? If you can’t find this information, look elsewhere.
3. The Seal
Before buying from an online pharmacy, looking for the VIPPS seal on their website. VIPPS stands for “Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites.” This seal indicates the pharmacy meets their state’s licensure requirements.
These pharmacies also have to complete screening by the NABP before receiving this seal. To meet the NABP’s requirements, pharmacies must undergo a visit from a certification team.
If you see the seal, you can have peace of mind that you’re choosing to shop from a reliable pharmacy.
4. Remain Wary
Does a website’s claim seem too good to be true? Usually, it is.
Sometimes, you’ll need to trust your gut. If you see shockingly low prices, search around. Make sure to compare prices to avoid scams.
5. Site Security
As you explore different websites, take a look at the URL. Do you see a lock in front of the URL, along with “HTTPS”? That indicates the website is secure.
Don’t shop from an unsecured website. Choosing a website without proper security could put your personal information at risk. That includes your medical history and credit card information.
6. Speak With a Pharmacist
If an online pharmacy is legit and reliable, they’ll provide you access to a pharmacist. Look for a 1-800 number. Make sure to ask if any of your medications aren’t safe to take together.
You can read this article to learn more about how online pharmacies work.
7. The List
With so many fraudulent websites online, the NABP created a Not Recommended List. You can check this list to pinpoint websites that don’t comply with state or federal laws. These online pharmacies usually neglect patient safety.
Make sure to check the list before you buy online!
Online Pharmacies: Finding the Reliable Ones Among the Rest
Save money and time by shopping online. With this guide, you can find the best online pharmacies without putting your health or personal information at risk. Start shopping with these tips today!
Check out the Health section of the blog for more helpful guides.
