Online Rx Businesses Pros & Cons

Customers are turning to the Internet to have their prescriptions revealed or establish a new prescription. Controversy surrounds online prescriptions as there may be issues with the quality of the medications as well as other legal ramifications. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), many websites that sell medicine are not U.S. state-licensed pharmacies. The FDA suggests visiting sites that are Vipps (Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites) and/or licensed by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.

Pros: Privancy, Convenience and Costs

• Some individuals may have ailments and conditions they do not feel comfortable having their local pharmacist knowing about. Ordering prescriptions online allows you to have the privacy of getting the medication you need without people knowing.

  Purchasing prescriptions online gives you the added convenience of purchasing an item and not having to leave your house. If you have a condition where driving a car or walking may be challenging it can be stressful getting to your local pharmacist or having someone else drive you to the pharmacist to fill your prescription. Since websites have a lower overhead than a physical storefront you may find that prescription drugs online are more affordable than what you will find at your local pharmacist.

Cons: Fraud, Theft and Shipping

• Some online prescription websites are based overseas, which lack governmental agencies such as the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) who oversee the safety and reliability of the drugs. You may be visiting sites that are clones of reliable sites or made by hackers. There is a possibility you will make your payment and not receive your goods. Make sure you use a credit card that has fraud protection. Shipping times for some online prescriptions require you to wait up to three weeks or more before your prescription ships. If you have an ailment that needs immediate medication, you may suffer to save money and privacy.

Tips

• Online sites such as the Better Business Bureau as well as Ripoffreport.com feature consumer reviews of pharmacy websites. Consumers from both sites will post their experiences, which will allow you to be an informed consumer as opposed to risking your financial information on the prescription site.