About Mail Order Pharmacies

As the prices of prescription medication continue to increase, more and more consumers rely on mail order pharmacies to provide more affordable drugs. With prices that are often well below average, these mail order pharmacies are also a convenient and easy option. Rather than driving to a local pharmacy, consumers can quickly order new prescriptions or refills that are then delivered discretely to their home. But how do mail order pharmacies work? Continue reading to learn more.

History

• Often referred to as online pharmacies, mail order pharmacies have been used since the year 2000. An ideal solution for immobile patients as well as those seeking an added layer of privacy, mail order pharmacies have since become a more popular option for consumers across the world.

Types

• With the number of mail order pharmacies out there, finding the right one can be overwhelming to many consumers. While some mail order pharmacies have a physical location to serve walk-in customers as well, others cater only to mail order and Internet customers. Several insurance companies even own their own mail order pharmacy or have partnerships with reputable distributors. Additionally, some mail order pharmacies are located in foreign countries, with Canada being one of the most popular locations.

Benefits

• Lower prices are just one of the many benefits of using an online or mail order pharmacy. Added convenience and anonymity attract many to mail order pharmacies, while the ability to quickly compare prices between companies entices many consumers. In addition, many Canadian pharmacies distribute generic forms of brand name drugs that are not available in the United States.

Considerations

• Despite its benefits, there are some risks associated with the use of a mail order pharmacy. First and foremost, consumers must be aware that not all of these pharmacies are licensed. To ensure the quality and safety of your medications, you should only do business with licensed pharmacies. It is also important to check the mail order pharmacy's privacy policy, as many of them do not protect your financial information and often share personal information with other companies. Just in case there is a problem with your order, you should also make sure the pharmacy provides its contact information. Finally, remember that a mail order pharmacy may charge fees for shipping, account set up and ordering.

Warning

• While there are many mail order pharmacies out there offering medications without a prescription, this practice is extremely dangerous. Without a prescription, pharmacies could send you dangerous medications that have not been approved by the FDA or have serious side effects. It is also important to note that despite their benefits, purchasing drugs from a foreign mail order pharmacy is quite risky, as these drugs are not regulated by the FDA. This means that the drugs you purchase may not be as safe as those sold in the U.S.