For many Americans, personal health is often sacrificed because of the high cost of medications. It isn’t uncommon for people to skip refilling prescriptions, lower their drug doses without a doctor’s approval, look for alternatives overseas, or simply stop treatment prematurely. These are all bad choices that can seriously jeopardize your health, increasing the risk of life-threatening complications and fatality. Not surprisingly, there has been a huge increase in deaths from spurious medications, primarily those sold as opioid painkillers, with the number of fatalities doubling from 2019 to 2021. Easy access to affordable medications from trusted sources can help counter this risk. However, to buy medications safely online, you need to know how to choose a platform that meets your needs, both financial and medical.
Questions You Should Ask When Choosing An Online Pharmacy
1. Do They Have The Required Certification
There is a regulatory framework to ensure that medications sold online are just as safe as those sold in brick-and-mortar stores, however, it’s important for you to be vigilant as drug safety is still a problem on the internet with a number of fake websites and counterfeit products. Look for certification from the NABP (National Association of Boards of Pharmacy) and credentials including badges or seals such as VIPPS and LegitScript.
2. Do They Have Qualified Healthcare Professionals?
Every licensed pharmacy is expected to have a pharmacist, but some online pharmacies also have a team of qualified doctors and specialists. They can provide online consultations, offer guidance with medication dosage, and prescribe medications if required. Although helpful, this will come with additional costs, so consider if you need such services.
3. Do They Accept Insurance?
As we’ve already established, the cost of medications is a huge burden for most patients and this makes insurance coverage so important. This should be among your top considerations when choosing an online pharmacy. Check the pharmacy’s list of accepted insurance companies and talk to your insurance provider to find out precisely what is covered and the extent or limitations of coverage, depending on your plan.
4. What Is Their Delivery Policy?
Convenience is an important factor when buying medications online, so review the seller’s shipping policies carefully before making any decision. Consider the delivery times, if they have expedited shipping, if there are any hidden delivery costs, and so on. Understanding the delivery times will also allow you to plan your orders so that you don’t run out of medications at any time.
5. Where Is Their Business Office?
Although a good online pharmacy could be part of a multinational chain, the brand should have a local business address and phone number to ensure accountability and transparency. If you can’t find such information on the website or app and have no way to reach out for direct inquiries, it would be best to look for another pharmacy.
6. Do They Sell Generics?
The United States is known for its high medication prices, but it is also recognized as a world leader in affordable generics. Unfortunately, not all patients are aware of generic medications and they may not be sold or covered by all pharmacies. Some online pharmacies give patients a choice between brand-name medications and generics, also offering guidance through their pharmacists. You can find more information from the FDA’s Office of Generic Drugs (OGD).
7. Do They Require Prescriptions?
While you might think that being able to access medications easily, even without a prescription, is a perk, it really isn’t. Pharmacies that do not require prescriptions for drugs that are normally not sold over the counter are violating the law and are more likely to be engaging in other illegal activities, including the sale of counterfeit medications.
8. Is Their Refill Process Simple And Efficient?
The convenience of online pharmacies is often their biggest draw, so it’s important that they have an efficient and streamlined process for refills. The best platforms make this extremely easy for customers and the information should also be easily accessible before you make a purchase or sign up for any membership.
9. Is Their Billing Transparent And Affordable?
Always make sure that the online pharmacy you use provides clear information upfront about medication pricing and the availability of generics. If this information isn’t accessible or is vague and confusing, there’s a good chance that they put profits ahead of their patients.
10. What Do Customers Say About Their Support?
Don’t just rely on information publicized by the online pharmacy. Today, it’s easy to find reviews and feedback on all brands online if you look hard enough. Simply use Google to check customer reviews of the brand and visit their social media pages to see what people have to say. Before placing any orders, you can also reach out to them directly to find out how responsive and helpful they really are.
