There is a growing market for on-line pharmacies...but...are they safe? Are the medications you get the same as you would from a "regular" pharmacy? I wonder. In an attempt to save some money on your prescriptions...have you ever bought on-line? Have you ever thought about this as an option to save money? Would you ever buy your medical prescriptions on-line? Give the questions some thought okay?
If you have ever wondered the same questions...I hope the following information will help to answer them. As always, this information is shared for your personal entertainment and not mean to replace the care and expertise from a qualified doctor or pharmacist. If you have questions about what you read here please go speak to your doctor. Ask your pharmacist too okay? Get the information you need so you can make the best decisions for you and your medical care.
There are choices...but are they the right ones for you? Explore them! Find out for yourself and take charge of your health.
If you have ever wondered the same questions...I hope the following information will help to answer them. As always, this information is shared for your personal entertainment and not mean to replace the care and expertise from a qualified doctor or pharmacist. If you have questions about what you read here please go speak to your doctor. Ask your pharmacist too okay? Get the information you need so you can make the best decisions for you and your medical care.
There are choices...but are they the right ones for you? Explore them! Find out for yourself and take charge of your health.
Saving Money on Prescription Drug Costs
Online and Mail-Order Medicine: How to Buy Safely
You know you can save time and money when you buy medicine online or through a mail-order pharmacy, but still you wonder: Is the seller legit and are the drugs safe?
Follow these steps to make sure you're getting a good deal.
No. 1. Be wary of a super-bargain.
"If it's too good to be true, it probably is," says Carmen Catizone, executive director of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). That's a group that encourages safety standards for pharmacies.
An extremely low price can be a sign that there's something fishy going on. For example, if you normally pay $100 for your medicine and you can get it for $5, be careful. It could mean the drugs are sold outside the U.S. and aren't approved by the FDA.
No. 2. Check for the VIPPS seal.
When you go to a pharmacy's web site, look for a seal that says VIPPS. It stands for "Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites."
If it's there, it means the site was screened and approved by the NABP.
No. 3. Look for "dot pharmacy" in the address.
If an online pharmacy has ".pharmacy" at the end of its web address, it's OK to buy medicine there. Only outfits that follow the law are allowed to use it.
No. 4. Make sure it's licensed and based in the U.S.
Your online or mail-order pharmacy should be located in this country. Check if it's licensed or registered by the state where it's based. To find out, go to the web site of the NABP.
You can also look for licensing information on the online pharmacy's web site. "If they don't list it, that's a warning sign," Catizone says.
No. 5. Check that it has a pharmacist.
You should be able to talk with one on the phone, by email, or online, says Laura E. Knockel, PharmD, a clinical assistant professor at the University of Iowa.
Look for a 1-800 number. Call the pharmacist if you have any questions, even a small one.
Knockel suggests you fill all your prescriptions at the same pharmacy, if possible. You'll get to know your pharmacist, and it'll be easier to spot problems, like drugs you can't take together.
No. 6. Don't buy if you're not asked for a prescription.
Only use pharmacies that require a prescription from your doctor or other licensed professional.
If the pharmacy doesn't ask for one, you could get the wrong medicine.
No. 7. Look at privacy policies.
The pharmacy should list privacy and security settings. They should be easy for you to spot and understand.
The web site should not sell your personal information unless you sign an agreement saying it's OK.
No. 8. Keep personal info to yourself.
Don't risk giving it to strangers. Unless you know the pharmacy is safe, don't share your:
Social security number
Credit card information
Personal medical history
No. 9. Do your homework.
If you follow these tips, you should be good to go. Once you find a pharmacy that's on the up-and-up, "it's safe to order online," Catizone says.
WebMD Feature
By Kara Mayer Robinson
Reviewed By Melinda Ratini, DO, MS
Online and Mail-Order Medicine: How to Buy Safely
You know you can save time and money when you buy medicine online or through a mail-order pharmacy, but still you wonder: Is the seller legit and are the drugs safe?
Follow these steps to make sure you're getting a good deal.
No. 1. Be wary of a super-bargain.
"If it's too good to be true, it probably is," says Carmen Catizone, executive director of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). That's a group that encourages safety standards for pharmacies.
An extremely low price can be a sign that there's something fishy going on. For example, if you normally pay $100 for your medicine and you can get it for $5, be careful. It could mean the drugs are sold outside the U.S. and aren't approved by the FDA.
No. 2. Check for the VIPPS seal.
When you go to a pharmacy's web site, look for a seal that says VIPPS. It stands for "Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites."
If it's there, it means the site was screened and approved by the NABP.
No. 3. Look for "dot pharmacy" in the address.
If an online pharmacy has ".pharmacy" at the end of its web address, it's OK to buy medicine there. Only outfits that follow the law are allowed to use it.
No. 4. Make sure it's licensed and based in the U.S.
Your online or mail-order pharmacy should be located in this country. Check if it's licensed or registered by the state where it's based. To find out, go to the web site of the NABP.
You can also look for licensing information on the online pharmacy's web site. "If they don't list it, that's a warning sign," Catizone says.
No. 5. Check that it has a pharmacist.
You should be able to talk with one on the phone, by email, or online, says Laura E. Knockel, PharmD, a clinical assistant professor at the University of Iowa.
Look for a 1-800 number. Call the pharmacist if you have any questions, even a small one.
Knockel suggests you fill all your prescriptions at the same pharmacy, if possible. You'll get to know your pharmacist, and it'll be easier to spot problems, like drugs you can't take together.
No. 6. Don't buy if you're not asked for a prescription.
Only use pharmacies that require a prescription from your doctor or other licensed professional.
If the pharmacy doesn't ask for one, you could get the wrong medicine.
No. 7. Look at privacy policies.
The pharmacy should list privacy and security settings. They should be easy for you to spot and understand.
The web site should not sell your personal information unless you sign an agreement saying it's OK.
No. 8. Keep personal info to yourself.
Don't risk giving it to strangers. Unless you know the pharmacy is safe, don't share your:
Social security number
Credit card information
Personal medical history
No. 9. Do your homework.
If you follow these tips, you should be good to go. Once you find a pharmacy that's on the up-and-up, "it's safe to order online," Catizone says.
WebMD Feature
By Kara Mayer Robinson
Reviewed By Melinda Ratini, DO, MS
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