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People can submit their prescriptions to some online pharmacies. The pharmacy can then deliver the order or tell the person where they can pick it up nearby.
This article explores a range of safe online pharmacies, the pros and cons of buying drugs online, and how to spot a scam website.
A safe online pharmacy will have the seal of Internet pharmacy practice sites verified by the National Association of Pharmacy Boards (NABP). This means the site is safe because it meets state licensing requirements, alongside other NABP criteria.
Roughly
The NABP has a secure site finder. It helps a person verify that a site meets the NABP patient safety and pharmacy practice standards. According to the Alliance for Safe Online Pharmacies, less than one in 20 people know they can check whether a site is safe to use.
The
- require a prescription from a healthcare professional
- have a physical address and telephone number in the United States
- are licensed by a state board of pharmacy or state health authority
- have a state-certified pharmacist to answer a person’s questions about their health or their medications
Please note that the author of this article has not used these services. All information is purely research based.
Flashing Health
Blink Health offers local pickup at participating pharmacies, including Albertson’s, Safeway, and Walmart. He accepts insurance and offers free delivery and consultations with pharmacists.
Mail my prescriptions
Mail My Prescriptions offers a price match guarantee and free 5-day delivery. They also ship medications in packages designed to withstand up to 32 pounds of force during transit. However, the site does not accept insurance.
Pillbox
Amazon Pharmacy owns PillPack, which works with doctors and insurers to manage and fill prescriptions. PillPack also offers expert pharmacy support, automatic refills, and free shipping.
Amazon Pharmacy
Available to Prime members for as low as $ 1 per month, Amazon Pharmacy claims it offers low prices and free 2-day delivery. The service accepts insurance and uses discreet packaging. Customers can choose to pay for their medications using their Prime account.
Health warehouse
Health Warehouse offers generic alternatives to more expensive drugs. The pharmacy is accredited in all 50 states and offers expert help Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. However, the site does not accept insurance.
Walmart Pharmacy
The Walmart Pharmacy offers free standard delivery, $ 4 prescriptions for a wide range of medications, and transfer services for existing prescriptions. He accepts insurance.
Simple drugs
Simple Meds accepts most forms of insurance and works directly with physicians and insurance companies to distribute medications. It also offers pharmacist consultations.
Bee health
Honeybee Health allows users to compare drug prices and transfer prescriptions. The company does not accept insurance. Honeybee ships orders in discreet packaging. Shipping is free and orders usually arrive within 7-10 business days.
These pros and cons apply to pharmacies with NABP approval.
Below, find answers to common questions about online pharmacies:
What are the risks of buying from a dangerous online pharmacy?
According to the NABP and the
- The medicine may not treat the health problem.
- The medication dispensed may contain very toxic ingredients, such as drywall or rat poison.
- The drug can cause unexpected and dangerous side effects.
- Certain drugs may not be authorized for sale in the United States
- Personal and financial information can be shared or stolen.
- People can unknowingly download viruses and other malware.
What are the red flags of a dangerous pharmacy website?
The
- sells prescription drugs without needing a valid prescription
- sells drugs that have not been approved or authorized for sale in the United States
- offers drugs at prices that sound too good to be true
- is located outside of the United States or ships drugs outside of the United States
- is not licensed by a state board of pharmacy or state health authority
Can I buy from online pharmacies in other countries?
In the United States, it is possible to buy drugs online in other countries. But the FDA does not regulate these drugs and cannot guarantee that they are safe or effective.
It is also important to note that many scam websites use fake storefronts to suggest that their drugs are from a country with good safety standards.
Will my insurance cover the cost of drugs from an online pharmacy?
It depends on the online pharmacy. Many NABP accredited online pharmacies accept co-payments. Some offer direct billing to insurance companies as an additional service. Others simply offer receipts for people to submit to their insurance provider for reimbursement.
Information on accepting insurance should be clearly stated on the pharmacy’s website.
Can online pharmacies ship medication quickly, in an emergency?
Some online pharmacies, including PillPack and Honeybee Health, offer urgent refills. However, there may be additional charges for shipping.
Safe and accredited online pharmacies can make ordering drugs and refilling quick and easy. However, it is important to verify that the pharmacy is safe to use.
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