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Beginner’s Guide to Online Pharmacies

If we have any two takeaways from the past few years, it’s that healthcare services are absolutely essential and that in-person options are not always best. Pharmacies are a highly necessary part of the healthcare process, delivering medication and answering questions to those who need it. However, it is not always realistic to expect or be able to head to the pharmacy in person every single time.

Online pharmacies have been around for quite some time, but they have become particularly popular over the course of the pandemic. Let’s explore online pharmacies and what they have to offer, as well as how to choose the best option for you.

What is an Online Pharmacy?

In short, an online pharmacy is exactly what it sounds like! It is a pharmacy or pharmacy-affiliated website that offers prescriptions medication and over the counter medication for paying customers. You will typically need to consult with a doctor and/or provide an official prescription in order to secure an order and fill your prescription.

In addition, online pharmacies can either mail your order directly to you or allow you to place an online order and then pick up your medication in-person. It really varies depending on the type of online pharmacy you pick! Some may simply be the online branch of an established pharmacy, while others will be entirely separate and operating completely online.

Despite some common misconceptions, online pharmacies are a great way to get your needed medication! It cuts down on the amount of time spent in-person and lets you order legitimate medication from a guaranteed source. However, be on the lookout for sites that might seem false or sketchy.

How Can I Make Sure My Online Pharmacy is Legit?

There is a small risk of being scammed by an online pharmacy, just as there is a risk of being scammed by other internet operations. However, there are ways to ensure that you are using a reputable and worthy site, such as Canada Drugs.

Here are some general requirements that can help determine which sites are legit:

  • Obvious compliance with privacy laws and respecting confidentiality
  • Readily providing contact information for healthcare professionals and customer service
  • Only accepting valid prescriptions and requiring prescriptions for certain medication
  • Provides a physical address or headquarters, really a place for them to be reached

If the pharmacy meets most or all of these requirements, it is legitimate! A good rule of thumb is to avoid ordering from any sites that seem sketchy or illegal. Follow your instincts and listen to your gut – if something seems off, find a different online pharmacy!

Order From An Online Pharmacy Today!

The convenience of getting your medication mailed right to your door cannot be overstated. In a time where so many people struggle with in-person contact, online pharmacies present an easier (and equally as helpful) option! Oftentimes, the switch to ordering from an online pharmacy signals a shift – you might never go back to physical pharmacies!

Remember to find a good and reputable website, much like the one listed above. You can often order over the counter medication (which does not need a prescription) easily, meaning that online pharmacies help with more than just prescription needs. They also often have pharmacists or healthcare professionals on staff who can be contacted with any questions or concerns. Don’t wait until after you receive the medication to ask – reach out once questions occur!

With this knowledge on how to find a legitimate online pharmacy, you can make the chore of filling prescriptions or picking up medication so much easier! Make your next order an online one.