Planning on ordering prescription drugs online? Here’s a guide to finding genuine sites and affordable medication. Roughly 1/4 of people who need prescription drugs to manage their health say they often struggle to afford their medications. Even with insurance, high co-pays, constant trips to the pharmacy, and expensive prescriptions can mean that you have to decide between the medications you need and groceries, bills, and other necessities.
You know this isn’t fair. And while the upcoming election may have an impact on the costs of prescription medication, in the meantime, more and more people opt to order prescription drugs online. You’ve thought about doing the same. But you have a few questions about getting prescription drugs online.
Read on to get the answers you need.
The Basics of Ordering Medicine Online
If you plan to order prescription drugs online, there are a few basic things you need to understand first. Above all, know that you absolutely must have a prescription for the medication you need in order to order your prescriptions online.
Any online pharmacy that claims you don’t need to have a prescription isn’t legitimate. These fraudulent pharmacies could be selling you “medication” that’s ineffective at best, and outright dangerous at worst. Many people also opt to get there over the counter medicine in Canada, or from an online Canadian pharmacy. It is true that medication in Canada is much more affordable than it is in the United States.
This is because Canada’s government sets the prices of medication, whereas, in the U.S., those prices are set by the pharmaceutical companies themselves. Since the goal of these pharmaceutical companies is to make as much profit as is possible, you can expect to see continual sky-high prices. Some American patients actually drive over the Canadian border, get an appointment at a walk-in clinic for the prescriptions they need, and then fill those prescriptions in Canada before returning home to the U.S.
However, for most people, the choice to order prescription drugs online from Canadian pharmacies is much more convenient. Plus, these pharmacies will ship the medication you need right to your door. Especially for those with limited mobility (and limited time), this is a huge benefit. Now, let’s discuss how you can be certain that you’re dealing with a safe and legitimate online pharmacy.
Determine the Legitimacy of the Pharmacy
We know that there is nothing more important to you than getting the medications you need to stay healthy. However, you need to be certain you’re dealing with a legitimate and safe online pharmacy before you place your order. A good online pharmacy should have a licensed pharmacist on hand to answer any questions. They should also include plenty of consumer reviews that let you know how easy it was to order the medications, as well as their overall effectiveness.
The pharmacy should also be listed with the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) program. This ensures that the pharmacies are safe and operating in accordance with the law. While you can expect steep discounts, use your common sense. If a deal on medication seems too good to be true, then it probably is. Online options offer discounts up to 80% off the cost of medication. They’re also verified, have online reviews, and require you to have a prescription for your medications.
In most cases, trusted online pharmacies would also offer generic options for popular medication, which are much more affordable than branded meds. Talk to your doctor to determine if it’s safe for you to go the generic route. Now, let’s talk about even more ways that you can save on your medications.
Look for More Ways to Save
Ordering prescription drugs online can help you to save serious cash on the cost of your prescriptions. But in some cases, it still doesn’t give you quite the level of savings you need to be able to afford your medication. There are plenty of other ways to save. First of all, ask your doctor for any free samples of the medication you need. It might not save you tons of money in the long run.
However, it will prevent you from ordering a bulk supply of medication that you’re allergic to or is ineffective.You should also ask your doctor if, instead of only a 30-day supply of your medication, they can give you a 60 or even 90-day supply. Depending on the specific prescription you need, you may also be able to buy higher dosages of pills and split them to get the dosage you need. Just be aware that this method doesn’t usually work for time-released medication.
Some online pharmacies even allow you to use coupons to lower the costs of your prescriptions even more. Ask your doctor for any coupons, and check to see if the online pharmacy you’re working with has any to offer.Above all, don’t be afraid to be honest with your doctor about your struggle to afford your medication. They may be able to connect you with non-profits that help you cover the cost of the prescriptions you need.
You Can Order Prescription Drugs Online Safely
If you’re looking for discounts on medicine, then choosing to order prescription drugs online from a Canadian pharmacy might be the solution you’ve been looking for. Just remember to use only safe, legitimate pharmacies that require a prescription. There are lots of resources that review online pharmacies. If you suspect that you’ve received counterfeit medication or are dealing with a shady online pharmacy, report it to the FDA.
Interested in more advice on how to afford your medications? Want to know what you can do to keep your health in good standing now? Our blog is designed to give you the tips you need to stay healthy and happy. Bookmark it to learn the best ways to manage your health now and in the future.
