Many of us want the option of purchasing our prescription drugs from Internet drug stores because the practice seems convenient and money-saving. But is it legal and safe to purchase drugs from an online pharmacy? Yes, it can be -- if you understand the potential pitfalls and follow some guidelines.
The key is to find an Internet drug source that is legal, safe and meets your needs, such as convenience and pricing. There are good, bona fide businesses out there, but there are also "rogue" sites - online pharmacies (really pretend pharmacies) that are out to scam you.
Is it Legal to Purchase Drugs Online?
Yes, it can be legal as long as certain rules are followed. Whether or not it is legal to purchase your prescription drugs online depends on various factors: your location, the pharmacy's location and whether or not a prescription is required. Make yourself familiar with the requirements that must be met to make a
legal purchase of drugs through the Internet.
Is it Safe to Purchase Drugs on the Internet?
If you choose the right pharmacy, then, yes, it can be safe. You'll want to avoid the hundreds (maybe thousands) of rogue websites that claim to be online pharmacies, but really just want your money. They can be dangerous and costly. If you understand the reasons why most online pharmacies are not safe or legal, then you'll better understand how to make a wise choice.
Online Pharmacy or Pharmacy Online?
There's a difference between using the Internet to purchase from a retail pharmacy and purchasing from a pharmacy that only has an Internet presence.
Local drug stores have websites; you may be able to use one to fill or renew a prescription. You will recognize their names: CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid or dozens of others. Unless you have questions about your local pharmacy's reputation, there should be no problem purchasing drugs from their websites. Just be sure you use the correct web address to access their prescription capabilities. (While I don't know of any fake websites set up to mimic real retail pharmacies, it would not surprise me to learn they exist.)
There are also network and mail-order pharmacies that work with health insurance companies to manage larger drug orders and keep pricing down for insurers. Express Scripts, Caremark (which is owned by CVS) and Medco are mail-order pharmacy companies. Purchasing from them, through your insurer, is as safe as using your local pharmacy. These pharmacies can work very well if it's difficult for you to get to your local pharmacy. They're also great if you like the convenience of renewing online or if you like to order many month's worth of a drug you take on a regular basis.
Some pharmacies, however, don't have actual locations where you can walk in and hand over your prescription and your money to make a purchase. They are found only online; not all of them sell drugs legally. They may or may not be safe to purchase from.