To stay safe look for things like a licensed site, a pharmacist on hand and a request for a prescription.
Prescription drugs are widely used in the U.S. In fact, there are so prevalent that many feel we take just plain take too many.
According to Consumer Reports.com, a third of all people over the age of 55 in the United States are taking up to 5 prescription pills a day, and 9% of people are taking more than 10. That’s a staggering amount of medication, and more than the citizens of any other country in the world at present.
If you are currently on prescription medication, it’s possible that lifestyle changes could reap the same results as taking the meds, allowing you to come off of them.
Some people truly do need medication to stay healthy, though. And when making weekly trips to the pharmacy isn’t an option, buying online can be a great way to go.
How can you ensure you’re getting what you paid for? Here are 4 tips for ordering medication over the Internet.
1) Ensure There’s a Pharmacist
The FDA advises that you make sure a pharmacist is present on the other end, when ordering meds online. You want to get the same service and security you would while making a visit in person to the pharmacy.
2) Use a Prescription
If the site you’re ordering from doesn’t require a prescription, think twice. If you need a prescription for your medication in the actual drug store, you should need to use one online, for patient safety.
Related: 5 Alternatives to Pain Medication
3) Make Sure It’s a Trusted Company
There are many large companies selling legitimate medications online, but there are also numerous websites that could be operating illegally. How can you spot the difference?
The site you’re buying from should be licensed by the state board of pharmacy, in the location it’s operating from. For a list of these boards, check out the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.
You can also check reviews online, but be wary of false reviews posted by the corrupt company, itself.
4) Ensure You Can Talk to a Real Person
A site that’s operating legitimately should have a professional on-hand to answer your questions and concerns. If they don’t, it could be a red flag.
For more tips on how to order safely and get what you need to stay healthy, click here.
