Online, Mail, or Retail?

I have been fortunate in my career to work in four areas of pharmacy; retail, mail service, specialty, and nuclear. The recent troubles in the US economy, which have many fearing a coming recession, have proven problematic at best for many Americans — especially those without health insurance or who are on fixed incomes.  Many find themselves asking “How do I afford my medications?”

 

In the past consumer groups have organized trips to Canada and Mexico. Today, rising travel costs preclude even that possibility for many.

 

“My friends used to go up to Niagra Falls (on the Canadian side) to fill their prescriptions. I can’t even afford that,” commented a local senior citizen. “I lost my job and with my job I lost my health insurance.”

 

Enter a whole new group of pharmacies: Online Pharmacies.

 

They have begun to offer a new savings scheme, up to 80% off all FDA approved medication – some even including herbal remedies.

 

Online Pharmacies are not new by any means. Everyday when I’m on the Intranet, some sort of banner  advertises medications for up to 80% off. I am fortunate at age 50 to not be on any current maintenance medications, but my parents and relatives are. I always get the phone call or e-mail asking about the validity and quality of online pharmacies or “off shore” pharmacies. I am always cautious in my advice since many pharmacists as you well know have different opinions and have had a range of experiences with online pharmacies.

It has become a common point of discussion amongst seniors, “Do I eat, or take my medicine?”

Many online or offshore pharmacies claim to offer tremendous discounts on maintenance medications, but are they safe? Are patients being monitored?

Rx TIMES would like to hear from you the professional regarding your opinions on these pharmacies.

Thanks,

 

Bill Bailey, R.Ph.

President

Rx Times – “Where Pharmacy Lives…”