Buying medications online via an online pharmacy is convenient, efficient and economical, and in times of crises can be a safer way of obtaining medications.??

The convenience of not having to leave one’s home is a definite benefit for individuals whose activities of daily living are significantly impaired or those disabled from various health conditions. Individuals with memory problems might forget to order medication and run out of medication if they don’t place the order as soon as they think about it, in which case the ability to order prescriptions 24 hours per day 365 days out of the year and have the medication delivered to their doorstep is a major benefit.

For those who depend upon someone else such as a relative to make sure they have their needed medications, the ability to order online at work, before living home for work or after arriving home from work and not having to make the drive to the pharmacy is of tremendous value to the person providing the helping hand and helps to ensure medication is available to those in need of it.

It is estimated that between 2007 and 2008 purchases of medications through online pharmacies rose from $4 billion to $12 billion and that the average number of daily visitors at pharmacy sites rose from 32,000 to 99,000.? This trend can be explained by the economic downturn and the rising costs of medications as well as the fact that online pharmacies generally have significantly lower overhead costs than local pharmacies, and can thus offer discounted prices well below those of a local pharmacy, not only with generic medications but brand-name medications as well. This cost saving is vitally important to many on fixed incomes, particularly those have no health coverage or limited health insurance benefits and those who require medications that are not on their insurance plan formularies.? Factor in the rising cost of gasoline and the overall expense of a trip to the local pharmacy, and the cost savings are even greater.

In buying medications online the prices of brand-name and generic medications can be compared and efficient decisions can be made with respect to opting for brand-name or generic drugs at the time of ordering, if the prescribing doctor indicated generic substitution is permitted on the prescription, because the costs of all the medications are displayed on the pharmacy website. Tallying the cost of all the medications you need to order and factoring in shipping charge is a great way to budget for a particular month.

Depending on the community and local or widespread state of affairs, buying medications online can be safer than the traditional trip to the pharmacy. If you live in a high crime area and are elderly, buying medication online is more likely to reduce your chances of being the victim of a violent crime. Also, during crises such as civil unrest, economic instability, natural disasters, etc. the use of an online pharmacy (if possible) would most likely be much safer than a drive to the pharmacy.? The safety factor should also be considered in the event of an epidemic or pandemic disease outbreak inasmuch as the exposure to disease producing germs is greater in environments where many people, particularly sick people frequent, including pharmacies.?

In deciding whether or not to purchase online prescription drugs you should consider your own personal circumstances and whether or not the advantages of buying online apply to you. You shall also make sure that you are dealing with a legitimate and reputable online pharmacy.

A generic drug has the exact same active formula as a patented drug. It will have the same pharmacological effects, as well as the same benefits and side effects. It will also have the same strength even though it might not look the same. The main advantage of the generics is the price. Generics are FDA approved in America, so they can be used safely. Your doctor can prescribe cheap generic drugs when possible.

You need not worry that generic drugs are substandard. Generic drugs go through stringent testing and are made with the exact same ingredients as branded drugs on the market. You can be assured that they will be as effective as any patented drugs.

Generic medications are significantly less expensive than the brand name drugs because the manufacturers do not carry the huge expenses associated with launching a new drug onto the market. Generic drugs can save patients and medical insurance companies major costs. A saving of around 70 to 90 percent can be expected if you shop around.

There are many drugs that as yet do not have a generic version on the market. It may take many years for the generic of a popular or expensive drug to be approved. With some generics, there may slight variations in the formula which may affect how quickly the drug is absorbed.

Over the past few years, United States doctors are choosing to prescribe generics more frequently. This can help medical programs or insurance companies to keep members’ premiums from rising. This is a win-win situation with everyone reaping the benefits.

A cost comparison of a popular anti-depressant is a case in point. The branded product costs $107 for 30 tablets of 20 mg strength. The generic costs a mere $42 for the same. This is less than half the cost of the branded version. Always ask your pharmacist if there is a generic for any drug that you have been prescribed.

Diabetes is a huge problem in the United States. Often caused by obesity, this condition requires expensive medication. If the patient has other associated problems this will push the cost up even more. A branded drug for diabetes can cost between $100 and $200 a month. You will pay half this for a generic.

If generic drugs are used to control a disease like diabetes and any other related conditions, the savings could be in the region of $60 - $80 a month. Many people do not have medical insurance, so this is a huge benefit. Consider the total of this savings over one year; it is substantial.

You can buy cheap generic drugs from many of sites on the Internet. This can save you even more money because you are cutting out the middle man. The resultant savings is therefore passed onto you. Always check that the pharmacy is registered.

What are Over-the-Counter Drugs?

Over-the-counter Drugs (OTCs) are those that are used to treat common ailments and are deemed safe enough to be used without a prescription. There are over 80 different therapeutic categories for OTCs and they must meet the following qualifications:

- minimal risk for abuse or misuse

- consumer can diagnose self and alleviate their own symptoms (for example, runny nose, headache)

- benefits must outweigh risks

Common Over-the-Counter Drugs?

Some of the most common OTC drugs include: Tylenol, Zyrtec, Aspirin, and Benadryl.

What are Prescription Drugs?

Prescription drugs require a qualified health care professional such as a physician to prescribe them. These medications generally fall into one of the following categories and generally have increased abuse risks:

-Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants

-Pain Management

-Stimulants

Additionally, these medications may be branded or generic medications.

What are Common Prescription Medications?

Some of the most common prescription medications include OxyContin, Dilaudid, and Valium.

Regulations Considerations

While prescription and OTCs drug approvals require oversight by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the process is different. Over-the-counter drugs are managed through “Drug Monographs” which specify drug ingredients and label information. As long as there isn’t deviation from this, these drugs may be marketed freely. Drug monographs are similar to formulas or recipes.

Prescription drugs must under go a “New Drug Application” process (a.k.a NDA). This process requires the documentation and approval of the drugs’ performance, as well as its safety profile. This approval process is broken into 4 phases and can take as long as 8 years or more for final entry into the market.