Anybody have experience dealing with online pharmacies?

[DoNotRefill]

I've been thinking about switching from my regular pharmacy to an online pharmacy for my drug needs (medicinal, not recreational).

For those with experience with online pharmacies, what are the pitfalls? My main concern is legality, since I know what my normal physician prescribed for my various conditions, and in some cases have been on these drugs for years.

I've seen sites advertising "no prescription necessary", with a "free online physician's consultation". Are these scams? Are they legal?

Any experiences you've had personally would be appreciated.

[La_Serpiente]

1. We had an earlier thread about it here

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=105&topic_id=492111

[DoNotRefill]

2. I hadn't seen that....

but I was thinking generally about US based online pharmacies.

[Booberdawg]

3. Do you mean mail order? Is that the same thing?

on edit: I mean - I can mail in my 90 day refills or reorder online, but must have Dr prescription for them.

[kcwayne]

4. Drugstore.com

I have prescriptions that I get filled with Drugstore.com, and have been happy with the service.

The operate no differently than my local CVS or Walgreen's.

The only problem with using them is that it takes 5-7 days for delivery on average, so that if you are out of the drug and really need it, you are in trouble.

If you are the type that can plan ahead, it works well. They send you email when your prescription is due to be filled, so they help you manage this problem.

For my prescriptions, I save money using them. When I checked on my wife's prescriptions, there was no cost savings, so it pays to shop them.

[trof]

5. Merck-Medco

Very handy for long time meds.
They send me an e-mail reminder when it's time to reorder. A few clicks and my Pravachol is in the mailbox in a couple of days.
Have to give them a credit card #.
Also gives you a handy record of what you've spent for tax purposes if you can write off.
Your physician has to send them the prescription. They will usually fill a 90 day supply. The prescription is good for 2 more refills. Then your doc has to send in another prescript.
I'm happy.

Obviously, if you need an antibiotic or such immediately, you still have to go to the corner drug store.

[soothsayer]

6. there's a web site devoted to this topic

http://drugbuyers.com/

They say : "Our goal is to help you locate the best legal sources for prescription drugs
and to offer the best information about buying meds online."


You can find out which pharmacies are legit, which are risky. (generally you're better off buying from US pharmacies, i think, but read up on it)