Take a look around you next time you grab a coffee at a cafe or take the train to work, and you’ll quickly notice that most people are glued to a screen. We are spending more and more time online, and we’re making use of new features and opportunities.
While many of us devote the majority of our screen time to catching up with the latest news and contacting friends and colleagues, there has been a shift towards online services. In fact, online pharmacies are now becoming more popular than the high street. If you’re thinking of using a website, or you’re interested in the range of services offered by web-based pharmacies, here’s a useful guide to staying safe while surfing and enjoying the benefits of online pharmacies.
Why have online pharmacies become so popular?
There are several reasons why online pharmacies have become more popular in recent years.
· Convenience
Always using a trusted online pharmacy offers a host of benefits, especially for individuals who have hectic schedules, and those who struggle to get out and about. Ordering both prescription and non-prescription medications and remedies and seeking expert advice online can save time, effort and hassle. Consider a patient that lives in a rural area and those who don’t drive, for example. Going out to surgery or a pharmacy to collect prescriptions and medication involves a great deal of effort, and it can be particularly difficult if you work full-time or you have shifts outside of normal working hours.
· Discretion
In addition to the added convenience of online pharmacies, patients can also benefit from a discreet service. Some people aren’t confident or comfortable when it comes to speaking to a doctor, nurse or pharmacist face to face. This is particularly common when approaching subject matters or symptoms that are deemed embarrassing. Offering a telephone or online service enables individuals to access the advice and practical support they need without feeling intimidated, and it can make the process of reaching out for help less daunting.
· Simplicity and Speed
For many people, the process of ordering and organising the delivery of medications online is much easier and quicker than conventional techniques.
Finding a Reputable Online Pharmacy
If you’re thinking about taking advantage of the services offered by online pharmacies, it’s crucial to ensure that you choose a reputable company, which is registered with the relevant authorities.
In the UK, for example, Oxford Online Pharmacy is a fully-registered business, which is regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council. Look for high street names that you recognise, for example, Boots, Lloyds Pharmacy and Superdrug, and always check that the pharmacy is accredited. UK pharmacies should be registered with the CQC (Care Quality Commission) and the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency), as well as the General Pharmaceutical Council.
When browsing online pharmacy sites, take a moment to look for banners or images that prove accreditation and ALWAYS read the ‘About Us’ section.
The Importance of Using A Registered Online Pharmacy
There are myriad reasons to seek out a registered, trusted online pharmacy, including:
· Safe Treatment and Expert Advice
There are risks associated with almost every medical treatment imaginable, and it’s critical to source reputable online pharmacies to minimise the risk of side-effects and complications and to ensure you have access to accurate, evidence-based advice and information.
If you have symptoms of an illness, for example, you want to enjoy peace of mind that the person on the other end of the phone or live chat is experienced, skilled, and fully-qualified to offer advice and recommendations.
Trusted, registered online pharmacies are staffed by trained pharmacists who have the knowledge and expertise to offer advice. You also want to ensure that your query is treated confidentially, and you want to be able to speak to somebody who will be sympathetic and understanding of your situation if you are nervous about seeking help.
· Security
Another important consideration for online customers is security. When dealing with products like prescription medications, online sites have access to personal information and sensitive data. It is vital that this information is stored securely to prevent patient details from being accessible to hackers or other web users.
· Access to Approved Treatments and Therapies
The legality of medications and treatments is also a cause for concern for web customers. Some online outlets, which aren’t regulated, may sell drugs or other forms of treatment that don’t comply with regulations followed by registered pharmacies. As a patient, it’s essential that you are prescribed the right medication and that you have access to products and remedies that are safe to use.
In recent years, online pharmacies have become incredibly popular, and this is a trend set to gather pace in the future. If you are thinking of taking advantage of the many benefits offered by an online pharmacy, always check that the site you’re using is registered and approved before you start a consultation or place an order.