“Pharmacies offer more services and support than just medication advice,” attorney and legal healthcare consultant Irnise F. Williams, Esq told Lifewire via email. “Pharmacists provide an opportunity for patients to ask questions beyond medication like advice on the best prescription plan, savings, or suggestions for care if they are unable to find a provider. Pharmacists are up to date on the latest side effects, newest medications, and the benefits of medications that confuse many patients.”
Brick and Mortar
“This may cause increased competition in the mail order space for pharmacies that offer mail order services—Walgreens, CVS—but this should not have a significant impact on in-store sales at local pharmacies.” And in fact, while pharmacies provide much better advice than just Googling your ailments, online drug shopping has all the same benefits of regular online shopping.
Hassle Factor
“As a long time user of low-tech public domain drugs, the online suppliers are more patient, friendly, and helpful than in-store people,” media professional and online pharmacy user Deaver Brown told Lifewire via email. If you’ve used opiates over a long period for chronic illness, for example, your local pharmacist’s insistence on telling you how bad they are can get old pretty fast. Just getting your medicine delivered is an appealing alternative. “After years of Luddite battles, my wife finally is getting her more serious drugs by mail and is astonished by the lack of hassle,” says Brown. On the other hand, pharmacists give that advice for a reason. It might be annoying, but it can also be a valuable safety check.
