While there are some positive aspects of using online medicine order services for ordering medications, many individuals still have concerns about the safety and quality of such services.
Although ordering medications online does offer several practical advantages including reduced need for multiple trips to pharmacies and convenient access to a patient’s medical history (which aids in maintaining a continuous level of care), the use of these services has other potential advantages.
The primary advantages of ordering medications online include:
- Consistent availability of all necessary medications
- Accurate labeling of products and visibility into expiration dates and batch numbers
- Pharmacists available to verify prescriptions and review of orders
- Delivery of medications directly to a home without compromising confidentiality of medication information
- Increased likelihood of adherence due to reminders regarding refills of chronic medications
Digital systems may provide patients with additional tools and mechanisms to promote adherence by providing automated reminders and simplifying the process of re-ordering medications, thereby reducing the risk of missing a dose of medication. In addition, secure payment methods and encrypted data handling processes protect the confidentiality of individual’s financial and medical information when selecting a reputable provider.
Using digital services to compare prices and availability among verified vendors provides consumers with the ability to make informed choices based on price, availability and vendor reputation instead of making uninformed choices based on impulse. In addition, reading and understanding usage and safety information prior to confirming an online medicine order ensures the consumer is taking their medications properly and safely.
Therefore, the use of digital services to obtain medications can be a safe and effective way to expand the reach of healthcare, while at the same time ensuring high-quality care and minimising risks associated with ordering medications online.
