The right to health care is one of people's basic rights. It is also a right that can cost people a lot especially if they require specialized care and medications that are not fully covered by government subsidies or health insurances. If you want to save on health care without scrimping on quality, there is a way to get discounts on medicines online.

The existence of online pharmacies can provide you with a lot of options when it comes to health care. Here is a guide on getting online prescriptions of cheap drugs for all of your medicinal needs:

1. Look for a reliable discount online pharmacy.

A reliable online drug store can keep you safe from counterfeit drugs and incompetent services that can mar your experience in buying from Internet pharmaceuticals. Being safe can save you a lot of money over time since you can avoid complications arising from fake medications. Keep in mind that a reputable online pharmacy must possess the following qualities:

* Adequate product information. Reputable Internet pharmaceuticals provide consumers with information on their products like pictures, descriptions, indications, contraindications, and possible side effects. By providing information, these pharmacy websites safeguard the health of their customers.

* Verifiable physical location. A complete and real physical address ensures that consumers can visit in case they encounter problems with any medication that they bought from the pharmacy. The Food and Drug Administration advises the use of online pharmacies that are based in the United States due to the increasing incidence of fake foreign websites that sell counterfeit drugs.

* Appropriate licenses and accreditation. An online pharmacy must be licensed by the National Boards of Pharmacy and accredited by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. A seal of approval from the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites ensures that the website follows strict measures in giving quality service to online consumers.

2. Ask about a remote consultation service.

A remote consultation service is necessary in obtaining an online prescription. Remote consultation can be done in three ways:

* Online medical questionnaire. You will be required to fill up an online questionnaire about your medical condition. This self-reported medical record will be forwarded by the sites to their respective resident or affiliate physicians for evaluation. After the evaluation, the websites will inform you of the results and forward the prescriptions to their pharmacies for dispensing.

* Mail-order forms. Some websites may request you to download a blank medical history form from their website and fill it up by hand. After answering, you can fax the document to the online pharmacies using the numbers given on their websites. Evaluation and prescription of resident or affiliate physicians will follow before dispensing the medications.

* Phone-in consultation. Some sites provide consultations via web cam wherein you can talk to doctors about your symptoms. Prescriptions are given and forwarded to the pharmacy for dispensing after the consultation.

3. Request for different versions of the drugs.

If you find that the prescribed medicines are too expensive, you can ask the doctor or the pharmacist if it is possible to do any of the following to get discounted medicines:

* Use a generic version of the drug. Generic drugs are cheaper than branded ones but are just as effective since they use the same formulation.

* Switch to a similar but cheaper drug. Some drugs like painkillers and contraceptives perform the same essential functions. Switching brands can save you a lot of cash without sacrificing effectiveness.

* Ask for increased dosages. If you are using a drug in tablet or pill form, you can ask your doctor to give you a prescription for a higher dosage. Tablets in higher dosages can save you more cash especially for long treatments. You can split the pill in half to get the original prescribed dosage.