You can buy prescription drugs aside from your local drug store online from sources within the United States and outside of the country. Ordering online can save you time and even money.



Though online pharmacies are very popular, would-be customers should be careful to assure that the online pharmacy they are considering purchasing from is reputable, and sells only quality medications while providing utmost privacy and security to its customers. Unfortunately, not all online pharmacies are created equal; visit www.medicinenet.com to check out a list of United States state licensed online pharmacies developed by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacies (www.nabp.info) can inform you wheter a particular online pharmacy is licensed and in good standing.

Safe online pharmacies will always require valid prescription from a licensed health care provider, and a pharmacist available to answer any questions.

In many cases, these pharmacies provide prescription drugs at a lower cost and are relatively safe, whether purchasing with cash or credit, or through an employer sponsored mail order prescription drug plan, which allows subscribers to buy prescription drugs in a quantity sufficient to last three months.

Buying prescription drugs from pharmacies outside the United States can be illegal, and these drugs may not be approved by the Food and Drug Administration. If medications are purchased from an unlicensed pharmacy, the drugs may be outdated or expired, improperly stored, manufactured in substandard facilities, and may not be the exact dosage stated. When buying prescription drugs in Mexico or Canada, take care to research the medications available, and only purchase those deemed safe.

It is quite common for residents living near the US/Mexico border or US/Canadian border to go out of the country to buy prescription drugs, because they are less expensive in many cases. However, in order to import a personal supply of any drug, a valid prescription from a United States doctor must be in your possession, and controlled substances or narcotics can only be obtained with a valid prescription from a Mexican or Canadian doctor. Prescription drugs brought over the border must be declared to US customs, and be in your own name. Many people buy prescription drugs in Mexico because they are cheaper than in the United States, or because what is available in the US by prescription can be purchased over the counter in Mexico. The potency may not be the same and the manufacturing process may be less than desirable - just a few words to the wise. Take care when you buy prescription drugs online or over the border, it's for your health.

Be cautious an consult your doctor. Your doctor knows if a particular drug is safe for you. Be sure that your credit card number and personal health information will be protected.