Here's the scenario: A lot of consumers are affected by the current state of the economy; the majority of consumer products have become more expensive, the average consumer is aggressively looking for ways to save money. Prescription medication is amongst one of the more costly expenses consumers face and one which they cannot neglect. The rising cost of prescription medication and the decline in the value of the dollar has send many consumers to their internet search engineers to find a less expensive alternative. The online pharmacy could be one, and some sites even offer fast, hassle-free, no prescription services.

But is it advisable to purchase prescription medications without a physician approved prescriptions? Some sites require that you only complete online questionnaire. When you've completed the questionnaire, it is forwarded to their resident physician for evaluation and assessment so that a prescription can be supplied. While this certainly is a fast and convenient method to purchase medication, it is your health and you should always be very sure about your decisions before you take this course of action. You should still have yourself checked by a physician who can prescribe the right medications for you.

The online pharmacy makes acquiring prescription medication without a prescription, fast, easy and from the comfort of your home. You just browse through the list of medications. Check the prices and the drug information. Look for the medication you need and click on the option to buy that item. Next step is the checkout process where payment is made. An overnight courier will most likely deliver your purchase the next day.

Here are some advantages of conducting business with an online pharmacy:

1. There is a wide selection of prescription medication that can be bought online
2. Online pharmacies are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
3.There is no need to sit in the waiting room at your doctor's
4. There is total privacy
5. Orders can be placed anytime
6. Some require no prescription at all
7. You can order from your home or office (no need to travel to the local drugstore)
8. Secured transaction servers ensure safe and secured payment
9. Major credit cards are accepted for payment
10. Simple order processing

Prescription versus Non-Prescription

A prescription drug is a medication that is licensed and regulated by the government so that they cannot be released to anybody if there is no prescription from a registered and licensed doctor.

Non-prescription drugs, or over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, require no prescription for it to be obtained by the consumer. OTC drugs treat minor ailments that typically do not require a doctor's care.

Whether purchasing prescription or non-prescription medications, the consumer would best be served by doing extensive research on not only the required medication but the various sources of these medications. It is always in the best interest of the patient to secure the advice of a physician before taking any medication at all.

Should you decide to go the online pharmacy route to purchase your prescription medications, be sure that you choose one that is reputable, employs a resident physician who will review your medical questionnaire and evaluate your situation, provides government approved medications and has a secure payment method and courier delivery. It is your health, choose wisely.