Life is demanding. It’s difficult enough to juggle repeat prescriptions and essential health shopping on its own but add in a busy work schedule and suddenly everything is overwhelming. Anyone who’s unsuccessfully tried to rush to a pharmacy before closing time knows that it’s just not always very practical to do things the traditional way.
Modern technology allows us to streamline some of the medical to-do list. A good online platform ultimately provides a straightforward, convenient, and cost-effective healthcare experience that meshes well with the stresses of everyday life.
But is it really safe? And can you really save cash by purchasing your medication online? In our opinion, absolutely. Yet, there are definitely things you should know beforehand to maximise your online shopping experience and maintain your security and privacy. Today, we’ll navigate all these crucial aspects of online pharmaceuticals in Australia, so that you can feel confident managing your health from the couch.
Why Buy Your Medications Online?
Online shopping is already second nature for most of us when it comes to other items like clothes, electronics, and groceries. If you haven’t quite made the switch for your health-related shopping, here are some good reasons to reconsider:
- Convenience: You can order medication whenever it suits you, without leaving home. When you live in a rural area or have limited mobility, this is a game-changer.
- Time Saving: Forget about driving to the pharmacy and waiting in queues. Online orders are placed in minutes and can be done at your own convenience.
- Discreet Purchasing: Some people prefer to keep their health concerns private and feel anxious about buying certain items in public. Buying online with discreet packaging means you no longer have to worry about these concerns.
- Wide Product Range: From over-the-counter (OTC) essentials like pain relievers and vitamins to prescription-only treatments, online pharmacies typically stock a broad selection. Plus, you have numerous providers to choose from.
While the benefits are plentiful, it’s vital to make informed choices and only purchase from trusted providers. Before you place your first order, let’s look at how you can verify the legitimacy of an online pharmacy in Australia.
Ensuring Your Safety
If you’re worried about buying medication online, there are actually clear, practical steps you can follow to safeguard your personal and financial details, as well as your health.
For starters, legitimate online pharmacies in Australia are typically regulated and must meet certain professional standards. Pharmacy registration is easy to look up, and also usually appears on the pharmacy website (usually in the footer or ‘About Us’ page). You can also verify if they have a physical location, with a valid street address and contact number.
Similarly, you can look at reviews and testimonials for helpful snapshots of other customers’ experiences. While you can’t put too much stock in any single review, consistently good or poor feedback should offer insight into the company’s legitimacy.
Remember: you’ll be handing over personal and possibly financial details. So, make sure the website uses secure payment gateways and modern security measures.
Don’t know what that looks like? A secure site typically has “https” in the URL and a padlock icon in the browser address bar.
When in doubt, just get in touch. A legitimate pharmacy will be more than happy to answer queries about their products, shipping policies, or any additional services (like compounding). If they’re evasive or unprofessional in their response, that’s a clear sign to reconsider.
How Do eScripts Work?
eScripts vs. Paper Scripts
If you’ve been used to paper scripts your whole life, you might be wondering how to handle prescriptions online in the first place. In short, eScripts (aka. electronic prescriptions) are essentially digital versions of the traditional paper scripts.
How They Work:
- Your Doctor Issues an eScript: Instead of a handwritten or printed prescription, your provider generates a secure digital script.
- You Receive a Token: This might be a QR code, link, or short code via SMS or email.
- Upload or Forward to an Online Pharmacy: Enter the token details on the pharmacy’s website if they have a platform that supports it.
- Pharmacy Verification: On the pharmacy end, we check the validity of the script and then dispenses your medication.
Can You Still Use Paper Prescriptions?
Absolutely. Paper scripts are still commonly used if you visit your health provider directly. However, you may want to get used to eScripts if you start taking advantage of telehealth services. Unsurprisingly, eScripts is the practical way for your GP to provide scripts when you aren’t meeting face to face.
If you prefer doing certain steps in person, keep in mind that you can also present eScripts to a traditional pharmacy. This process is almost identical to showing a paper script to your pharmacist, but you also get the added flexibility of having an eScript. This way, you can still visit your local pharmacy, but you retain the opportunity to submit your script online if something comes up.
Buying Medicine Online Can Save Money
It’s important not to be overly cost-conscious when taking care of your health, as looking after yourself is one of the best investments you can make. But let’s face it: we all want to save money where we can, especially when money is tight. Online shopping, for a number of reasons, makes it easier to do that.
Some of these tips may seem obvious. But we encourage you to think about whether you actually do/think these things on a regular basis when online shopping. If you don’t, there’s probably savings that you’ve been missing out on.
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Compare Prices
Don’t just settle for the first pharmacy you find. Different websites may run sales or offer loyalty programs that lead to substantial savings over time. Taking a moment to compare can really pay off, and with modern search engines being as powerful as they are, price comparisons can be done rather quickly. -
Look for Discounts or Bundles
Some pharmacies offer lower prices when you buy in bulk. Others might have coupon codes for first-time shoppers, or other notable events. Before you complete the checkout, always dig a little deeper to make sure you haven’t missed an easy discount. -
Factor in Shipping Fees
Shipping costs vary, and may even change depending on what you have in your cart. Commonly, providers offer discounted or free shipping past a certain threshold. Because of this, it’s usually logical to account for these shipping thresholds when you order, to maximise the value of delivery. -
Use Prescriptions Wisely
If your medication is covered by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), always check if the online pharmacy provides PBS pricing. This ensures you’re receiving government-subsidised rates where applicable. -
Ask About Price Matches
Some online pharmacies will match or beat a competitor’s price if you contact them and provide proof of a lower listed cost. It never hurts to ask!
FAQs: Answers to Common Concerns
Q: Do I still get pharmacist advice online?
A: Yes. Reputable online pharmacies have qualified pharmacists on staff that can answer questions via email, phone, or online chat. Some patients even prefer to inquire this way, as they feel more comfortable discussing sensitive health topics from the privacy of their home.
Q: Is my information really secure?
A: Responsible providers use encrypted platforms to protect your data, and you can expect most websites to be properly protected. It never hurts to be diligent though. Always look for “https” in the web address and have a look at their privacy policy. This is where they outline how they handle personal details submitted to the site.
Q: What if I need urgent medication and can’t wait for shipping?
A: In most cases, express delivery is usually an option. But if it’s very urgent and you can’t risk any shipping delays, it’s probably best to head to a physical pharmacy. Keep in mind many pharmacies offer a click & collect option, which might be the most efficient way to get medication as you can order it online before you head to the store.
Q: Does shipping affect the quality of medication?
A: Generally, most medications can be shipped without issue, if normal safety protocols are put in place. In the case of more sensitive medications, it’s our job as pharmacists to plan adequately, so that the medication can be properly packaged and handled.
Shipping compounded medications is a little more complicated, given they often lack certain excipients that help commercial medications sit on store shelves. But even in these scenarios, the risks can be properly dealt with through proper cold chain management and quality assurance steps.
Q: Can I really buy over-the-counter (OTC) products online?
A: Yes! Much like your standard brick-and-mortar shop, online platforms sell much more than just prescription medications. For us, everything we put on our shelves in Parramatta are available online as well. We’ve made sure to include everything: basic cold & flu meds, painkillers, allergy relief, skincare, vitamins and supplements, diabetes support, sexual health products, and even weight loss products.
Summary
If safe, affordable, and convenient access to medical products is your goal, online pharmacies are the way to go. The convenience of online shopping is self-explanatory, but it’s also much more than that. eScripts are incredibly versatile, and it’s never been easier to submit scripts online for a variety of purposes. Doing so also lets you take advantage of features like alerts/reminders, prescription history and automated refills. For anyone with a busy life, these quality-of-life improvements make health management a far more streamlined process.
Over time, buying medication online will save you money if you make use of the tips we’ve given. There are so many deals to take advantage of, and comparing prices and products across multiple vendors is a very smooth process. And while safety may always be a concern for some shoppers, most sites are up to date with modern security standards. As long as you are diligent when shopping, you’re unlikely to ever have issues.
Zenith Pharmacy is committed to providing a great online experience. Not only do we stock a wide range of OTC products, but we’ve also built a platform that allows you to easily send prescriptions and compounding orders. Our team is also knowledgeable and willing to answer any questions you may have about medications. So, get in touch today via our contact form, or have a look at our product range.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general education and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified GP or health provider whenever you have specific questions regarding medications or treatments. We also recommend reaching out to your doctor whenever you experience adverse effects with any product, no matter how inconsequential it may seem.
Written By
Zen Xiao