Most consumers today have no qualms at all about ordering things on the Internet. Not only clothing and electronics are in high demand, but also the low prices and the large selection of online pharmacy attract customers. However, to ensure that everything goes well when buying medicines, a few things should be taken into account.
Consumers should definitely pay attention to this when buying
Provided that buyers know their consumer rights, action can also be taken against dubious stores. It is even better if a dubious provider is recognized right from the start and you do not even order there. Even laypeople can tell at first glance whether a store is safe or not. In the first step, consumers can pay attention to the imprint when visiting the store. In Germany, it is mandatory that every website and every store has one. If the imprint is complete, customers at least have concrete contact details and an official contact person. If problems arise with the purchase of medicines, this data can be used for an advertisement, for example. Especially with an online pharmacy, it is important that the operator is not just anyone, but an expert with knowledge of the subject matter. It is best if the person is a pharmacist. This is also important to find out.
What medications can be ordered through online pharmacies?
Cough drops can usually be purchased without a prescription at any pharmacy. Against an original prescription from a doctor, it is also possible to obtain prescription drugs. However, some of these online offers may not accept special prescriptions (T-prescriptions). These are the active ingredients pomalidomod, lenalidomide and thalidomide. BTM prescriptions for narcotics, such as cannabis or tilidine may also not be ordered via this.
Cashing in a prescription online at online pharmacies
Especially the issue of prescription is groundbreaking when buying medicines on the Internet. If the store offers that you can issue a prescription yourself via certain portals and then redeem it in the relevant store, it is rather not a reputable store. This procedure is prohibited in Germany. In general, pharmacies require the original prescription in order to issue prescriptions to customers. If the virtual pharmacy does not do this, customers should be skeptical. Consumers should also be cautious if the pharmacy sells drugs that are not officially approved in Germany. Under certain circumstances, these medications can be dangerous or the store is practicing fraud by not even shipping the aforementioned products after payment. In order to also ensure that it is not a fraudulent offer, the imprint should also be checked. A landline number should be stored here, as well as a company address and the name of the managing director. In addition, the offer must be secured via SSL certificate, because this is mandatory at the latest since the new data protection regulation from May 2018. This can be recognized by the fact that a green lock is displayed next to the address in the browser tab. However, you can also enter the website in the Google search, where you should also be able to find customer reviews. If not, then the offer seems to be still very fresh. Whether an order should be placed here, is in the own Ermäßen.
When is it a dubious medicine offer?
On the net, there are various markets for medicines that are anything but safe. Most of the time, the meshes of the affected stores are quite similar, so informed consumers can recognize them. Often, it is also effective if the drugs are obtained via platforms such as Amazon, because then one would have Amazon as a second contact ready. The pharmacy advertises that it exclusively sells a certain medication that is not available anywhere else? Hands off! The same applies if either negative testimonials can be found on the Internet, where people have not received the products or otherwise experienced problems with the delivery. The opposite is equally fatal: If consumers only read reviews that praise the online pharmacy to the skies and are far too effusive to be genuine, they usually are not.
Extremely low prices are always unnatural
In addition, an Internet pharmacy can never advertise a particularly low price, because already the purchase prices are somewhat more expensive for prescription drugs. Possibly, this is a product counterfeit or the online pharmacist will not ship the goods. It is particularly dubious when prescription drugs can be ordered entirely without a prescription. In this case, the provider is by no means trustworthy and it is grossly negligent if ordered via this.
How is a medication to be taken?
An online pharmacy works no differently than a local pharmacy. The mail-order pharmacy can also be informed about which medications are taken in addition. This should also be absolutely mentioned, so that the pharmacist can warn of possible interactions. In addition, a telephone number should always be given in case of questions, because most questions can be clarified as quickly as possible via a conversation. However, if you have any questions of your own, you should of course always dial the hotline, because every single day counts when it comes to medicines. The sooner can be ordered, the better.
What shipping costs are considered reputable?
Shipping costs vary from offer to offer. Usually, the shipping costs within Germany are between four to seven euros. However, express shipping could also be used, here the costs are 50 to 70 percent higher. However, free shipping is often guaranteed after a certain turnover. For many providers, this minimum order value is 50 euros. Thus, especially larger deliveries are worthwhile instead of several smaller orders over several weeks.
Consultation quality is not always optimal
According to a report by Stiftung Warentest from the end of 2017, the quality of advice is rarely optimal. For example, some providers did not mention drug interactions at all and other questions were also answered inadequately. Those who rely on the best possible advice should prefer the local pharmacy they trust.
Conclusion: watch your step when buying medicines online
Especially in this area, there are many scammers who want to take money from people without actually delivering the medication. It is important not to click the order button until consumers are sure that this is a store that adheres to current German law, does not want to rip anyone off, and only sells medications that are officially approved here.
