Viagra is one of the most popularly used medicines for treating erectile dysfunction (ED). With online pharmacies selling most drugs and medicines, many users try to place orders online for Viagra. Let us understand if this is legal and safe. Here are answers to the question - can you purchase Viagra online.
Do online pharmacies sell Viagra?
Yes, Viagra (sildenafil citrate) is sold by online pharmacies. But this is to be purchased legally only from legitimate online pharmacies. In other words, you need to buy from a pharmacy that makes it necessary for a prescription. Here is how you should buy Viagra online.
- With a prescription: Viagra is a prescription medication, so you need a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. Reputed, legitimate online pharmacies will require you to, either:
- Submit a medical questionnaire
- Have or carry out a virtual consultation with a doctor for a prescription.
- Verified and Licensed Pharmacies: Check that the online pharmacy is reputed and licensed. Look for certifications from regulatory bodies, like the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, etc.
- Do not by from unverified sources: never buy from websites that offer Viagra without a prescription. Also never buy when the prices are too low. Because this could mean poor quality or fake medicines.
- Privacy and Security: Choose a website that protects patient privacy and data security.
- Dosage and Instructions: Make sure you understand the correct dosage and usage instructions. The prescribing healthcare provider will find out the correct dose based on different factors.
- Packaging: Ensure that the medication you receive comes in the original packaging. Do not accept medicines that have a packaging that is different from the standard medicines.
- Payment: Use secure payment methods and do not make payments on websites that do not have proper security measures.
- Delivery Time: Check the estimated delivery time to ensure that you receive the medicines at the right time. Also, if your medicines are not being shipped from your own country, then it is not a good idea to purchase.
- Contact and customer support: Choose an online pharmacy that displays a proper contact address and customer support channel.
- Customer reviews and ratings: Spend some time checking customer reviews and ratings from reputable sources.
What are the different regulatory bodies for online pharmacies in the US?
Different regulatory bodies are responsible for online pharmacies in the US. These bodies ensure the safety, efficacy, and legality of medications, and include:
- S. Food and Drug Administration: The FDA is the main federal agency responsible for protecting public health. The FDA regulates the safety and effectiveness of medicines, medical devices, food, etc. The FDA sets standards for approval of prescription and OTC medicines, including those sold online in the USA.
- Drug Enforcement Administration: The DEA is responsible for laws related to controlled substances, including prescription medicines. All online pharmacies must follow DEA regulations when handling controlled substances that can be abused.
- National Association of Boards of Pharmacy: The NABP is an association that represents the state boards of pharmacies in the US. It has a Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) program, which verifies online pharmacies as having met certain standards of quality and safety.
- State Boards of Pharmacy: Each state has its own Board of Pharmacy that licenses pharmacies within the state. This includes online pharmacies that operate within that state.
- Federal Trade Commission: The FTC ensures that online pharmacies do not sell by unfair practices and claims.
- United States Postal Service: The USPS works along with other regulatory agencies to identify and prevent illegal, fake shipments.
When purchasing medicines online, check that the pharmacy is properly licensed. Look for the VIPPS seal from the NABP. This shows that the online pharmacy has met certain safety and quality standards.
How do online pharmacies sell medicines at cheap prices?
Online pharmacies sell medicines at lower prices, due to many reasons. Here are some factors that keep the prices low at online pharmacies:
- Reduced Overhead Costs: Online pharmacies have lower overhead costs compared to physical pharmacies. This is because there is no need to have a physical store, to pay rent, or hire many staff.
- Bulk Purchasing: Some online pharmacies purchase medicines in bulk, and receive discounts.
- Operational Efficiency: Online pharmacies ensure efficiency operations. This includes order processing and inventory management, resulting in cost savings.
- Global Sourcing: Online pharmacies usually buy medicines from different countries. This includes countries that manufacture medicines with low labor costs. costs.
- Direct-to-Consumer Model: By selling directly to consumers, online pharmacies do away with intermediaries and distributors, reducing costs.
- Competition: Online retailers are highly competitive, and this keeps prices low.
- Generic Medications: Online pharmacies usually have on offer generic versions of medicines. This makes the medicines less expensive than branded versions. Generic medicines are approved by regulatory agencies as similar in safety and efficacy, when compared to brand-name drugs.