Pros And Cons Of Getting Medication By Mail
The opportunity to have medication come directly to you in the mail can certainly be a time-saver, but are there things you need to know before signing up? There are pros and cons to pharmacy delivery methods, including getting prescriptions in the mail. Familiarize yourself with them before signing up for the service so you know what to expect.
Pros of Getting Medication by Mail
There are many advantages to getting prescription deliveries by mail. Top pros include:
- Reliability – Since you can set up prescription refills online and have them mailed to you when you need them, this option can be very reliable. Just input your information, select your delivery schedule, and have refills mailed to you for the duration of your prescription.
- Convenience – When your medication comes to you, it can be much more convenient. Now you don't have to run to the pharmacy to pick up medications. In some cases, you can get a larger supply of medication than you would at the local pharmacy. This can ensure the likelihood of you taking medication on time and on schedule, Kaiser Permanente found.
- Privacy – Rural residents may feel self-conscious about visiting the pharmacy to get prescriptions filled; they may worry about gossiping neighbors. Your privacy is protected to the utmost when your prescriptions come by mail.
Cons of Getting Medication by Mail
While it does have advantages, the concept of medication by mail is not without disadvantages. Complaints to be aware of include:
- Customer service is a phone call away – If there is an error, or if you don't receive your prescription on time, you'll need to make a phone call to prescription delivery customer service. Accordingly, it can take longer to resolve issues than it would if you simply drove to the pharmacy in the city center.
- "Buyer beware" – While more pharmacies are offering medication by mail options, there are still some scams out there. It's important to only order medication from a trusted outlet that offers delivery via mail. Look for a VIPPS or "Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites" seal, which indicates that the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy has certified the pharmacy as trustworthy.
Before making the final decision, weigh the pros and cons. If you decide to go ahead with getting medications in the mail, your doctor or your pharmacist can provide you with helpful information to set up your prescription delivery.