Online pharmacy
Online Pharmacy
An Online Pharmacy, also known as an Internet Pharmacy or Mail-Order Pharmacy, is a pharmacy that operates over the Internet and sends orders to customers through mail or shipping companies.
Pronunciation
- Online: /ɒnˈlaɪn/
- Pharmacy: /ˈfɑːrməsi/
Etymology
The term "Online" is derived from the English language, meaning "controlled by or connected to a computer". The term "Pharmacy" is derived from the Greek word "Pharmakon", meaning "drug" or "medicine".
Definition
An Online Pharmacy is a platform that allows people to buy prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, health and wellness products, and more, from the comfort of their homes. These pharmacies are increasingly popular due to their convenience and often lower prices compared to traditional brick-and-mortar pharmacies.
Related Terms
- E-Commerce: The activity of buying or selling products on online services or over the Internet.
- Prescription Drug: A pharmaceutical drug that legally requires a medical prescription to be dispensed.
- Over-The-Counter Drug: Drugs that can be sold directly to a consumer without a prescription from a healthcare professional.
- Telemedicine: The remote diagnosis and treatment of patients by means of telecommunications technology.
Legality and Regulation
The legality and regulation of Online Pharmacies vary widely across countries. In some countries, they are regulated as any other pharmacy must be. In others, they are not permitted to operate at all. In many cases, consumers must be wary of counterfeit drugs and ensure they are purchasing from a reputable source.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Online Pharmacies offer several advantages, such as convenience, privacy, and often lower prices. However, they also have disadvantages, such as the risk of counterfeit drugs, the lack of face-to-face interaction with a pharmacist, and the potential for personal information to be compromised.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Online pharmacy
- Wikipedia's article - Online pharmacy
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