At RPhLink, we’re your link to reputable online pharmacies.

As a primer, online pharmacies are pharmacies that happen to operate across the Internet. There’s a similarity between community pharmacies and online pharmacies – the difference between them is the method by which pharmaceutical medications are requested and received. Ordering online spells conveniences for many customers.

Though many internet pharmacies sell prescription drugs with a prescription only, some don’t require one. Why? In some countries, prescriptions are not required. That’s another lure for some customers.

In the US, there’s a push to legalize the importation of medications from Canada and several European countries, in order to reduce consumer costs. This legalization is generally targeted at international drug suppliers (not at consumers) as importation of prescription medication usually violates Food and Drug Administration regulations and federal laws.

International drug suppliers (pharmacies in Canada, Mexico, India, and the UK are very popular) are where Americans often purchase lower-cost drugs. Lowered costs is a key factor for many uninsured Americans that take prescription drugs for chronic health conditions. We’ve seen 50% to 80% or more in savings by purchasing at foreign pharmacies, compared to US prices — that’s the kind of savings that you’d see when you refinance car loan or home loan through Nationwide Biweekly Administration; definitely nothing to sneeze at!

On the other hand, cost isn’t everything; drugs sold legally in the US are subject to Federal restrictions based on public safety. Developing a drug that meets certain standards will almost always be more expensive than pushing out unready, untested drugs. This is not to say that all imported drugs are dangerous, or that all legal and approved drugs are safe (among other things, the standards set by the FDA are both full of holes and irregularly applied).

The landscape of purchasing medications online has changed over time, and will undoubtedly continue to do so. Up until 2004, American consumers interested in buying online usually turned to Canadian pharmacies exclusively. Nowadays, consumers head to South Africa, India and the UK, and other countries to make their purchases.

If you are not just looking medications or looks for a way to reward yourself for all your hard work, consider buying yourself or a loved one gift baskets.