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We have listed some excerps of articles below that might be helpful in understanding the market of Online Prescriptions.
The Internet is rapidly transforming the way we live, work, and shop in all sectors of the economy. In the health sector, telemedicine allows people in remote areas to access the expertise of doctors in the nation’s finest health centers. The Internet permits individuals to obtain extensive medical information to help them understand health issues and treatment options. Millions of Americans used the Internet last year to find medical information, either in documentary resources or through online discussions with health professionals. Conducting research regarding health concerns is the sixth most common reason that people use the Internet, according to the market research firm, Cyber Dialogue Inc.
The sale of most consumer products over the Internet has grown rapidly in recent years, including the sale of prescription medications. Prescription drug sales over the Internet can provide tremendous benefits to consumers. These benefits are many and include:
- Access to drugs for the disabled or otherwise homebound, for whom a trip to the pharmacy can be difficult;
- The convenience of shopping 24 hours a day; and a wide selection of pharmaceutical products;
- Privacy for those who don’t want to discuss their medical needs in a public place.
FDA is aware that many reputable Internet pharmacies provide consumers seeking prescription drugs with a measure of safety, privacy and convenience. They can provide detailed information on drug interactions, and may e-mail customers if the drug they ordered has been recalled, a cheaper generic version of the drug becomes available or to remind them of prescription renewals. Some also sell drugs for less than traditional “brick-and mortar” pharmacies. Hyperlinks and search programs provide online customers with written product information and references to other sources of health information more easily than in the traditional storefront. Finally, as the use of computer technology to transmit prescriptions from doctors to pharmacies expands, a reduction in prescription errors may be possible.
While online pharmaceutical sales are important for some customers, brick and mortar pharmacies can offer benefits and services that are often not available through the Internet, such as quick access to prescription drugs needed for immediate treatment. These pharmacies will undoubtedly remain an essential component in the delivery of effective health care.
In matters relating to pharmaceutical sales over the Internet, the challenge for government at both the state and Federal level is to develop and implement policies that will allow legitimate electronic commerce to flourish while continuing to assure safety and efficacy of these products. Consumers must have confidence that safeguards for online consumers are as least as protective as those at brick and mortar pharmacies.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration - March 18, 2004
E-Commerce Report; As baby boomers grow older, online prescription drug sales are showing steady growth.
NOW that the Internet's young, high-spending set is increasingly sharing cyperspace with older, less affluent users, some significant electronic commerce opportunities are emerging.
Consider drug retailing. As online users look to reduce their prescription costs and the number of trips to the drugstore, analysts say Web pharmacists are well positioned to take a greater share of the retail pharmaceutical market.
The Internet portion of the mail-order drug industry -- currently about 20 percent of the total -- is itself growing rapidly. Forrester Research, a technology consultant, says consumers will buy $2.8 billion worth of prescription drugs online this year, as well as $900 million worth of over-the-counter drugs and vitamins. Forrester predicts that those numbers will more than double next year -- to $6.7 billion for online prescription drug sales and $3.3 billion in non-prescription remedies and vitamins. They should double again in 2004, Forrester says.
The New York Times - December 16, 2002
