Online shopping is one of the wonders of the 21st century. Finding a product online, paying for it, and having it shipped directly in days is mind-boggling. Online shopping has also made life easier, helping fulfill urgent needs faster.
One growing sector in the world of online shopping is pharmaceuticals. More and more prescription medications are becoming available for purchase online. Before long, you’ll be able to have nearly any medicine delivered right to your door. Waiting patiently in a pharmacy line will increasingly become a thing of the past.
Here are eight prescriptions that are readily available online today:
1. Birth Control
Purchasing birth control online means you can always have a supply handy. Hormone-based birth control provides much more than contraception for women, however. It also helps tone down acne and the symptoms of migraine. The key to oral birth control is taking it regularly. Scheduling your refills online ensures your supply never runs out.
The pill isn’t the only form of contraception available online, either. Several telehealth providers allow patients to order patches, shots, contraceptive rings, and oral contraceptives. Whatever your birth control preference, you can now get it without ever leaving your house.
2. Acne Remedies
Acne is prevalent, affecting 90% of the human population at some point in their lives. Just because it’s common, however, doesn’t mean anyone enjoys it. Acne can be embarrassing, annoying, or even painful in some extreme cases.
Most cases of acne occur in teenagers whose bodies are struggling to adapt to hormonal changes. However, acne can just as easily affect adults into their 30s. Many dermatologists prescribe a retinoid, a form of Vitamin A that helps your skin clear up and heal. These, as well as other remedies for acne, are also now available for purchase online.
3. Thyroid Medication
The thyroid gland is located in the lower portion of your neck and produces hormones that control your body’s metabolic rate. Essentially, the thyroid secretes hormones that regulate the function of the cells in your body, governing everything from the digestive process to brain development. As such, the thyroid gland is an important contributor to overall health.
Levothyroxine is one common Medication for hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid isn’t working as hard as it should and needs a boost. An endocrinologist can diagnose hypothyroidism through an online consultation and send a prescription that can be filled out online.
Hyperthyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid is overdoing it, can also be an issue. This is most commonly treated with propylthiouracil or methimazole, likewise available online.
4. Acid Reflux Control
Acid reflux occurs when stomach bile flows upward into the esophagus, irritating the lining with its acidity. The condition is often called “heartburn” due to its location in the chest, although it’s an issue with the digestive system. Patients typically feel a burning sensation in the chest when experiencing acid reflux.
An acid reflux patient often finds relief simply by making consistent diet changes. If not, several over-the-counter antacid solutions help control reflux.
Unfortunately, chronic acid reflux typically requires something stronger to kick it to the curb. A Histamine-2 (or H2) blocker is one of the most common medications with OTC versions. However, if your reflux is severe, you might be prescribed something stronger, such as cimetidine, which can be ordered online.
5. Migraine Treatment
Migraines can be unpredictable, making it difficult to stay on top of them as they strike when least expected. Anyone suffering from migraines knows how difficult it can be to function properly during an episode. Running out of migraine medication just before an attack is no fun. The last thing you’ll feel like doing is driving to the pharmacy for a refill.
Fioricet is a common prescription for people with frequent migraines or tension headaches. It uses anti-inflammatory ingredients and caffeine to increase blood flow and lower swelling. However, those with severe migraines often need something stronger, such as sumatriptan, to ease the pain. Talk with your doctor about what you should order to get relief.
6. Herpes Medication
While not something you would casually mention at your next lunch meeting, herpes is a health concern that needs to be treated, too. Because addressing a herpes problem can be embarrassing, online purchasing is a great way to get treatment while protecting your privacy. Check vendor reviews to make sure the company places a high priority on keeping your order confidential.
Valacyclovir is the most common herpes medication on the market, and another prescription you can purchase online. It’s an antiviral that helps treat oral herpes, commonly known as cold sores. By having these medications delivered discreetly to your doorstep, you’ll be better able to recover in peace and comfort.
7. Antidepressants
Mental health is just as important as physical health. Depression is rising worldwide, and it’s not difficult to imagine why that might be. We live in an area of cyberbullying, social media feuds, a global pandemic, social unrest, and more weighing down our collective minds. Factors related to COVID-19 alone more than tripled the rate of adult depression in the U.S.
Whether you’re in quarantine and can’t access a pharmacy or can’t face going out, ordering antidepressants online can be a lifesaver. Sertraline is one of the more common and readily available prescriptions. It will help your body produce more mood-boosting serotonin, even on your worst days.
8. Asthma Inhalers
Experiencing an asthma attack without an inhaler increases panic, making the attack even worse. To make sure you’re stocked up, look into getting an online prescription for the inhaler your doctor recommends. With personalized ordering, you can deliver a backup before you run out.
Albuterol is a relatively inexpensive drug covered by most insurance plans. While there are several name-brand options, they’re not interchangeable. You will need a prescription from a doctor to know which one to take. Don’t change what you use unless directed to do so by your physician.
Online medication ordering is helping millions get and stay healthy. Look at your current prescriptions and find out which can be ordered online. The convenience alone will give you peace of mind and save plenty of time and money in the long run.
