Online shopping is one of the wonders of the 21st century. The ability to find a product online, pay for it, and have it shipped directly in a matter of days is mind-boggling. Online shopping has also made life easier in several ways, helping fulfill urgent needs faster than ever.
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, or contraceptive rings as well as oral contraceptives. Whatever your birth control preference might be, 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 that 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 all the way into their 30s. Many dermatologists will 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 digestive function 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 also be filled 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. Patients typically feel a burning sensation in the chest when experiencing acid reflux. The condition is often called “heartburn” due to its location in the chest, although it’s really an issue with the digestive system.
Many times an acid reflux patient will find relief simply by making some consistent changes in diet. 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, of which there are 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
Anyone who suffers from migraines knows just how difficult it can be to function properly during an episode. Migraines can be somewhat unpredictable, making it difficult to stay on top of them as they strike when least expected. Running out of migraine medication just before an episode is no fun at all. The last thing you’ll feel like doing is driving to the pharmacy for a refill.
Fioricet is a common prescription given to people with frequent migraines or tension headaches. It uses anti-inflammatory ingredients as well as 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 needed 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 also helps treat oral herpes, more 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 on the rise 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.
Sertraline is one of the more common and readily available prescriptions available. It will help your body to produce more mood-boosting serotonin even on your worst days. Whether you’re in quarantine and can’t access a pharmacy or can’t face going out, ordering antidepressants online can be a lifesaver.
8. Asthma Inhalers
Experiencing an asthma attack without an inhaler is a situation that 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’ll be able to have a backup delivered 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. Take a look at your current prescriptions and find out which can be ordered online. The convenience alone will give you peace of mind, and you’ll save plenty of time and money in the long run.
