Purchasing drugs from a Mexican pharmacy is, for the most part, a very safe and inexpensive way of getting the medical supplies that you require. Since the laws in Mexico are very different than in the US, as most drugs are readily available without a prescription (except for some controlled substances and all narcotics), purchasing drugs from a Mexican pharmacy should be a fairly painless process.

However, there are some risks associated with purchasing drugs from a Mexican pharmacy ? but they are no more risky than any other purchase you'd make on the Internet today. Awareness is the first step, and this article will help you become a more informed health care consumer so that you make the best drug-related choices for you and your loved ones.

Counterfeits:
Unfortunately, counterfeit drugs are on the rise in the Mexican pharmaceutical world, and it's almost impossible to spot a fake these days without the help of a trained laboratory technician. The best way to avoid this situation is to only purchase your medications from a Mexican pharmacy that requires a prescription. Although by Mexican law a prescription is not required, a pharmacy that asks for one is usually on the up and up.

Expiry Dates:
It's not only the prescriptions that aren't required in Mexico; pharmacists are also not required to be licensed. And without a license, many pharmacists just don't realize (or don't care) that expired or poorly stored drugs can be hurtful. Make sure to ask about your Mexican pharmacy's licensing requirements, if there are any, before filling any prescriptions to alleviate this concern.

Misplaced Replacements:
If your doctor has prescribed a drug, do not accept another generic drug, or replacement drug, from your Mexican pharmacy. Since you aren't a medical doctor yourself, you have no idea what this 'new' drug will do to you, or how it will affect your lifestyle or any other medications you are taking. In short, don't accept replacements, and go elsewhere if you aren't given any other option. If you would rather a generic drug, then ask your doctor to prescribe it you to, first, and then take that prescription with you to the Mexican pharmacy.

Language Barrier:
Many drugs that you order from a Mexican pharmacy will come labeled in Spanish, or in broken English. Alternatively, your medication can be mislabeled, not labeled at all, or do not have the proper information attached. Make sure to ask first how your pills will be labeled before you purchase anything.

Shipping Time:
Check around; most Mexican pharmacies can take anywhere from 7 days to 6 weeks to deliver your much-needed medications, as opposed to the pharmacy down the street who can probably get you exactly what you need within minutes. Sure, the price may be dramatic, but have you checked the shipping costs as well? Is it really that good of a deal?

Although this article may seem a bit harsh, it's not intended to be. An informed consumer is a smart consumer, and many excellent Mexican pharmacies exist that will cater to your every need. Just keep these points in mind when you're surfing the Net for medications, and you'll be sure to find the best Mexican pharmacy for your needs.

Copyright ? Stephen C. Dayton 2005

Stephen C. Dayton is the author of many articles relating to health issues to help the public to be better informed of options available to them in today's online world.

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