Online pharmacies are the focus of this part of our guide. Also known as Internet or mail-order pharmacies, these are services that allow customers to order prescription or over-the-counter medications through a website, and have them delivered to their homes. This convenience often includes lower prices, and easier access to medications, particularly for those who don't have a traditional pharmacy nearby.

Pharmacies have a history that dates back to ancient civilizations. The earliest records of pharmacy practice can be traced to ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Greece, where healers prepared and dispensed medicinal concoctions.

The profession evolved considerably during the Islamic Golden Age, with scholars like Avicenna and Al-Razi contributing to the development of pharmacology. In medieval Europe, apothecaries served as medical advisors and suppliers of medicinal herbs and compounds.

The modern pharmacy (or drugstore), as we know it, began to take shape in the 19th century with the establishment of formal education and professional standards for pharmacists.

Pharmacists adhere to a strict code of ethics designed to ensure the well-being of their patients. For example, pharmacists must honor the rights of patients to make informed decisions about their health and to keep patient information private and secure. Continuing education keeps them updated with advancements in medicine and pharmacology.

Pharmacy staff, including pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, have distinct roles and responsibilities. Pharmacists are responsible for dispensing prescription medications accurately, providing medication counseling and advice on side effects, monitoring patient health and medication adherence, and managing pharmacy operations. Technicians assist in preparing and dispensing medications, maintaining medication inventory and records, supporting pharmacists in administrative tasks, and ensuring the accuracy of prescriptions and labels.

Laws, regulations, and expectations for pharmacies and pharmacists may differ from one country to another.

Retail pharmacies play a vital role in healthcare systems worldwide, ensuring that patients receive safe and effective medications while providing essential health services. Their development, ethical standards, and the dedication of pharmacy staff contribute to the overall well-being of communities.

While many pharmacies have both brick-and-mortar locations as well as online sales, recent years have seen the development of online-only pharmacies. Internet pharmacies have revolutionized the way people access medications, offering convenience and often lower prices.

The concept of Internet pharmacies emerged in the late 1990s, with Soma.com being one of the first to operate online in 1999. Initially, these platforms were viewed as a convenient alternative to traditional brick-and-mortar pharmacies, but the globalization of pharmaceutical supply chains soon led to the proliferation of both legitimate and illicit online pharmacies.

The rise of Internet pharmacies has prompted most nations to implement various regulatory measures to ensure patient safety and control over the distribution of medications.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) have long regulated the sale of prescription medications. To address the advent of online pharmacies, the Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act of 2008 was a significant legislative step, requiring online pharmacies to obtain proper licensing and adhere to stringent verification processes, and the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) program certifies legitimate online pharmacies.

The European Union has implemented various directives to regulate the online pharmacy market, as well. The Falsified Medicines Directive was a key measure to combat counterfeit drugs, and the EU requires online pharmacies to display a common logo that links to a national regulatory authority's website, allowing consumers to verify the legitimacy of the pharmacy.

In Canada, Health Canada regulates the sale of prescription drugs and requires online pharmacies to be licensed and adhere to national standards.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) regulates the sale of medications, including those sold online, in Australia.

Due to regulatory requirements and differences in the markets, the operations of Internet pharmacies vary across nations.

While the focus of this category is on online pharmacies, brick-and-mortar pharmacies may also be listed here if a significant amount of their business is conducted online.

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