Amazon is making a strong presence in the online pharmacy industry by rolling out Amazon Pharmacy, a new digital drugstore that will let you order and manage your prescription drugs online and get them delivered right at your doorstep.
You can access Amazon Pharmacy via the Amazon App or on a desktop. All you need to do is create a profile, including information such as insurance and prescription management. You can even request your provider to prescribe medications online directly through the Amazon service.
After registration, you can browse prescription and OTC medications and compare brand-name drugs with their generic counterparts. Also, you can look at what your insurance co-pay would be for different drugs. If you have no insurance, you can look at what the sticker price is.
Amazon Pharmacy is offering specific deals to Amazon Prime members such as unlimited, free two-day delivery and up to 80% discounts on generic medications and 40% on brand-name medications.
In 2018, Amazon sent shockwaves through the online pharmacy industry by acquiring PillPack for just under $1 billion.
In the United States, prescription drugs are too expensive. Americans spent more than $530 billion on prescription drugs in 2018, according to PEW research.
Amazon Prime Vice President Jamil Ghani said, “We understand the importance of access to affordable medication, and we believe Prime members will find tremendous value with the new Amazon Prime prescription savings benefit.”
“Our goal is for Prime to make members’ lives easier and more convenient every day, and we’re excited to extend the incredible savings, seamless shopping experience, and fast, free delivery members know and love with Prime to Amazon Pharmacy,” he added.
Online pharmacies such as Medly, Alto, Capsule, and GoodRx, are on the rise.
Doug Herrington, Senior Vice President of North American Consumer at Amazon, said, “As more and more people look to complete everyday errands from home, pharmacy is an important and needed addition to the Amazon online store.”
“PillPack has provided exceptional pharmacy service for individuals with chronic health conditions for over six years,” he added. “Now, we’re expanding our pharmacy offering to Amazon.com, which will help more customers save time, save money, simplify their lives, and feel healthier.” The article originally appeared on Mobi Health News.
