Amazon Creates Online Pharmacy

Amazon+has+extended+its+platform+into+the+world+of+pharmaceuticals.+Patients+can+now+order+prescriptions+off+of+the+site+and+have+their+medicine+shipped+to+their+door+%28photo+courtesy+AP+News%29.

Amazon has extended its platform into the world of pharmaceuticals. Patients can now order prescriptions off of the site and have their medicine shipped to their door (photo courtesy AP News).

On Nov. 17, Amazon.com opened an online pharmacy for use. Customers can order medication and prescription refills through this platform, and then get it delivered to their home at the rate of a normal delivery. So far, they offer various creams, pills, and medications like insulin. Most insurance will be accepted, and they will not sell any drugs that are commonly abused, such as opioids.

Pharmaceutical companies CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid have already seen a decrease in shares. With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to disrupt normal business practices, these companies have been trying to figure out a safe way for consumers to buy medicine. This problem is exacerbated by the fact that a lot of people who require prescribed meds may also be considered at-risk for COVID, and thus less likely to want to set foot in a store. Amazon, being the online shopping and shipping conglomerate that it is, is in a unique position to take over the pharmaceutical market and revolutionize the way people get their medicine.