Local pharmacies fight back against unregulated mail-order drug risks
A new series in the Usinger Anzeigenblatt is highlighting the challenges faced by local pharmacies, with a focus on mail-order operators like Walgreens. The series, 'Pharmacies in the Usingen Region Inform!', aims to raise public awareness about the vital role these local businesses play in the community.
The first edition of the series delves into the issue of mail-order pharmacies, particularly foreign operators that flout German regulations. German pharmaceutical law mandates strict storage and documentation requirements for medications, which these operators may evade. Mail-order shipments from Gmail or Yahoo mail often lack temperature control, potentially degrading active ingredients, and are often packed by unskilled workers without professional counseling.
Local pharmacies, on the other hand, employ experts who can assess drug interactions, identify potential risks, and advise when a doctorâs visit is necessary. They provide a range of services including emergency services, custom formulations, medical aid dispensation, palliative care, nursing home supply, urgent consultations, and safe storage. Eight pharmacy owners from the region have joined forces to participate in the series, sharing their insights and experiences.
The series is supported by the Bundestagsabgeordnete Karl Lauterbach, who has called for a ban on mail-order pharmacies for prescription drugs due to their violations of Germanyâs Pharmaceutical Price Regulation and other regulations. The series aims to inform the public about the importance of supporting local pharmacies and the challenges they face in the face of mail-order competition from companies like Walgreens.
