Did you know you can save a lot of money by buying your diabetes medical supplies on the Internet? Are you also aware that many of these retailers are not based in the U.S. and therefore not subject to FDA laws or standards? If you're considering the purchase of your diabetes supplies and equipment online, keep reading to find out what you can do to protect yourself.
U.S. Supplier
If you're buying diabetes medical supplies off a web-based company, look for one that's either based in the United States or your own country. Even if the prices are better, a supplier stationed in a foreign land isn't held to the same quality standards as one here. Remember, this is your health.
On top of potentially being unsafe, importing foreign drugs or medical equipment may be against the law and could get you into serious trouble with U.S. customs. So, don't risk your health or your record by buying medical supplies from outside the country.
Prescription Required When Needed
Not all types of insulin require a prescription, but if yours requires one either nationally or in your state, then always purchase from a seller that obligates you to submit proof of prescription. Buying a prescription-only product without a prescription is illegal.
Check the Shipping Policy
Before you buy from an online retailer, find out how the goods are shipped. Are they properly protected against breakage and possible contamination? How fast do they ship and by what methods? If they send your product by ground then how do they ensure the package won't be pierced or possibly damaged? And don't forget to include the shipping costs into your total costs calculation. If the shipping is outrageous, then your online deal may not be such a steal after all.
Scan Customer Reviews
Before you buy a product online, you should read the customer reviews of both the online retailer and the product itself. For example, if you're in the market for a new test strip system, be sure to peruse the customer reviews of other users. They should be right on the retailer's website.
You should also read retailer reviewers. It's here that customers talk about a retailer's customer service, their shipping fees, return policy and the overall buying experience. To find reviews for online retailers, try sites like Nextag or Froogle.
Be Wary of Purchasing on eBay
Unless a seller has a stellar reputation with strong customer feedback from buyers who have purchased diabetes medical supplies specifically, then stay away. eBay is full of expired products, recalled brands and rejected stock items that aren't suitable for the regular market.
Unless you're buying from a seller that has excellent feedback from customers who have purchased diabetes medical supplies in the past, then you should stay away.
Your purchase of any equipment for the care of diabetes is nothing to take lightly. Though we all want to save money on health care costs, none of us should take undue risks related to the quality of those items.
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