While many people in North America are struggling with the challenges of COVID-19, those who take advantage of the ‘Big Pharma’ offers are literally laughing all the way to the bank. Since the beginning of this year, prices for many popular drugs have more than doubled, and in some cases, such as Viagra, have increased by as much as 500%. The reason behind this sharp rise is that many Canadian pharmacies have decided to hike up the prices to protect themselves from the pandemic. If you or someone you know has been affected by this, then this article is for you. Here are some of the best tips on how to buy Viagra in Canada and save big.
The Basics
If you are looking for a way to save money on your prescriptions, then it is a good idea to learn the basics. While many people are going to ‘Big Pharma’ to get the medicine they need, there are multiple ways that individuals can go about saving money without having to resort to these extreme measures. One of the best things that you can do for yourself or your loved ones is to learn how to budget better. After all, having medicine that you don’t need doesn’t do anyone any good, especially not you. Instead of paying full price for a 30-day supply of your favorite drug, you can ask your pharmacist to order a longer-term prescription to save you money. In addition to getting a better deal on the medication, you will also be doing your bit to fight against COVID-19. While we don’t know for sure that taking Viagra will prevent COVID-19, it is always a good idea to protect your heart and mind as much as possible.
Online
With the exception of a few limited drug stores, most pharmacies in Canada remain closed, which means that the only option for online shopping is via a website. While we are still in the early stages of fighting COVID-19, one of the best things that you can do to save money is to visit trusted websites, such as pharmacychecker.com, and compare prices to find the best deal. It is also a good idea to sign up for mail order services, which will let you receive your prescriptions without having to go into a physical pharmacy. Many major pharmacies, such as Pfizer, have websites where you can find the drug you need and have it waiting for you when you get your mail. This can literally save you hundreds of dollars that you would otherwise spend in a traditional pharmacy. In addition to price, you can also use these websites to compare drugs and side effects, as well as look up information about the medication you are taking.
Beware Of Scams
In general, Canadians are a very trusting and honest group of people. This makes them a desirable target for scammers. Just like any other industry, the pharma industry is not immune to ripping off its customers. It is therefore important as a consumer to be aware of any scams that might try to separate you from your money. One of the best ways to avoid becoming a victim of a scam is to follow the principles of good retail practice. First, always verify the authenticity of the website, as well as the business itself. Second, read reviews and be sure that they are from reputable sources, such as goodrx.com. Finally, if you feel that you are being misled, then contact the company or retailer directly via phone or email, and request a refund.
Watch Out For Counterfeits
Counterfeit medicines are a huge problem, particularly for emerging markets such as Canada and Brazil. These markets are flooded with fakes, and you should know that importing a medication that was produced and sold in another country can be incredibly dangerous, as you might actually be getting the fake. While it is impossible to prevent all pharmaceutical fraud, especially with the Internet allowing for easy downloads and duplications, it is always a good idea to buy from reputable sources and verify the authenticity of the product.
Know The Best Place To Buy
Every region and country has its own unique pharmacy pricing structure, so you should know where to go to get the best deal. Some areas of Canada, such as British Columbia, are particularly good at keeping costs down. Because of the province’s regulatory body, the BC Pharmacy Association, these pharmacies are required to negotiate the best price with insurance companies and large-scale drug wholesalers. Patients and consumers, as well as tourists, can benefit from these lower prices.
Being in the right place at the right time can also help you find the best price. Most big-name Canadian pharmacies have a minimum prescription requirement, so if you’re looking for a specific drug, then it is best to visit a pharmacy after hours, or on the weekends, when fewer people are using the drug and the provider has less competition.
Don’t Forget The Savings
Even if you are buying generic drugs, there are still considerable savings to be made. Sometimes, particularly with new medications, a drug’s only cost is the shipping. Other times, the medication is completely free because the manufacturer has made a deal with a discount provider, such as Doha Drug Company.
These companies often offer substantial savings for those who buy sufficient quantities, so it is worth asking your pharmacist about them. Many pharmacies, such as Long Pharmacy, also offer cash back, as well as free delivery for those who qualify.
How To Buy Viagra In Canada
Now that you’re equipped with the basics on how to buy Viagra in Canada and save big, it’s time to get into the specifics. First, you’re going to want to find out what dose of the medication you should be taking, as well as how often you should be dosing appropriately. If you are not sure how to take your medication, then read the instructions thoroughly, or ask your doctor or pharmacist for help. As mentioned before, prices for many prescription drugs more than doubled in the last few months, so if you’re on the fence about buying the medication, then it’s a good idea to ask your doctor for help, or look for a medical institution that provides patient assistance programs.
When To Take Your Pill
Just as you would for any other medication, you should take your Viagra at the same time each day. This will help ensure that you get the best therapeutic effect from the drug, as well as that you don’t become resistant to its effects. In general, it is recommended that you take your pill at least half an hour before sexual activity, or just after eating a meal, since digestion can interfere with the effectiveness of the drug.
How Often
Just as with any other medication, the recommended dosing schedule for Viagra is generally once per day, and for some individuals, such as the elderly or those with kidney disease, it might be once per week.
However, just because a medication is generally prescribed once per day, it does not mean that you have to take it that way. You should consult your doctor or pharmacist to figure out what would be the best schedule for you. Some individuals might benefit from taking their medication more frequently, while others might need to take it less often, depending on their individual circumstances.
Pricing
As mentioned before, prices for many prescription drugs increased sharply in the last few months, and this is also true for Viagra. Since June 1st, the online price for a 30-day supply of the drug is $277.63, compared to about $137.57 a month ago.
If you’re looking for a longer-term solution and don’t want to resort to expensive over-the-counter supplements, then it is best to look for a pharmaceutical solution. If you are taking a generic pill, then the price might be lower, as there are fewer manufacturers competing for this particular patient population.
Where To Buy
If you’re in Canada and want to buy Viagra, then your best bet is probably to go through a reputable website or pharmacy. This way, you can rest assured that you’re getting the real thing and that it has not been tampered with, or contaminated by other substances. Remember, even if a medication is produced in a country with highly-regulated pharmaceutical companies, there are still many cheap and dangerous knock-offs that flood the market, so it is still best to take extreme precautions and verify that you’re getting the original version.