Online Pharmacy Guidelines that Every Pharmacy Merchant Account Holder Should Know

September 06, 2007

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Opening up an online pharmacy business is considered high risk. Many are called but only a few take the plunge.  Operating this business means abiding to a set of guidelines that pharmacy merchant account holders should have knowledge of. <h1>Avoid pulling a Stallone</h1>A lot of people turn to online pharmacies for non-commercial medicines and body supplements.  It is important to know the rules in order to avoid any run-ins with the law.  Strict guidelines are being imposed so that You don't want your customer to experience a Sylvester-Stallone-arrested-in-Australia kick, right? <h2>Go with the FDA</h2>What you must remember is to, as much as possible, side with the guardian of public health, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Quoting from their mission statement,  “The FDA is responsible for protecting the public health by assuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, medical devices, our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation. The FDA is also responsible for advancing the public health by helping to speed innovations that make medicines and foods more effective, safer, and more affordable; and helping the public get the accurate, science-based information they need to use medicines and foods to improve their health.” <h3>Know their scope</h3>As a pharmacy merchant, you should have a full grasp on what FDA can do.  Here are the areas that the FDA can regulate: Biologics <ul><li>product and manufacturing establishment licensing </li></ul><ul><li>research to establish product standards and develop improved testing methods </li></ul><ul><li>safety of the nation's blood supply</li></ul>Cosmetics <ul><li>labeling </li></ul><ul><li>safety </li></ul>Drugs <ul><li>drug manufacturing standards </li></ul><ul><li>OTC and prescription drug labeling </li></ul><ul><li>product approvals </li></ul>Foods <ul><li>bottled water </li></ul><ul><li>labeling</li></ul><ul><li>safety of all food products (except meat and poultry) </li></ul>Medical Devices <ul><li>manufacturing and performance standards </li></ul><ul><li>premarket approval of new devices </li></ul><ul><li>tracking reports of device malfunctioning and serious adverse reactions </li></ul>Radiation-Emitting Electronic Products <ul><li>accrediting and inspecting mammography facilities </li></ul><ul><li>x-ray equipment, cabinet x-ray systems (such as baggage x-rays at airports), laser products, </li></ul><ul><li>radiation safety performance standards for microwave ovens, television receivers, diagnostic </li></ul><ul><li>ultrasonic therapy equipment, mercury vapor lamps, and sunlamps </li></ul>Veterinary Products <ul><li>livestock feeds </li></ul><ul><li>pet foods </li></ul><ul><li>veterinary drugs and devices </li></ul><h4>Importation and Shipping guidelines</h4>For your own safety, we're talking about the life of your online pharmacy, and most importantly, your customers' health, these are what you need to comply for importing and shipping medicines and other related substances. ● United States residents may import medications only for personal use up to 90 days. ● Medications will only be imported in the United States if the business presents a physical fulfillment place in this country, which will work as a distribution center for the United States market. ● Medications delivered to the customer should present tracking number or receipt. Preferable shipment method: courier. ● Pharmacies that sell generics must present to FAC’s banking partner their processing statements. FAC stands for Free Carrier, an international term referring to the act of the the seller handling over the goods, the goods being cleared for export, into the custody of the first carrier (named by the buyer) at the named place. ● Pharmacies will need to sign a Rider that certifies that they are in compliance with FDA regulation. ● Pharmacies that have their fulfillment outside the United States and import medicines to the USA will need to present a certificate from the FDA or some kind of documentation that shows that the fulfillment of medicines are FDA approved. ● Every medication to be imported into the United States must be covered by prescription/s from a certified physician of the United States. <h5>Follow to rule</h5>Keep in mind that that these were made to ensure the safety of the public health.  As an online pharmacy merchant account holder, you have a responsibility to look after the well-being of your patronizers who are the lifeblood of your business. Even if you are running a high risk business, consumer safety should still be your first priority.

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Online Pharmacy Guidelines that Every Pharmacy Merchant Account Holder Should Know

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