Pharmacy & Distribution Market Research Reports & Industry Analysis

The drug distribution system in the U.S. is unlike most other nations in the world that follow centuries-old pharmacy class system, where medicines are available only through pharmacies creating a monopoly on drug distribution.

The U.S. two-class system is divided into prescription and nonprescription, or over-the-counter (OTC), medicines. The advantage is that OTC medicines are conveniently sold in a number of retail outlets so that medicines are available when consumers need them. This emphasis on consumer empowerment directly serves two of the most fundamental demands of any workable health care system -- access and affordability.

In recent years, a few of the world’s pharmacy-only national systems have recognized the growing need for greater access to safe and effective medications. Japan, the Netherlands, Denmark, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Argentina all have been part of this trend toward granting consumers increased access to medicines in more outlets.

The drug distribution system in the U.S. is highly regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure only those medications that have a wide enough safety margin and that can be safely and effectively used without the help of a health care professional are available without a prescription.

The somewhat controversial notion of adding a third class of drugs to the U.S. system has been panned by experts and regulators including the AMA and FDA. They say creating a third transition class of drugs would create another health care-disadvantaged population -- those without easy access to a pharmacist at convenient times.

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Pharmacy & Distribution Industry Research & Market Reports

  • Italy E-Pharmacy Market Overview, 2028

    ... easy way to purchase medicines, and this is driving their adoption among consumers. Furthermore, the growing geriatric population in Italy is another key driver of the market. The geriatric population is more likely to suffer ... Read More

  • Saudi Arabia E-Pharmacy Market Overview, 2028

    ... the healthcare sector in the country. Population growth in the Saudi Arabia is the key growth driver for the E-Pharmacy in Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, high levels of urbanization and a strong expatriate presence likewise support ... Read More

  • South Africa E-Pharmacy Market Overview, 2028

    ... these needs. Furthermore, Rapid urbanization and busy lifestyles have led to time constraints for many individuals. E-pharmacy offers a solution by providing 24/7 availability, doorstep delivery, and easy online ordering, catering to the needs of ... Read More

  • United Kingdom (UK) E-Pharmacy Market Overview, 2028

    ... healthcare professionals remotely. Online consultations provide a convenient way for patients to receive advice, prescriptions, or treatment plans without physically visiting a doctor's office. The integration of telemedicine services within e-pharmacies enhances the overall value ... Read More

  • United Arab Emirates (UAE) E-Pharmacy Market Overview, 2028

    ... it easier for people to shop online, including for medications. The market is anticipated to grow on account of the increasing number of incidences of chronic diseases and growing geriatric population in the country. Another ... Read More

  • Mexico E-Pharmacy Market Overview, 2028

    ... safety, quality, and legality of pharmaceutical products sold online. Furthermore, Mexican law typically requires a valid prescription for the purchase of prescription medications through e-pharmacies. This helps ensure the responsible and safe use of these ... Read More

  • South America E-Pharmacy Market Outlook, 2028

    ... internet, there is a larger customer base for e-pharmacies to target. Increased internet connectivity allows individuals to easily access e-pharmacy platforms, browse through a wide range of products, and place orders conveniently from their devices. ... Read More

  • Middle East & Africa E-Pharmacy Market Outlook, 2028

    ... created opportunities for the growth of e-pharmacy platforms, enabling consumers to access healthcare products and services conveniently. Furthermore, some countries in the Middle East & Africa region face challenges related to medication shortages. E-pharmacies can ... Read More

  • Asia-Pacific E-Pharmacy Market Outlook, 2028

    ... to browse and order medications on their smartphones, providing a user-friendly and on-the-go experience. Furthermore, e-pharmacy culture in Asia and the Pacific is closely intertwined with the prevalence of mobile health apps. These apps provide ... Read More

  • Global E-Pharmacy Market Outlook, 2028

    ... deliver medications for patients, provide value-added information to consumers, such as drug interactions, side effects online. E-Pharmacy is gaining higher importance because of the benefits it offers to the consumers to simply upload the prescription ... Read More

  • France E-Pharmacy Market Overview, 2028

    ... affordability, and accessibility offered by these platforms. Additionally, the rising digitization and the benefits associated with the adoption of e-pharmacy over traditional pharmacies are expected to drive market growth in the coming years. The French ... Read More

  • India E-Pharmacy Market Overview, 2028

    ... Furthermore, Digital India is a flagship program of the Indian Government with a vision to transform the country into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. It is a campaign launched to ensure the Government's ... Read More

  • China E-Pharmacy Market Overview, 2028

    ... the growth of e-pharmacy platforms and their services. Furthermore, as the Chinese population becomes more health-conscious and disposable incomes rise, there has been a corresponding increase in healthcare expenditure. Consumers are willing to spend more ... Read More

  • Germany E-Pharmacy Market Overview, 2028

    ... and convenient online channel for purchasing essential healthcare products. The growth on the consumer healthcare marketplace in Germany is driven by a growing interest in health and wellness, easy access to digital shopping options and ... Read More

  • Global E-Pharmacy Market Overview, 2023-28

    ... platform for consumers to browse and purchase medications and health supplements. Furthermore, Rising emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) help in ensuring customer satisfaction through recommendation engines. Increasing internet penetration due ... Read More

  • Spain E-Pharmacy Market Overview, 2028

    ... medicines and over-the-counter (OTC) products. E-pharmacies in Spain are leveraging mobile applications and digital platforms to provide convenient access to healthcare products. Mobile apps enable users to browse and purchase medications, track prescriptions, receive reminders, ... Read More

  • Colombia E-Pharmacy Market Overview, 2028

    ... the growth of e-pharmacy platforms, as individuals can conveniently browse and purchase healthcare products online. Furthermore, the widespread adoption of smartphones in Colombia has further facilitated the growth of e-pharmacy. Smartphones have become an integral ... Read More

  • Canada E-Pharmacy Market Overview, 2028

    ... is especially beneficial for individuals with mobility issues, those living in remote areas, or those with limited access to traditional pharmacies. Furthermore, e-pharmacies in Canada typically require a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare professional ... Read More

  • Australia E-Pharmacy Market Overview, 2028

    ... platforms. Strict regulations ensure the quality, safety, and efficacy of medications available online. Furthermore, the Pharmacy Guild of Australia is an influential organization representing community pharmacies in the country. It plays a vital role in ... Read More

  • Argentina E-Pharmacy Market Overview, 2028

    ... in place to verify and validate prescriptions before dispensing prescription medications. This ensures patient safety and prevents the misuse or abuse of prescription drugs. Furthermore, e-pharmacy platforms in Argentina often offer competitive pricing and discounts ... Read More

  • Russia E-Pharmacy Market Overview, 2028

    ... to access a wide range of healthcare products and services. The first online pharmacies in Russia began appearing in the early 2000s. These early platforms primarily focused on providing information about medications, health conditions, and ... Read More

  • Brazil E-Pharmacy Market Overview, 2028

    ... Brazilians, especially those residing in remote areas. E-pharmacies have overcome this barrier by providing a convenient platform for individuals to access medications and healthcare products from the comfort of their homes. This has been particularly ... Read More

  • Japan E-Pharmacy Market Overview, 2028

    ... to the specific needs of the ageing population, offering convenience, home delivery, and medication reminders, making it easier for them to access their required medications. Furthermore, Japan has a robust regulatory framework governing the pharmaceutical ... Read More

  • North America E-Pharmacy Market Outlook, 2028

    ... expected to positively influence the ePharmacy market trend. A rise in the number of patients seeking home care treatment and services as a result of high hospital healthcare costs is expected to boost online pharmaceutical ... Read More

  • Europe E-Pharmacy Market Outlook, 2028

    ... online chat, email, or phone. Patients can seek advice, ask questions about their medications, and receive personalized recommendations from qualified professionals. This pharmacist involvement enhances patient safety, adherence to medication regimens, and overall healthcare outcomes. ... Read More

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