Millions of people either don't have prescription drug health care coverage, have limited coverage, or take medications that aren't on their heath plan's formulary. For Americans, that usually means being stuck with high out-of-pocket prescription costs. When that's the case, an online discount pharmacy can be a wonderful sanctuary, a place where you can get the medications you need at a fraction of the cost.

There has been a lot of political posturing about bringing Canadian drugs into the United States. Pharmaceutical companies in the United States - and their lobbyists - have a lot at stake in preventing Canadian drugs from entering the United States. Those Americans lucky enough to live in border states can travel to Canada in order to have their prescriptions filled, but those who aren't often feel as though their options are limited. Again, online discount pharmacies can provide a shield against the high prices of drugs regardless of which state you live in.

Several online discount pharmacies are based in Canada, and fulfill prescriptions with the same drugs available in the United States. In addition to lower prices - up to 70 percent in savings over the same drugs dispensed in the United States - online discount pharmacies offer the convenience of mail, with no waiting rooms, no embarrassment, and with discreet packaging. In addition, online discount pharmacies allow you to comparison shop - an important component when you don't have prescription health care coverage. Further, drug information is often available on the pharmacy's website, or via email.

When selecting an online discount pharmacy, it's important to find one that is reputable. A reputable pharmacy will insist upon having your prescription mailed or faxed to them, and will require you to complete and mail or fax a contact form and a medical history form. Typically, they will ask you to list the medications you are currently taking as well as the prescriptions you wish to have filled. Legitimate online pharmacies will review your list of medications to ensure that your prescriptions will not have harmful side effects or drug interactions. And they will have thousands of medications available, rather than a select few "lifestyle" drugs.

For many people, a discount online pharmacy provides them with the convenience they need, the privacy they desire, and the prices that enable them to spend less money on medications and more money on life's other necessities.

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web. Learn more about Online Discount Pharmacy or Majon's Health and Beauty directory.