| COMPANY/PRICE |
SPEED |
EASE OF USE |
BEST FEATURE |
WORST FEATURE |
COMMENT |
| Drugstore.com; $5.41 for the
generic version (including $10 discount for first-time customers who aren't
using an insurance company) |
The drugs arrived
in one week |
Search function is
confusing. After typing in "Ventolin" we were hit with four baffling
choices: Did we need the Ventolin 90MCG/ACT Aerosol, 17GM Inhaler or the
Ventolin HFA108mcg/act Aerosol, 19 gm Inhaler? |
Lowest price.
Also, fastest delivery of everyone we tried (except Manny) |
We were offered a
product that was discontinued by the manufacturer. |
Top choice. Quick
and inexpensive. Medical gobbledygook aside, the site is easy to navigate and
has a helpful Q&A section covering everything from insurance to
shipping. |
| CVS.com; $18.49 (generic) |
More than two
weeks |
It's a hassle to
have to look in a separate place on the Web site for drug prices. Then, the
price list was so sparse, we had to send an e-mail and ask for the price.
|
The site contacted
our doctor to obtain the prescription -- one less headache for us to sort
out. |
The weird sales
pitch we got at the end for poison-ivy wash and a "premium nut mix."
|
Good alternative.
The site links to information from WebMD.com on a plethora of health conditions
including arthritis and ear infections. |
Prescriptions
ByMail.com*; $34.06 (for the brand-name version) |
Six days
|
Ordering was
straightforward, but the extra features -- like one that promises to decipher
your doctor's sloppy handwriting -- were disappointing. |
The comprehensive
health questionnaire: It's the only site to ask which herbs and supplements
we're also taking. |
Didn't inform us
that a cheaper generic version was available. But the company says it does note
generics for some drugs and will for all soon. |
Didn't live up to
our expectations, and the pharmacist who answered an e-mail query we sent about
side effects needs a better bedside manner. |
| Battery Park
Pharmacy*; $19.95 (generic) |
In and out of the
shop in five minutes |
A snap -- but
we're lucky because the pharmacy is located just across the street from our
office |
The pharmacist,
Manny, who knows us by name and is knowledgeable about side effects and drug
interactions. |
We paid more than
we did at the online shops. |
Pleasant
experience. But personalized service may be unique to small, independent
pharmacies like ours. |