Medicines online: seniors seduced by prices

The decree, which regulates the sale of drugs on the Internet in France, came into force on July 12, 2013. Since then, 4,000 products sold without a prescription are available online. However, according to a recent Ifop survey for Pharmarket.com, only just over one in ten French people already buy non-prescription drugs online… but only 2% do so often. But who are they?

Erectile dysfunction drugs attract
According to figures from the online pharmacy Newpharma (owner of the MonGuideSanté site), the French are primarily looking for drugs to fight erectile dysfunction.
After analyzing the research of 400,000 French patients on the group’s sites, two drugs against sexual breakdowns indeed come at the top of the research. In France, however, it is impossible to buy these drugs on the net since the French legislation does not authorize the sale on the web of products with compulsory prescription. The most popular are then thermal water for sensitive skin and cosmetic products.

Young people shun online pharmacies
In addition, those who buy the most online are on average over the age of 55 (+ 30% of buyers) according to Newpharma data based on sales from March 1, 2013 to October 31, 2014. Next are 46- 55 years (20%), tied with 36-45 years (20%). The youngest are visibly shying away from the web to buy their medicines. People under 25 represent barely 5% of sales in 2014.
Regarding the motivations of visitors to these sites, most come to buy (67%). While others come to compare product prices (63%). More surprisingly, 16% are there to consult the instructions for one or more products.

More attractive prices
In addition, these buyers are visibly satisfied with the service provided by the site since 71% said that the prices charged online are more attractive. But they also appreciate the freedom to place an order at any time (63%). Finally, a majority of them appreciate the possibility of having the products ordered delivered to their home, office, or relay point.