Online vs. offline: How do US consumers purchase medicines

Online vs. offline: How do US consumers purchase medicines

Janice Fernandes - September 10th, 2024

From prescription refills to over-the-counter medications, the digital marketplace offers many options. However, the question remains: Do Americans prefer the traditional brick-and-mortar pharmacy or the convenience of online shopping? And for those who opt for online purchases, is quick delivery a priority?

To shed light on these questions, YouGov conducted a survey among US adults.

Polling data shows that a significant share of respondents (66%) indicate a preference for buying medicines the traditional way by going in person to pharmacies.

While offline shopping remains dominant, a substantial portion of Americans are open to purchasing medicines online – around a fifth of the respondents (19%).

Among those who do opt to buy their medications online, around a quarter show interest in quick delivery services (26%) that deliver products within an hour for an additional fee.

The survey also reveals that women were more likely to embrace this option (31%) compared to 21% of men.

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Image: Getty Images