Many Medications Not Available Via Mail Order in Germany

A range of medications in Germany cannot be shipped to patients via mail due to safety concerns, consultation requirements, or logistical reasons. The ABDA, the national organization of German pharmacists, brought attention to this issue amidst ongoing political debate surrounding mail-order sales of prescription drugs.

Certain medications are entirely prohibited from mail order, including emergency contraceptive pills. Despite no longer requiring a prescription, they must be available immediately and with necessary consultation, which can only be ensured by local pharmacies. Medications containing Thalidomide, which require special prescriptions, are also legally excluded from mail-order sales.

Furthermore, the ABDA advises against mail-order for medications where prompt administration is crucial. While patients can mail antibiotic prescriptions, this delays treatment initiation, which is often critical. The German Ministry of Health also explicitly discourages mail-order for liquid cytostatics (cancer treatments), radioactive medicines, and narcotics (potent painkillers with addiction potential).

Transporting temperature-sensitive medications like vaccines and insulin via mail can lead to irreparable damage due to delays or temperature fluctuations. The ABDA also points out issues where mail-order companies are unable or unwilling to dispense specially compounded medications. Ultimately, if a medication's safe use requires personal information or consultation from a pharmacist, it cannot be sent via mail order.”