Frequently Answered Questions

Q. Do I need to forward a prescription?

No.
All medicines supplied through this site are available without prescription. Because it is impossible for us to be aware of the status of each item worldwide in terms of prescription restriction, we advise you to always notify your doctor of any medicines you are obtaining fom us.

Q. What is a generic  ? What is the quality of the generics you supply?

When a medicine is initially bought to market it is licenced under a brand name and marketed at a price that allows the drug company concerned to offset its substantial development and clinical trials costs. Once patent expires, any drug company can bring the same product to market. Because research costs are not part of generic company's cost structure, generics are often cheaper than original brand medicines. When you are choosing which brand to support, you are making a choice about new medicine development.
Some generic companies do not produce medicines to the same high quality as the original manufacturer. In New Zealand, we have a tightly regulated medicines assessment system. Our generic medicines, whether produced in New Zealand or imported, are of an assured high quality.

Q. Why are some brand names different ? What's the "aka" mean ?

Some original brand medicines are marketed in different parts of the world under different brand names. We denote this on our site with "aka" , ie " also known as".
For instance - " Claritin aka Claratyne" is telling you that the product you know in the US as Claritin is avaialble here and supplied from this site as Claratyne. This is NOT a generic - it is the orginal brand as supplied by Schering-Plough.
If you wish to check if a medicine is available like this, just type the brand name you are familiar with intot he Search box, and press enter.

Q. Do I pay an online consultation fee ?

No, you do not, However, we strongly advise that you both review the detailed product information for the product you are interested in, and advise your doctor of what you are taking.

Q. What are my freight options ?

We provide the following :-
* Priority Airmail   This is a 4 to10 business day service to the US and Pacific Rim. This cost is included in any screen price you see. In practice, most deliveries occur closer to 4 business days than to 10.
* you may upgrade to an insured service, for a small added cost. This will provide you with a tracking number and url. We will automatically insure any orders over $370, at our expense.

Q. Why does product pricing change from time to time ?

Our underlying database is maintained in NZD, but for your convenience we display all pricing in USD as a default.  When the respective strengths or weaknesses of the USD and NZD fluctuate, then so does the price shown on screen. On screen pricing is generated "on the fly" so is up to date. So as currency fluctuations occur there may, on occasion, be small apparent "increases" or " decreases" in price. We are very reluctant to increase prices as we are committed to delivering high quality products to you at competitive prices.

Q. What is Pharmacydownunder.com ?

Pharmacy Downunder is a trading division of North Avon Pharmacy Practice Ltd, a New Zealand pharmacy and member of the New Zealand Pharmacy Guild.

Our physical address is :-

76 North Avon Rd
Christchurch 8013
New Zealand

Ph 64 3 389 6275
Fax 64 3 389 2156
Email Garry@pharmacydownunder.com

We have been operating on the web since 1999.

Q. What happens if the wrong item is shipped ?

In the rare event that wrong products are received, the correct products will be reshipped, and charges for the product value corrected, only if the received products are returned in an unopened, resaleable condition.
We are not responsible for damage in transit, beyond our control.
Having said this, it's obviously in our best interest to keep you as a happy contented client, so never hesitate to contact us with any queries.

Disclaimer

Information on this site is provided for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for the advice provided by your own medical practitioners. You should not use the information contained here for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. You should read all product information carefully before purchasing and if you suspect you have a medical problem, promptly consult your heathcare professional.

Fine Print

You, as a purchaser from this site agree that Pharmacydownunder.com (otherwise known as North Avon Pharmacy Practice Ltd )
* assumes no liabilities for the use or incorrect use of any products supplied.
* takes no responsibility for confirming the importation requirements and regulations of the purchaser's country.
* ships products at the risk of the purchaser and at the agreement of holding the vendor reserved towards any legal action which might be brought against the purchaser if not acting in accordance with the regulations and importation laws applied by the government of the destination country.
* holds no responsibility for any shipped products detained or confiscated by foreign customs, nor for any mail losses, damage or incorrect delivery caused by handling within various mail agencies.

We will do our best to speedily dispatch your order, but cannot be responsible for delays caused by temporary delays in the delivery of the requested product/products from the manufacturer/supplier or by any other delays caused by third party. Nor can we be responsible for delivery delays caused by holidays or by the mail service in charge of the delivery.
Having said all this, it is in our best interests to provide you with the highest possible service level and we will do our best to achieve an excellent standard of service with you.