That which typically dispenses candy bars and bags of chips will soon dispense prescription medications, under a new program set to launch by Amazon in December.
On reporting on what’s to come, Dow Jones’ Marketwatch begs the question perfectly: “What could go wrong?”
The retail pharmacy’s latest convenient kiosks promise efficiency — many will be placed in medical facilities and doctors’ offices — but pharmacists warn of safety gaps, limited inventory and confusion for older patients, Marketwatch reported.
Pharmacists say the option can work well for patients who are already familiar with the medications they’re taking. For others, the absence of in-person counseling may increase the risk of mistakes and adverse drug interactions.
They also warn of limited inventory.
“We’ve all seen vending machines for a snack or a drink where we sure want that Snickers – but, ‘Oh, they’re out of Snickers, oh my gosh,'” Douglas Hoey, chief executive of the National Community Pharmacists Association, told Marketwatch. “Well, this is not a Snickers. This is much more important. … You need that medication, and it’s out.”