Should You Trust The EpiPens You Can Buy Online?
EpiPens are literally a life-saving medical device for many, but the fast delivery allergy medication is not available in China. Here, there's an alternative instant allergy relief kit that can be prescribed by hospitals. However, recently I've come across a “grey area” on JD.com.
Before I go on, please be reminded that jingkids is in NO WAY affiliated with the seller nor are we giving any medical advice. Purchase all online products at your own risk.
JD.com is one of China's biggest online platforms. Along with Taobao and Pinduoduo, JD.com is seen as a more reputable platform since sellers are required to be verified before being allowed to conduct business. JD.com also has multiple stores owned by the company that are selling verified products, and JD.com's delivery is amongst the most reliable of the online shopping platforms.
That said, there are self-run (non-JD.com owned) importers who are selling medicine from overseas. You can find everything from vitamins to Tylenol to EpiPens (RMB 1,389). There are multiple importers on JD.com who sell a wide array of products. When scrolling on JD.com, any product that has a purple import icon under the price means that it's imported. This means that in order to purchase it, you'll need to have someone with a Chinese ID make the purchase.
Following a quick chat with one of the online importers we learned that the products themselves are currently NOT in China. After you purchase them online they'll be purchased overseas within 3-4 days and shipped to China. According to one seller's estimate, shipping, clearing customs, and arriving in Beijing should take around 15 days.
Pro Tip: Be sure to clarify with the seller who will pay for the customs duty and what happens if there's a delay or if the order doesn't pass customs.
Now, how trustworthy are these medications? This is where you need to purchase at your own risk. EpiPens are only available with a prescription but the JD.com importers don't ask for one. However, the patent technology of the EpiPen itself is something difficult to replicate.
Pro Tips:
Don't take any seller's word at face value. Always do your research. While photos can be faked, the chances of reviews, ratings, and verifications being faked is less likely.
When did they establish their business?
How many transactions have they done?
What's their customer rating?
What comments are people leaving about their products and services?
Click on the seller's store icon and you'll be able to find most basic information you're looking for.
Again, we'd like to remind readers to do their due diligence when shopping online, especially when it comes to medication. We advise you to consult a medical professional before purchasing and using any medical products.
Images: Pexels, Mina Yan
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