Why do you need a prescription for items when purchasing online or by mail but not when you visit the pharmacy? 

This group of medication can normally be purchased over the counter, but NSW regulations state that a pharmacist must personally hand the product to the customer. Therefore by law, it is required that a doctor explains the medication and so providing a prescription for these items indicates that you have had appropriate counselling. Therefore ordering online, by phone or by mail eliminates this interaction with a pharmacist and for this reason Pharmacy Direct requires a prescription to supply these products to you by mail.