Buying medications online can save time and money, but it comes with real risks. A bad purchase can mean counterfeit pills, wrong doses, or dangerous delays. Use the checks below before you click "buy" — they take minutes and protect your health.
First, verify the pharmacy is licensed. Look for a visible license number, a physical address, and a working phone number. If the site refuses to show these, leave. Search the license number on your country’s pharmacy regulator site or a trusted directory.
Next, watch for a pharmacist you can contact. Legitimate pharmacies let you consult a pharmacist by phone or chat. If there’s no way to talk to a qualified person about interactions, side effects, or dosage — that’s a red flag.
Check the checkout process. Secure sites use HTTPS and accept recognizable payment methods. Avoid sites that demand wire transfers, cryptocurrency only, or direct bank deposits. Also be wary if prices are far lower than everywhere else — too-good-to-be-true deals often are.
Read reviews, but use caution. Look for reviews on independent sites, not only on the seller’s page. Multiple complaints about missing prescriptions, fake meds, or poor packaging are clear warnings. If possible, find reviews that mention delivery time, customer service, and product quality.
Always keep your prescription. Real online pharmacies require a valid prescription for prescription drugs. If a site sells prescription meds without asking for one, don’t buy from it.
Check shipping rules and customs. Some countries restrict importing certain medicines or limit quantities. Read our article on importation rules for prescription medications to avoid packages getting stopped at the border.
When your meds arrive, inspect packaging and expiration dates before taking anything. If pills look different than before — color, size, markings — stop and ask a pharmacist. Keep medications in original packaging and store them as directed. For temperature-sensitive drugs like insulin or some eye drops, confirm the seller ships with proper cold packs.
If you travel, plan ahead. For blood thinners, heart meds, or other critical prescriptions, carry a copy of your prescription and your doctor’s note. Our guide on handling air travel while taking Eliquis has practical tips on timing doses and storing meds on the plane.
When in doubt, choose a known provider. Read our list of best-rated online pharmacies and buyer guides for drugs like Montelukast, Xyzal, or Forxiga. Trusted options may cost a bit more but save you from dangerous mistakes.
Stay alert, ask questions, and keep records of orders. Pharmacy safety starts with small checks that protect your health and your wallet.
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