Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsLegalitySafetyOnline Pharmacy vs. Pharmacy OnlineOrdering Drugs Legally and Safely
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Legality
Safety
Online Pharmacy vs. Pharmacy Online
Ordering Drugs Legally and Safely
Many people want the option of purchasing prescription drugs from online drugstores because the practice seems convenient and economical. From controlled substances like (hydrocodone) to antibiotics, hair loss medication and antidepressants, almost any drug can be purchased from an online pharmacy. But is it legal and safe to purchase drugs from a pharmacy website?
Beatrix Boros / Stocksy United
It can be if you understand the potential pitfalls and follow some guidelines.
The key is to find a legal, safe Internet drugstore that meets your needs, such as convenience and pricing. There are good, bona fide businesses out there, but there are also “rogue” sites and online pharmacies (reallypretendpharmacies) that are out to scam you. They could sell you drugs that are fake, unsafe, or expired.
In this article, learn the differences between online pharmacies and how to order drugs safely and legally online.
Is It Legal to Purchase Drugs Online?
Yes, it can be legal as long as specific rules are followed. Whether or not it is legal to purchase your prescription drugs online depends on various factors: your location, the pharmacy’s location, and whether or not a prescription is required. Being familiar with the requirements is critical to making alegal purchase of drugs through the Internet.
Signs That an Online Pharmacy Is Safe
There are a few factors to look for that signal that the online pharmacy you are considering operates safely and legally:
Is It Safe to Purchase Drugs on the Internet?
If you choose the right pharmacy, yes, it can be safe. You’ll want to avoid the hundreds (maybe thousands) of rogue websites claiming to be online pharmacies but just want your money. Many online pharmacies may also beunregistered. Getting medication from them could be dangerous and costly because the medication might be fake, diluted, or out-of-date.
If you understand why most online pharmacies are unsafe or legal, you’ll better understandhow to make a wise choice.
Warning Signs That an Online Pharmacy Isn’t Safe
There are some signs that might indicate a pharmacy is not legitimate:
What’s the Difference Between an Online Pharmacy and Pharmacy Online?
There’s a difference between using the Internet to purchase from a retail pharmacy and purchasing from a pharmacy with only an Internet presence.
Local drug stores have websites; you may be able to use one to fill or renew a prescription. You will recognize their names: CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, and dozens of others. Unless you have questions about your local pharmacy’s reputation, there should be no problem purchasing drugs from their websites. Ensure you use the correct web address to access their prescription capabilities. (There could be a fake website set up to mimic a real retail pharmacy.)
Some pharmacies, however, don’t have locations where you can walk in and hand over your prescription and money to make a purchase. They are found only online; not all of them are registered pharmacies or sell drugs legally, so buying from them is potentially unsafe.
How to Order Drugs Legally and Safely From an Internet Drug Store
If you do have insurance to pay for the drugs:
If you do not have insurance to pay for the drugs(no prescription coverage or you risk falling into the Medicare doughnut hole—the drug coverage gap in plans):
If you want to order from a pharmacy not found on any of the lists of safe and legal websites, then be sure to look for the indicators noted above that will help you determine the safety and legality of ordering from that company.
Summary
It is essential to ensure the online pharmacy you use is reputable, operates under the supervision of the state board of pharmacy, and uses safe and legal practices. Ensure the pharmacy you choose requires a doctor’s prescription and that the packaging and medications seem correct. You can also use services like your insurance company or databases like VIPPs or LegitScript to ensure a pharmacy is legit. With a few precautions, the convenience of using an online pharmacy can be a safe option.
1 SourceVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.How to buy medicines safely from an online pharmacy.
1 Source
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.How to buy medicines safely from an online pharmacy.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.How to buy medicines safely from an online pharmacy.
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