Online Pharmacy Safety Guide
Choosing an online pharmacy is an important healthcare decision. An online pharmacy can make it easier to access pharmacy information, prescription services, medication resources, and healthcare products, but consumers should always take steps to verify that an online pharmacy is legitimate and appropriate for their needs.
This online pharmacy safety guide explains what to look for when evaluating an online pharmacy, how prescription requirements work, what information you should review before ordering medication, and how to protect yourself from unsafe or counterfeit medicines.
What Is an Online Pharmacy?
An online pharmacy is a pharmacy service that allows customers to access pharmacy information, prescription services, medication products, and related healthcare resources through a website.
Online pharmacy services can provide convenience, but convenience should never replace medication safety. Before using an online pharmacy, review its contact information, prescription process, pharmacist support, licensing information, medication information, and ordering procedures.
How to Choose an Online Pharmacy Safely
Before using an online pharmacy, take time to verify important information about the pharmacy.
Check Prescription Requirements
Prescription medications should be handled according to applicable prescription requirements. A legitimate pharmacy should not encourage customers to bypass medical evaluation or prescription requirements.
If a medication requires a prescription, speak with an appropriate healthcare professional and follow the applicable requirements before obtaining the medication.
Review Pharmacy Contact Information
A pharmacy website should provide clear ways for customers to contact the business.
Look for information such as:
- A telephone number
- A physical business address
- Customer service information
- Pharmacy or pharmacist contact information
- Information explaining how medication questions are handled
Clear contact information makes it easier to obtain assistance when you have questions about a medication or order.
Verify Pharmacy Licensing
Pharmacy licensing is an important part of evaluating an online pharmacy.
In the United States, consumers can check whether an online pharmacy is licensed through the appropriate state board of pharmacy. The FDA recommends checking licensing information when evaluating an online pharmacy.
Do not assume that a website is legitimate simply because it looks professional or has an online store.
Look for Pharmacist Support
Medication questions are an important part of safe medication use.
A legitimate pharmacy should provide an appropriate way for customers to obtain professional assistance with medication-related questions. Pharmacists can help patients understand how medicines should be used and can identify potential medication or food interactions.
If you have questions about a prescription medication, ask your healthcare professional or pharmacist before using it.
Be Careful With Prescription Medications
Prescription medications should be used exactly as directed by a qualified healthcare professional.
Before using a prescription medication, make sure you understand:
- The name of the medication
- What the medication is used for
- How it should be taken
- Important warnings
- Possible side effects
- Potential medication interactions
- Storage instructions
- What to do if you miss a dose
- When to contact a healthcare professional
Never change your prescribed dose or stop a prescription medication without appropriate medical guidance.
Beware of Unsafe Online Pharmacy Warning Signs
Consumers should be cautious when an online pharmacy makes unusual or unsafe claims.
Potential warning signs include websites that:
- Offer prescription medications without appropriate prescription requirements
- Do not provide clear contact information
- Do not provide information about pharmacy licensing
- Make unrealistic medical claims
- Encourage customers to ignore medical advice
- Provide unclear medication information
- Offer products with questionable labeling or packaging
- Make claims that a medication is completely risk-free
The FDA warns that unsafe online pharmacies may sell medicines that contain incorrect amounts of active ingredients, incorrect ingredients, or potentially harmful substances.
How to Protect Yourself When Ordering Medication Online
Before completing an online pharmacy order, review the medication and pharmacy information carefully.
Step 1: Identify the Medication
Confirm the exact medication name, strength, dosage form, and other relevant product information.
Step 2: Check Prescription Requirements
Determine whether the medication requires a prescription and make sure the appropriate process is followed.
Step 3: Review Safety Information
Read the medication information, warnings, possible side effects, and interaction information.
Step 4: Verify the Pharmacy
Review the pharmacy’s contact information and licensing information where applicable.
Step 5: Ask Questions
If something about the medication, prescription, order, or pharmacy process is unclear, contact an appropriate healthcare professional or pharmacist before proceeding.
Prescription Medication Safety
Prescription medications can provide important medical benefits when used appropriately, but they can also cause serious problems when misused.
This is particularly important for medications that can cause dependence, sedation, respiratory depression, or other serious adverse effects.
Never share prescription medication with another person, and never use another person’s prescription.
Keep medications stored according to their instructions and keep them away from children and anyone who should not have access to them.
Why Medication Information Matters
Understanding a medication before using it can help you make better healthcare decisions.
Medication information may include:
- Active ingredients
- Medical uses
- Dosage information
- Administration instructions
- Side effects
- Warnings
- Drug interactions
- Contraindications
- Storage information
- Prescription requirements
Our medication information resources can help you find general information about individual prescription medications.
For personal medical advice, diagnosis, dosage changes, or treatment decisions, speak with a qualified healthcare professional.
Online Pharmacy Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to buy medicine from an online pharmacy?
It depends on the pharmacy. Consumers should verify the pharmacy’s licensing, prescription process, contact information, medication information, and professional support before using an online pharmacy.
Should an online pharmacy require a prescription?
Prescription requirements depend on the medication and applicable laws. Prescription medications should be obtained and used through the appropriate medical and pharmacy process.
How can I check whether an online pharmacy is legitimate?
Check the pharmacy’s licensing information through the appropriate regulatory authority, review its contact information, and make sure the pharmacy follows appropriate prescription requirements.
What should I do if I have questions about my medication?
Speak with your pharmacist or healthcare professional. They can provide guidance based on your medication, medical history, other medicines, and individual circumstances.
Can I use information on this website instead of medical advice?
No. Online medication information is intended to help you understand general medication topics. It should not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Explore Maxson Pharmacy Resources
Learn more about prescription medications, pharmacy products, and medication information through our pharmacy resources.
Shop Pharmacy Products
Browse the Maxson Pharmacy catalog and review available pharmacy products.
Medication Information
Learn more about individual medications, their uses, safety information, side effects, and prescription requirements.
Pharmacy Services
Explore information about pharmacy services and customer support.
Your Safety Comes First
Online pharmacy convenience should always be combined with responsible medication use.
Before obtaining or using prescription medication, verify the pharmacy, understand the prescription requirements, review the medication information, and speak with an appropriate healthcare professional when you have questions.
Maxson Pharmacy provides pharmacy and medication information resources to help customers make informed decisions. Individual medical decisions should always be made with a qualified healthcare professional.
