The internet has changed so much, so quickly. Even a few years ago, the only way to have access to medication was via your GP, a hospital or high street pharmacy. But nowadays, customers don’t have to leave the house to buy drugs or get a prescription. Instead, websites that specialise in medicine disposal have developed highly advanced systems to meet customers’ needs at just the click of a button.
But with convenience, sometimes comes risk. And an important question lingers over this process; is buying medication online safe? Well, when done with those who provide safeguards and guarantees, it is. Look for the type of online pharmacy which uses questionnaires, has medical professionals on their team and are accredited by regulatory agencies who monitor the industry. Yep, there are ways to be scrupulous and these are those; our 5 tips for buying from an online pharmacy safely.
APPROACH WITH CAUTION
There are dozens of websites that offer drugs at the lowest prices. But as the experts so often say; if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Unfortunately, there are sites out there in the online pharmaceutical world ready to scam you, by selling faulty or out of date product. It’s therefore important to protect yourself by making thoughtful decisions when buying medicine online.
Look for telltale signs such as the fact a site sells prescription medicines at lower prices without requiring a valid prescription. Rather than being convenient, this should set alarm bells ringing.
Though low prices are good news if genuine, really low prices are suspicious and could point to fakes.
CHECK THE PHARMACIST
Legitimate professional online pharmacies should provide the user with the chance to consult with a licensed pharmacist who will answer all your questions and provide the best course of action to help customers to get informed about their health condition, the best medicines matched to their needs, and an explanation of how to use the drug.
You should be able to talk with one by phone, chat, or e-mail and the pharmacist you engage with should be registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council. Their website provides a quick and easy search facility to ensure the practitioner you’re dealing with is genuine and licenced.
CHECK THE LICENSE
Aside from the pharmacist, all online pharmacies must be registered and regulated with legislation to protect the public. When people’s health is concerned, fortunately, a plethora of regulations have to be followed when it comes to selling drugs, especially online.
There are organisations that specialise in approving pharmacies, for both physical and online outlets. You can check any online dispenser on the website of National Association of Boards of Pharmacy or check on The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency in the US, and the aforementioned General Pharmaceutical Council in the UK.
Any reputable online pharmacy will also have a physical address of the company.
ACCREDITATION
What’s more, online pharmacies should have accreditation from several bodies. These include the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), which holds a record of all pharmacies it has accredited, and the Care Quality Commission (CQC), who accredit online pharmacies.
CHECK THE MEDICATION AFTER YOU RECEIVE IT
If you do decide to buy medication from a website (or any medication for that matter, regardless of the type of pharmacy you use) be sure to check if all the information on your prescription is correct, and if dosage matches the prescription if the packaging is intact, and most importantly if the expiration date is listed on the packaging.
Do your due diligence; your continued health, safety and wellbeing is so important.