The World Health Organization found that 50% of the medicine bought from illegal online pharmacies is counterfeit.
Counterfeit medication can have either too much or too little of the active ingredients. Because of the potential side effects that can cause, it’s important to know how to buy medication online.
Buying medications safely online is possible if you know how to separate the good from the bad. After getting a prescription from your doctor, head online with these tips that keep your health and wellbeing in mind.
1. Get a Prescription from Your GP
Before looking for an online pharmacy, you need to consult your family doctor. They can give you a prescription based on:
- your age
- your health
- your lifestyle
- other medication you’re currently taking
Prescriptions are based on these considerations to avoid adverse reactions and drug interactions. Any pharmacy that’s willing to sell you prescription medications without a prescription, or that offers to diagnose you online, is probably not a safe one.
2. Buy FDA-Approved Drugs
The Federal Drug Administration is responsible for the safety of medications that are sold within the US. Taking drugs that aren’t FDA-approved could have adverse effects. The drugs that you buy should also have clear labels on products, including the dose and the name of the drug.
If you do come across a website that’s selling unapproved medications, you should report it to the FDA immediately.
3. Beware of Too-Good-To-Be-True Prices
Online medications can be less expensive than those purchased in a drugstore. But that’s not always the case and, even when it is, those prices are not too-good-to-be-true. To be sure that the price is accurate, call a local pharmacy, and ask for costs.
You should also beware of websites that send you spam emails. That’s especially true if those spam emails offer extremely cheap medicines.
4. Buying Medications Safely Through Recommended Pharmacies
All legitimate pharmacies are licensed by the state governments in the US and provincial governments in Canada. A licensed online pharmacy will also have a licensed pharmacist available to answer your questions.
To be sure you’re shopping with a safe pharmacy, check that they’re recommended by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. You’re also safe to purchase medications from online pharmacies that are recommended by your health insurance provider.
5. Consider Your Online Security
A trustworthy online pharmacy will have a clearly stated privacy policy. That privacy policy will protect your personal information as well as your credit card and all of your purchases.
An often overlooked aspect of buying medications safely online, fake online pharmacies might misuse the information you provide to them. They might also put your computer at risk of viruses and internet scams.
More Help to Make Life Easier
Buying medications safely online is a matter of knowing what to look for. A legitimate pharmacy will be licensed and have a licensed pharmacist available. They’ll have a clear privacy policy and sell FDA-approved drugs at fair prices.
Knowing how to buy medication online helps make life a little safer. Find out how to make life easier with this kind of advice and more on our blog.