Did you know only 4% of online pharmacies meet federal and state laws? That means 96% of the pharmacies online aren’t reputable.
Don’t risk your safety! Choosing to buy from an online pharmacy at random could leave your personal information vulnerable to hackers.
Instead, learn how to buy medications online from safe, reliable pharmacies. With these tips, you can choose a ligament Canadian Pharmacy Online among the rest.
Start buying prescription drugs online the safe way with these tips!
Know the Risks
Before you start shopping, it helps to understand the importance of learning how to buy medications online from safe sources.
Many people prefer to buy from the cheapest option available. However, there are plenty of ways you can save money on your prescriptions without taking risks. Instead of choosing the cheapest option available, it’s better to look for a ligament online pharmacy.
Otherwise, you could unintentionally expose your computer to malware. A hacker might also steal your identity after your type in your credit card and contact information.
It’s also important to avoid buying drugs that aren’t FDA-approved. In some cases, these drugs contain life-threatening substances instead of the medication you need. By taking the right precautions, you can ensure you purchase medication that does what it’s intended to.
Sometimes, it’s difficult to distinguish a ligament online pharmacy from an illegal one. Other websites might even promote an illegal online pharmacy without realizing it. According to the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP), 38% of social media posts promote illegal prescription sites.
Don’t put your health and wellbeing at risk. Instead, learn how to buy prescription drugs online from the right resources.
How to Buy Drugs Online Safely
Now that you understand why it’s so important, let’s help you buy medications online from safe pharmacies. With these tips, you can avoid a scam and make sure you get the medication you need.
1. Do They Ask For a Prescription?
First, make sure the online pharmacy asks for a prescription. Almost 90% of illegal online pharmacies won’t require one when selling prescription-only medications. You can find the prescription drug or research chemical you’re looking for on many of these sites without any need for a prescription.
An online pharmacy should require a prescription from your doctor or a licensed professional. If they don’t, how can you feel certain that they’re providing you with the right medication? If they give you the wrong prescription, it could put your health at risk.
You might even receive a medication that wasn’t tested or approved.
Avoid purchasing from a website that makes claims about a “new cure” or “miracle drug” as well. If it sounds too good to be true, ignore it. Instead, stick to the prescription medication your doctor prescribed you.
If the online pharmacy doesn’t ask for your prescription, don’t purchase from them. Instead, keep searching for a more reputable option.
2. Make Sure They’re Licensed
Next, you’ll want to make sure the online pharmacy is licensed and registered. If you’re buying from a US-based site, they’ll need to follow certain regulations. The pharmacy will also have a license based on the state they operate from.
To ensure a pharmacy is licensed properly, check the NABP website.
Some pharmacies label their license and registration information on their website. Finding this information can give you peace of mind that you’re making a safe choice.
3. Look for the Seal
Take the time to explore the online pharmacy’s website. As you explore, look for a VIPPS seal on the site.
VIPPS stands for “Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites.” If you find this seal, it means the online pharmacy meets their state licensure requirements. They’ll also meet other NABP requirements necessary to operate as an online pharmacy.
Companies have to undergo screening by the NABP before they receive approval.
If you don’t find the VIPPS seal on their website, the pharmacy hasn’t fulfilled licensing criteria based on the state they’re in yet. They’ll need to schedule a visit from a certification team before they’re certified.
4. Choose Secure Sites
Don’t start buying prescription drugs online just yet! Instead, you’ll want to make sure the site is secure before you type in your personal information.
First, check the website’s URL. You should see a lock in front of the URL, as well as “HTTPS” in front of the domain name. These signs indicate the website has an SSL certificate, meaning it’s secure.
Look for online pharmacies that have “.pharmacy” at the end of the URL, too. If a website has “.pharmacy” in their URL, they’re compliant with the laws necessary to use that domain. These websites also receive verification from the NABP.
Companies can fake logos to pretend they’ve received verification. However, they can’t fake the “.pharmcy” URL. In fact, the .Pharmacy Verified Websites Program checks for sites in the US, Canada, and the EU.
It’s expanding globally, too. If you see this URL, feel reassured that you’re choosing from a legitimate online pharmacy.
Take the time to check the website’s privacy policy and security settings, too. You can check these documents to confirm the website doesn’t have the right to sell your private contact information.
Otherwise, keep your medical history, credit card number, and social security number to yourself.
5. Check the List
If you’re still concerned about buying drugs online, check the NABP’s list. The NABP created a list of Not Recommended Sites that you should avoid. These pharmacies don’t comply with best practices or federal laws.
Many of these websites even neglect pharmacy practice standards and patient safety practices.
These websites likely:
- Dispense foreign medications
- Dispense medications that haven’t received approval
- Refer patients to other sites that violate state or federal laws
- Don’t ask for a prescription before providing medication
Explore this list before you make a purchase from an online pharmacy.
Shop Safely: 5 Things to Know Before You Buy Medications Online
Ready to become a savvy online shopper? With these five tips, you can take every precaution before you buy medications online. Instead of taking a risk, you can buy from a website that’s safe and secure.
Then, you can purchase your medications with ease knowing you’ve chosen a trustworthy pharmacy!
Explore more of our blog for additional helpful guides.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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