More people are relying on online pharmacies to purchase their prescription medication. While buying medicines online is easy and convenient, it’s not always safe. It’s important to vet every pharmacy before you start shopping.
In fact, about 20 new illegal pharmacies pop up online every day.
Here are five tips that can help you find the best online pharmacy available. With these tips, you can feel confident in your choice. Then, you can purchase the right medications to ensure optimal health.
Start shopping online with these five simple tips today.
1. Make Sure They Ask for a Prescription
About 95% of websites offering prescription-only medications online operate illegally. Meanwhile, nearly 90% don’t require a prescription for the sale of prescription-only medication.
Before buying medicines online, make sure the pharmacy asks for a doctor’s prescription. Determine if the pharmacy will allow you to consult a licensed pharmacist, too.
Providing your prescription will ensure the pharmacy provides the right prescription medication. You don’t want to receive the wrong medication in the mail.
Otherwise, you could unintentionally put your health at risk.
2. Look for Their License
If you want to find the best online pharmacy, make sure they’re licensed and registered first.
Check the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) website. You can use the NABP’s tools to ensure the pharmacy is properly licensed.
If the website doesn’t list their license and registration information online, choose a different pharmacy.
3. Check for the Seal
As you visit each online pharmacy, keep an eye out for the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) seal. This seal indicates the pharmacy meets licensure requirements. The NABP has personally vetted these websites.
You’ll have peace of mind knowing these online pharmacies meet the NABP’s official approval.
4. Look for Site Security
Take a look at the website itself, too.
First, check the URL. Make sure “HTTPS” appears before the domain name. If you see “HTTPS,” the website utilizes an SSL certificate.
It’s safe to shop from these online pharmacies.
Look for a privacy policy, too. The privacy policy should indicate the website doesn’t have the right to sell your private information.
5. Check the NRS List
Before buying medicines from an online pharmacy, check the Not Recommended Sites (NRS) list.
The NABP creates this list to help you determine which websites don’t comply with federal or state laws. If a pharmacy appears on this list, choose another.
These websites fail to ask for a prescription before providing prescription medication. Some even dispense medication that doesn’t have approval. You might end up buying illegitimate foreign medications, too.
You can also use this pharmacy checker to vet your options.
Make sure you do your due diligence before you purchase medications online. Using these tips will help you prioritize healthy living.
Shop Safely: 5 Ways to Start Buying Medicines From Online Pharmacies
Don’t rush when buying medicines online. Instead, use these five tips to find the best online pharmacy. With these tips, you can feel confident that you’re shopping from a safe, secure pharmacy.
Find your medications online with these tips today.
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