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Buying prescription drugs online: The do's and don'ts

Ordering prescription drugs online can save you time and sometimes even money — but be careful. Safeguard your health and finances with these simple do's and don'ts.

By Mayo Clinic staff

Point, click and buy. People do it for books, groceries, plane tickets — even vehicles. Why not add prescription drugs to the list? In fact, you may already order refills through a national pharmacy chain or a mail-order program offered by your health insurance.

But did you know that there are a plethora of other sites that sell prescription medications? Although there are many legitimate online pharmacies, others aren't licensed in the United States — and some aren't pharmacies at all. So while ordering prescriptions online can save you time and even money, be selective about which sites you use.

To safeguard your health and finances, remember these simple do's and don'ts.

Things to do:

  • Do consult your doctor. Only take medications prescribed for you by your doctor or another health care professional who knows you. He or she can determine if a particular drug is safe for you or if another treatment would be more appropriate.
  • Do use a licensed pharmacy. The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy can tell you whether an online pharmacy is licensed and in good standing. Some sites carry a seal of approval from Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (or VIPPS). To gain this approval, sites must maintain state licenses and allow inspections by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.
  • Do insist on access to a registered pharmacist. Reputable sites offer toll-free access to registered pharmacists to answer your questions. Some online pharmacies have traditional physical locations as well. If you have questions about a medication after you begin taking it or you're concerned about drug reactions, it may be valuable to speak with a pharmacist in person.
  • Do read the privacy and security policies. Before placing an order, be confident that your credit card number, personal health information and other personally identifiable information will be protected.
  • Do compare prices. You may find great deals online, but there aren't any guarantees. Check your local drugstore's price — it might beat the online price. If online prices are significantly lower than your local pharmacy, you should question whether the site is legitimate.
  • Do be alert for counterfeits. In some cases, drugs ordered online turned out to contain no active ingredient or to contain the wrong medicine. Reduce your risk by only using legitimate online pharmacies. Don't use any medicine that arrives in altered or unsealed packaging.
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References
  1. The possible dangers of buying medicines over the internet. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm048396.htm. Accessed June 12, 2009.
  2. Buying medicines and medical products online: Frequently asked questions. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Accessed June 12, 2009.
  3. 6 tips to avoid medication mistakes. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm096403.htm. Accessed June 12, 2009.

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July 18, 2009

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