If you’ve experienced prescription problems in the past, you might ask yourself, “how can I get prescriptions online?” Don’t rush to start shopping from the first store you find. In fact, almost 20 new illegal pharmacies appear online every day.
Instead, use these seven tips to vet your options. With these tips, you can find a reputable online pharmacy.
Otherwise, you could struggle to shop safely online. In fact, the medications you receive could even contain harmful fillers. Meanwhile, you’ll struggle to get the medication you need to improve your health.
Don’t let that happen. Instead, learn how to get a prescription online with these tips today.
1. Understand the Risk
If you’re asking yourself, “how can I get prescriptions online,” start by determining who you can trust. There are countless fake pharmacies out there. You can narrow down your options by learning how to spot reputable pharmacies among the rest.
Otherwise, you might trust your private information with an illegitimate business. A hacker might steal your identity online.
Remember, there’s also a risk that you’ll receive medications full of harmful fillers, too.
Instead, you need to learn how to get a prescription online from a real pharmacy.
After all, there’s a reason you need to get your medication in the first place. If you take medications that don’t suit your health needs, you could put your health at risk. Meanwhile, you might experience dangerous side effects by taking medications that aren’t FDA-approved.
Potential risks of buying from an illegitimate pharmacy include:
- Hackers stealing your private information
- Buying medications that don’t accomplish your health goals
- Purchasing medications that aren’t legal for use
- Falling victim to credit card fraud
- Buying counterfeit and often dangerous medications.
The FDA regulates prescription medications from pharmacies within the US. However, it can’t confirm that every product, including imported prescriptions, is safe. Most online pharmacies don’t receive FDA approval, either.
In fact, over 95% of online pharmacies don’t comply with US federal and state laws.
Instead, reduce the risk by learning how to spot a rogue pharmacy. For example, don’t trust a pharmacy that fails to ask for your prescription. The rest of these tips can help you find online pharmacies you can trust.
2. Send Your Prescription
Before providing your credit card and contact information, make sure a licensed medical professional asks for your prescription. How will the pharmacy know what medication to send if they don’t have your prescription? You could receive the wrong medication or a counterfeit medication as a result.
You could even run the risk of taking medications that haven’t completed thorough testing. Remember, the FDA can’t confirm every product is safe.
Instead, make sure the pharmacy asks for a prescription from a medical professional. Only a doctor who completed a medical exam should provide a prescription.
About 90% of online pharmacies fail to ask for prescriptions.
If the pharmacy you choose doesn’t ask for one, take your business elsewhere.
3. Make Sure They’re Licensed
When learning how to get a prescription online, check each company’s licensing, too. If you’re choosing a pharmacy in the US, make sure they’re licensed and registered in the state. If you choose a Canadian pharmacy, check the National Associate of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP).
Their website can help you determine if you’ve found a reputable, trustworthy pharmacy.
If the pharmacy can’t provide registration or licensing information, scratch them off your list. Choosing a licensed online pharmacy can give you peace of mind in your choice.
4. Look for VIPPS
While asking yourself “how can I get prescriptions online safely?” make sure to find the VIPPS seal. VIPPS stands for Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites. A pharmacy with this seal has met state licensure requirements.
The seal indicates the pharmacy met additional NABP requirements to operate online, too.
In order to gain this seal, pharmacies need to complete a screening process with the NABP. They’ll need to meet the state’s licensing criteria as well. A certification team will confirm that the company meets the necessary requirements on-site.
Finding companies with this seal can give you peace of mind.
5. Check Their Website
You can also learn more about each online pharmacy by reviewing their website.
First, look at their URL. Do you see “HTTPS” in front of the domain name? Websites with “HTTPS” have an SSL certificate.
These websites are safe to purchase from. You can feel confident when giving these websites your private information.
Look at the end of their URL, too. Do you see “.pharmacy” at the end of the URL? Only companies that remain complaint can use the “.pharmacy” domain.
Check the website’s footer. Look for a privacy policy. Take the time to read the website’s security settings as well.
Make sure the website confirms that they don’t have the legal right to sell your private information.
6. Compare Prices
As you explore different online pharmacies, take a moment to compare pricing. Comparing the prices will help you determine the average. If one price seems too good to be true, it likely is.
You don’t want to end up scammed. Instead, remember you’re getting what you’re paying for.
Try to find the label on each product, too. Review the ingredients list. Make sure you’re receiving the medication you’re intending to buy.
7. Check the NRS List
Before you get a prescription online, consult the NABP’s Not Recommended List. This list includes websites that don’t comply with federal laws or best practices. If you find an online pharmacy on that list, scratch it off yourself.
These online pharmacies neglect patient safety. They could put your health and wellbeing at risk.
Consulting the Not Recommended List ahead of time can help you avoid illegitimate pharmacies.
How Can I Get Prescriptions Online: 7 Tips for Savvy Shopping
Don’t rush to trust the first online pharmacy you find. Instead, ask yourself “how can I get prescriptions online safely.” Prioritizing your safety is essential.
With these tips, you can avoid purchasing a prescription medication that’s full of harmful fullers.
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