Counterfeit medicines can be hidden behind slick websites and low prices. If you buy the wrong product, the harm is real. Use simple checks to find pharmacies you can trust before you order.
Check for a visible license and real contact details. A trustworthy pharmacy lists its physical address, phone number, and the pharmacist on duty. Call the number and ask a few questions. If no one answers or if the address looks fake, move on.
Look for secure website signals: HTTPS in the address bar, clear privacy and payment terms, and known payment options like major cards or reputable processors. Avoid sellers that push wire transfers, crypto-only payments, or require payment outside the checkout system.
Never buy prescription-only drugs without a valid prescription. Legitimate pharmacies will ask for a prescription for controlled or specialist medicines. If a site sells powerful drugs without asking, it’s a big red flag.
Verify licensing with a regulator where the pharmacy is based. Search the license number on the regulator’s website. Check for third-party seals such as CIPA, LegitScript, or a national pharmacy board and click through to confirm the seal is real. Read customer reviews but watch for patterns: lots of short, generic praise may be fake.
Inspect product details closely. Genuine products show batch numbers, expiry dates, and manufacturer info. Compare images to brand websites. If packaging looks wrong or vital details are missing, stop and report it.
Ask about storage and shipping. Temperature-sensitive medicines need proper handling. Pharmacies that ship with no temperature control or that keep stock in unknown locations are risky. For expensive or specialty medicines, prefer tracked shipping and a courier with experience handling healthcare products.
Beware of extremely low prices that seem too good to be true. Very cheap meds are often counterfeit or past their expiry. Be cautious about overseas shipping for temperature-sensitive drugs like biologics; improper transport can ruin effectiveness.
For sensitive items—hormones, psychiatric meds, antibiotics, or steroids—use extra caution. These products require careful handling and correct dosing. Read reviews from verified buyers and prefer pharmacies that provide pharmacist consultations.
Check return policies and customer service. Legit pharmacies offer clear return steps and refunds for damaged or incorrect items. If the policy is vague or non-existent, that’s a warning sign. Keep proof of purchase and photos of any questionable packaging or pills.
If in doubt, ask your local pharmacist. Pharmacists can often spot fakes and may recommend reliable online options. Report suspicious sellers to your national regulator or consumer protection agency. Your report can protect others from harm.
Trustworthy pharmacies don’t hide details. They make licensing obvious, answer questions, and require prescriptions when needed. Follow these checks to reduce risk and buy medicines more safely.
Also consider price comparisons, manufacturer verification, and asking for sample testing reports for supplements or compounded products before paying.
Always save receipts and report problems quickly to authorities and regulators.
