How to Evaluate Online Pharmacies

The Internet has become a faster way for consumers to accomplish tasks such as purchasing gifts, banking, and even ordering prescriptions. Although we tend to believe the motto "quicker is better," this may not always be the case when it comes to online pharmacies.

While it is legal to buy prescriptions online, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the pharmacy must be legally authorized to sell in the U.S., and a prescription is still required. Many Americans are being ripped off and have even been given what they think are prescriptions when in reality they were only talc and starch, as reported by the FDA.

There are legitimate websites selling prescriptions, and legal online pharmacies, but you must do your homework first. Here are a few tips for evaluating online pharmacies:

Things You'll Need

• Internet access

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Instructions

• 1

  Locate the legal pharmacy name. This is usually located near the bottom of the website page or under the Contact tab. The legal name often differs from the name listed at the top of the website. Validate contact information. When evaluating an online pharmacy, you should verify the company's contact information to determine whether the pharmacist would be available for questions or concerns that may arise.

• 2

  Check with the Better Business Bureau to determine whether the company you are researching has had any complaints filed against it. If so, review how they were handled. This information will assist you in your evaluation of online pharmacies.

• 3

  Search the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, as recommended by the FDA, to determine that the pharmacy is licensed to dispense prescriptions in the U.S.

• 4

  Verify that the online pharmacy is requiring an authentic prescription. All legal pharmacies are required to obtain a prescription to dispense medication. Steer clear of any pharmacy that advertises medication without prescriptions.

• 5

  Choose a legitimate company that is established. When the time comes for you to obtain a refill or transfer your prescription, you don't want to call the company only to find out that they are out of business.