Are you on the hunt for a legit online pharmacy?

According to the FDA, there are roughly 35,000 online pharmacies. And, according to the National Association of Boards of Pharmacies, only about 5% of those comply with US pharmacy laws practices and standards. 

So, how can you tell if you’re dealing with a legit online pharmacy? What do you need to do to find an online pharmacy you can trust? Read this guide to find out how to find a legit online pharmacy.

Check Out the Pharmacy’s Website 

The pharmacy’s website can tell you a lot about the legitimacy of the pharmacy itself. If the website has spelling and grammar errors, looks unprofessional, or doesn’t display an address, then that’s a sign that it might not be legitimate. 

If the website does list an address, make sure to verify the whereabouts of the address by conducting a web search. Also, if the website lists a phone number, give it a call. When you make a call to the pharmacy, there should be a state-licensed pharmacist available to answer your questions. 

Check Prescription Requirements 

If an online pharmacy offers to sell you prescription medication without a prescription, that’s a huge red flag. Sending someone a prescribed medication without a doctor’s approval is negligent and can be downright dangerous. 

If the online pharmacy doesn’t ask for a prescription anywhere during the buying process, you should move on to a different site. Click for more to learn about ordering medication online with a prescription. 

Check Licensing and Memberships 

Pharmacies operating in the United States (and many other countries) need to be accredited and licensed by the appropriate regulating body. 

If the online pharmacy is trustworthy, they’ll have this information displayed visibly on their website. To verify the licensing is correct, you can cross-check on the FDA website. All you need to do is enter the online pharmacy’s business name and licensing number to verify. 

Check With Your Health Insurance 

Another way to figure out the legitimacy of an online pharmacy is to check with your health insurance company. If your health insurance plan offers prescription coverage, your insurer should be able to give you a list of approved online pharmacies. 

Health insurance companies vet pharmacies before they accept them as suppliers, so you can trust a pharmacy that’s on your insurer’s list. 

Read Reviews 

Once you’ve concluded that the online pharmacy is legit, it’s time to find out if it’s the right pharmacy for you. Customer service, prescription availability, and mailing speed are all things you need to take into consideration. 

We recommend reading online reviews to learn more about how well the pharmacy operates. Typically, you can find reviews of a pharmacy on Google. If the pharmacy has an app, you can also check out the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. 

Legit Online Pharmacy: Time to Find the Right One 

Now that you know what to look for in a legit online pharmacy, it’s time to start searching. With the tips above, you should have no problem finding a legitimate online pharmacy that will get you your prescriptions fast. 

For more pharmacy information, check back in with our blog.