Health websites: how to tell which ones you can trust
Not every site that looks medical actually helps your health. Some push pills, some recycle bad facts, and a few push risky products. If you search for symptoms, drug info, or an online pharmacy, a few quick checks will save you time—and protect your health.
Quick checks to spot reliable sites
First, who wrote the article? Trust sites that show author names, credentials, and links to their medical background. Second, check sources: reputable health sites cite studies, guidelines, or well-known medical databases. Third, look for dates—medical advice changes, and outdated pages can be dangerous. Fourth, prefer sites with clear contact info, privacy policies, and a transparent editorial policy. Finally, domain clues help: .gov and .edu are strong, and established health organizations or hospital domains are usually safer than anonymous blogs.
Want specifics when reading drug pages? Look for clear dosage ranges, common side effects, major drug interactions, and a section on when to call your provider. Good pages separate adult and pediatric advice and warn about pregnancy or kidney problems. If a page promises one-size-fits-all dosing or calls a drug "miraculous," treat it with suspicion.
Shopping for meds online—what to watch for
Legit online pharmacies will ask for a prescription, display a physical address and phone number, use secure checkout (look for https and a lock icon), and show pharmacy accreditation or licensing. Beware sites that offer prescription-only drugs without a script, sell huge discounts that seem unreal, or use aggressive pop-up ads. If a pharmacy hides shipping details or refuses to provide product batch info, don’t buy.
Symptom checkers and self-diagnosis tools are convenient but hit-or-miss. They can help you decide whether to see a doctor, yet they often miss rare conditions and can overstate danger. Use them to prepare for a visit—write down questions and symptoms—but don’t skip professional evaluation when symptoms are serious or sudden.
For supplements and alternative therapies, demand evidence. Look for product labels, dosing instructions, and clinical references. Natural doesn’t always mean safe—interactions with prescription meds are common, so double-check with your doctor or pharmacist.
RexMD.SU links to detailed, practical guides on medications, diseases, and supplements backed by the rexmd.com database. If you need trustworthy drug info, safe buying tips, or help comparing treatments, start with pages that list sources and show clear warnings. Still unsure? Use our Contact page to ask a question or check the terms and privacy pages if you care about how your data is handled.
When in doubt, call your healthcare provider. A quick chat beats a risky online decision. Use health websites to inform yourself—just make sure they pass the checks above before you act on their advice.
