Online Pharmacy Review: How to Spot a Safe Online Pharmacy
Want to buy medication online without getting scammed or getting fake drugs? Good — this short guide tells you what to check right away and what to avoid. Use these checks every time you read an online pharmacy review or consider an order.
First, check if the pharmacy asks for a valid prescription for prescription drugs. Legit pharmacies will always require one. If a site sells antibiotics, blood pressure meds, or controlled substances without a prescription, walk away. That’s the fastest red flag that quality and legality are likely problems.
How to verify a pharmacy
Look for real credentials. In the U.S., the NABP/VIPPS seal or LegitScript certification matters. In the U.K., check for MHRA registration. Many countries have regulator lists you can cross-check. Also scan the site for clear contact info: a physical address, phone number, and pharmacist availability. Test the phone number — real pharmacies usually answer or return calls.
Study the product pages closely. Legit listings include brand names, active ingredients, lot numbers, expiration dates, and manufacturer details. If product descriptions are vague, use photos from other sites, or price is way below market, that’s suspicious. Real pills have consistent packaging and clear labeling; fake meds often come in plain or inconsistent packaging.
Quick red flags
Watch for these signs in online pharmacy reviews and on the site itself: no prescription required, cash-only or wire transfer payments, prices that are too low, stock photos instead of real product shots, poor or missing return policy, and many one-line positive reviews with no detail. Also be careful if the domain is new or the site moves domains often.
Payment and privacy matter. Prefer credit cards or reputable third-party processors like PayPal — they offer dispute options. Avoid direct bank transfers, Western Union, or crypto for first-time purchases. Check the privacy policy for how your data and medical info are stored; it should be clear and professional.
Shipping and customs: a trusted pharmacy uses tracked shipping and provides a tracking number. Delivery should match the time window promised. If packages arrive opened, tampered, or without batch info, contact the seller and your regulator. For international orders, factor in customs rules and possible import bans on certain meds.
Use reviews smartly. Read multiple sources — independent review sites, forums, and social media comments. Beware of fake reviews on the pharmacy site itself. Look for detailed user experiences: how long delivery took, how well customer service responded, and whether the meds worked as expected.
Quick checklist before you order: does it require a prescription? Can you verify credentials? Is payment secure? Are reviews consistent across sites? Is shipping tracked? If you can’t answer “yes” to most of these, don’t buy.
Want practical examples and reviews we've done? Check the articles on RexMD.SU for specific pharmacy reviews, medication guides, and safety tips tailored to real users.
