Online pharmacies: how to buy medicine safely

Buying meds online can save time and money, but it also brings risks. If you want to order safely, focus on a few simple checks before you click "buy." This page collects practical tips, trusted resources, and short reviews to help you choose reliable online pharmacies and avoid scams.

How to spot safe online pharmacies

Look for clear contact info: a real phone number, physical address, and licensed pharmacist available. Legitimate sites usually require a prescription for prescription meds. If a site sells controlled drugs without a prescription, walk away.

Check for pharmacy accreditation. For Canadian sellers, look for CIPA membership or provincial licensing. Some global options use verification like Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (.pharmacy) or third-party review seals—these aren’t perfect, but they help.

Read recent customer reviews and mixed feedback. One glowing review isn’t proof; patterns are. Watch for repeated complaints about wrong meds, refunds, or missing tracking numbers.

Save money without sacrificing safety

Compare prices across a few sites before buying. Use discount tools and apps to compare coupon savings against manufacturer copay cards — sometimes the latter is cheaper for chronic meds like insulin or statins. We’ve reviewed GoodRx alternatives and tested savings apps to show real discounts.

Consider Canadian drugstores for some prescriptions; they can be cheaper, but check licensing and shipping rules. Cross-border orders may face customs delays and additional costs. If a price looks too good to be true, it often is.

Watch payment and privacy practices. Prefer sites that offer secure checkout (HTTPS), clear refund policies, and familiar payment methods. Avoid sellers that insist on wire transfers, crypto-only payments, or ask for unnecessary personal data.

When shopping for specific meds, read focused guides. We cover buying lithium safely online, what to know about Wellbutrin SR, and how to evaluate sites like Privatedoc.com. For certain drugs, talk to your prescriber about legitimate mail-order or specialty pharmacies that handle monitoring and dosing.

Shipping and delivery matter. Check shipping partners, expected delivery windows, and whether the pharmacy provides tracking. For temperature-sensitive meds, confirm cold-chain handling.

If you’re unsure, call your doctor or local pharmacist. They can recommend reputable online options or help you interpret a site’s credentials. Your safety is worth a quick call.

Use this tag page as a starting point: read our how-to guides, country-specific checks, and pharmacy reviews before ordering. The goal is simple — get the medication you need without the guesswork or risk.