How to Safely and Legally Buy Drugs From Online Pharmacies

Many people want the option of purchasing prescription drugs from online drugstores because the practice seems convenient and economical. From controlled substances like Lortab (hydrocodone) to antibiotics, hair loss medication and antidepressants, almost any drug can be purchased from an online pharmacy. But is it legal and safe to purchase drugs from a pharmacy website?

It can be if you understand the potential pitfalls and follow some guidelines.

The key is to find a legal, safe Internet drugstore that meets your needs, such as convenience and pricing. There are good, bona fide businesses out there, but there are also "rogue" sites and online pharmacies (really pretend pharmacies) that are out to scam you. They could sell you drugs that are fake, unsafe, or expired.

In this article, learn the differences between online pharmacies and how to order drugs safely and legally online.

Is It Legal to Purchase Drugs Online?

Yes, it can be legal as long as specific rules are followed. Whether or not it is legal to purchase your prescription drugs online depends on various factors: your location, the pharmacy's location, and whether or not a prescription is required. Being familiar with the requirements is critical to making a legal purchase of drugs through the Internet.

Signs That an Online Pharmacy Is Safe

There are a few factors to look for that signal that the online pharmacy you are considering operates safely and legally:

• Requiring a doctor's prescription
• Providing a phone number and physical address
• Licensed with the board of pharmacy in their state
• Having a pharmacist available to answer questions

Is It Safe to Purchase Drugs on the Internet?

If you choose the right pharmacy, yes, it can be safe. You'll want to avoid the hundreds (maybe thousands) of rogue websites claiming to be online pharmacies but just want your money. Many online pharmacies may also be unregistered. Getting medication from them could be dangerous and costly because the medication might be fake, diluted, or out-of-date.

If you understand why most online pharmacies are unsafe or legal, you'll better understand how to make a wise choice.

Warning Signs That an Online Pharmacy Isn't Safe

There are some signs that might indicate a pharmacy is not legitimate:

• They don't require a doctor's prescription: A real pharmacy will always need to know your prescription.
• They don't have a pharmacist to ask questions to: A real pharmacy has pharmacists on staff to answer consumers' questions.
• They send unfamiliar medicine: Be aware if the pills you receive do not look like other prescriptions you have received elsewhere. If you're not sure, do an Internet search of your drug to see what the pill ought to look like.
• Medication arrives in suspicious packaging: If the packaging is broken, unsealed, is in another language, or has information blacked out,
• Medication is expired or lacks an expiration date: If the drugs you order arrive without an expiration date or with a date that has passed, do not take the medication.

What's the Difference Between an Online Pharmacy and Pharmacy Online?

There's a difference between using the Internet to purchase from a retail pharmacy and purchasing from a pharmacy with only an Internet presence.

Local drug stores have websites; you may be able to use one to fill or renew a prescription. You will recognize their names: CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, and dozens of others. Unless you have questions about your local pharmacy's reputation, there should be no problem purchasing drugs from their websites. Ensure you use the correct web address to access their prescription capabilities. (There could be a fake website set up to mimic a real retail pharmacy.)

Network and mail-order pharmacies also work with health insurance companies to manage larger drug orders and keep pricing down for insurers. Express Scripts, Medco, and Caremark (which is owned by CVS) are mail-order pharmacy companies. Purchasing from them through your insurer is as safe as using your local pharmacy. These pharmacies can work well if it's difficult for you to get to your local pharmacy. They're also great if you like the convenience of renewing online or if you like to order many months' worth of a drug you take regularly.

How to Order Drugs Legally and Safely From an Internet Drug Store

First, determine whether pricing is important for you. If you have insurance, you may be able to use your insurance to purchase your drugs online. Still, your cost will probably be the same at any pharmacy since the cost is a co-pay determined by your insurer's formulary and tier pricing.

If you do have insurance to pay for the drugs:

1. Check with your insurance company or payer first. See if they have a recommended mail-order pharmacy you can use. If you can't find the information on your insurance company's or payer's website, call their customer service number to ask.
2. If you don't want to use your insurer's mail-order company or if they don't have one to recommend, then find the website of your favorite local pharmacy, preferably the one where you fill prescriptions already (CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, or others). They will very likely have the option of ordering drugs online.
3. If neither of those approaches works, follow the steps below to find a safe and legal pharmacy to order from.

If you do not have insurance to pay for the drugs (no prescription coverage or you risk falling into the Medicare doughnut hole—the drug coverage gap in plans):

1. Begin by comparing drug prices at one of the websites that help you make that comparison.
2. Double-check that the online pharmacy you wish to use is legal and safe. A database called VIPPs (Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites) is maintained by NABP (National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.) Any pharmacy on that list has been analyzed to be sure it is safe and legal. You can tell if a mail-order pharmacy is VIPPS-certified by looking for the official VIPPS logo on their website. However, not all online pharmacies have been reviewed.
3. Another group, LegitScript, maintains a database of verified pharmacies that are safe and legal.

If you want to order from a pharmacy not found on any of the lists of safe and legal websites, then be sure to look for the indicators noted above that will help you determine the safety and legality of ordering from that company.

Summary

It is essential to ensure the online pharmacy you use is reputable, operates under the supervision of the state board of pharmacy, and uses safe and legal practices. Ensure the pharmacy you choose requires a doctor's prescription and that the packaging and medications seem correct. You can also use services like your insurance company or databases like VIPPs or LegitScript to ensure a pharmacy is legit. With a few precautions, the convenience of using an online pharmacy can be a safe option.