Tips on Purchasing Drugs Online Safely for Beginners

Think of your spending habits. How much of it is done offline and how much online? Almost anything can be bought online these days, but what about prescription drugs?

More and more people are turning to the internet for purchasing drugs online. With convenience and lower prices, it’s no wonder why people prefer this method. If it can save you a trip to the pharmacy, what’s the harm?

With anything you buy online, you’ll want to know you’re in good hands. But how can you know for sure? For the best tips when buying prescriptions online, read our post below!

1. VIPPS Seal

All U.S.-based pharmacies ought to be state-licensed. To know for sure if a site is state-licensed look for a VIPPS (Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites) Seal.

You can also check the NABP (National Association of Boards of Pharmacy). This will provide you with a list of accredited online pharmacies.

You’ll know you’re in good hands when purchasing drugs online from these sources. Certain measures are in place, such as quality and privacy, to provide safety to the customer.

Before purchasing anything, it’s always wise to speak to a licensed health care professional. For example, you could ask about certain types of hemangiomas and preventative measures.

2. Prices and Reviews

When scouring the internet for online drug stores, of course, how much your prescription costs will come into play. Before you enter your credit card information, it’s best to do your research and due diligence.

Comparing drug prices is always a smart move when purchasing drugs online. For example, if you are used to paying $100 in person, then seeing them go for $90-75 isn’t out of the ordinary. If perchance you see the same drugs going for $25, then you’ve spotted a red flag.

In conjunction with prices, you’ll want to check out online customer reviews. This will give you a glimpse into what other people are saying about the online pharmacy and the drugs they’ve purchased.

You ought to always be asking yourself if you can trust the pharmacy. Reach out to family and friends for their recommendations as well!

3. FDA-Approved

It’s hard to know what types of drugs you’re getting when buying over the internet from an unregulated source. If you’re not careful, you may end up with a dosage too high or too low, which is dangerous to your health.

This is why it’s always a good idea to check the labels on products, and prescriptions are no different. FDA-approved prescriptions ensure your safety and are for the intended use. Drugs from other countries are a risky move and you may even be breaking the law in the process without realizing it.

4. Secure Site

Whenever you provide information about yourself online, you’ll want to ensure the site is secure. Things like your name, address, and credit card information are things hackers can use to steal your identity.

You’ll want to take a look at the URL itself, the SSL certificate to be exact. If the site begins with HTTPS that means the site has an SSL certificate and is safe and secure to use.

A lock symbol right before the URL will indicate if a site is secure or not. When purchasing drugs online via secure sites, you know your data is encrypted and safe.

5. Location

It’s always wise to know where your medication is coming from. Make sure the pharmacy is in the United States and licensed. This will guarantee they are a reputable source.

You may come across pharmacies claiming to be in Canada. This is another red flag as they could be located anywhere in the world. Check and double-check to see if all locations match up with their licensing, especially if they ship worldwide.

Be Safe When Purchasing Drugs Online

By now, you ought to have a better knowledge base for purchasing drugs online. Always do your homework and take your time.

If you’d like to move out of the beginner phase with your health, why not head on over to our blog? From there, you can read and research to your heart’s content.

Soon enough, you will be living your best life!