Check the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) register. This register lists all registered pharmacies in the UK. Verify a pharmacy’s registration number on their website against the GPhC’s database. This simple step offers strong protection.
Look for a physical address and contact details. Legitimate pharmacies provide clear contact information, including a phone number and a UK address. Avoid sites lacking these details.
Scrutinize the website’s security. Secure websites begin with “https” and display a padlock symbol. This indicates encryption protecting your personal data during transactions. Do not use sites lacking proper security measures.
Ensuring Secure Transactions
Ensure the site uses secure payment gateways such as Verified by Visa or MasterCard SecureCode. These protect your financial information from unauthorized access. Verify this before proceeding with any purchase.
Prescription Requirements
Understand UK prescription regulations. Online pharmacies must follow strict rules regarding prescriptions. Only use online pharmacies that require valid prescriptions from a registered UK doctor. Illegal online pharmacies never request prescriptions.
Report suspicious websites. If you encounter a website you suspect is illegitimate, report it to the GPhC or the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Your report helps protect others.
