Online Pharmacies Resource Center
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Online Pharmacies

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Online pharmacies provide the convenience of purchasing prescription and over-the-counter medications from the comfort of your home and having them delivered to your door. In some cases, online pharmacies offer a wider selection of medications and lower prices than brick-and-mortar pharmacies. Note that responsible online pharmacies require a valid prescription and adhere to safety regulations, so it's important to carefully research options before using one.

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FAQ

Are online pharmacies safe?

Reputable online pharmacies are safe when they require a prescription for medications that can't be purchased over the counter.

Do your research before choosing an online pharmacy: Check its credentials, and make sure it requires a prescription.

A valid prescription from a licensed doctor is necessary to purchase a prescription medication from an online pharmacy. However, not all medications are eligible for purchase online.

Online pharmacies offer convenience, a wider selection, and potential cost savings.

Prices can vary from pharmacy to pharmacy.

Meet Our Experts In Online Pharmacies
See Our Editorial PolicyMeet Our Health Expert Network
Everyday Health’s team of board-certified physicians and health professionals contribute to the creation and review of content, ensuring that the information is useful, up to date, and accurate.

Kristina D. Carter, PharmD

Medical Reviewer

Kristina D. Carter, PharmD, is a clinical pharmacist and freelance health writer who currently works in a managed care setting, performing quality audits on utilization management ...

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Stephanie-Young-Moss-bio

Stephanie Young Moss, PharmD

Medical Reviewer

Stephanie Young Moss, PharmD, has worked in pharmacy, community outreach, regulatory compliance, managed care, and health economics and outcomes research. Dr. Young Moss is the own...

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Diala Alatassi, MD, FACP

Medical Reviewer

Diala Alatassi, MD, is a board-certified obesity medicine specialist who is committed to providing comprehensive, compassionate, and personalized care. By integrating medical exper...

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Sean-Hashmi-bio

Sean Hashmi, MD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor, Member of American College of Lifestyle Medicine

Sean Hashmi, MD, is an experienced nephrologist and obesity medicine specialist based in Southern California. As the regional director for clinical nutrition and weight management ...

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kara-leigh-smythe-bio

Kara Smythe, MD

Medical Reviewer

Kara Smythe, MD, has been working in sexual and reproductive health for over 10 years. Dr. Smythe is a board-certified fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecolog...

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Deborah-Lankin-bio

Deborah Lankin, PharmD

Medical Reviewer
Deborah Lankin, PharmD, is a board-certified clinical pharmacist with functional medicine expertise in areas of infertility, endocrinology, women’s health, menopause, and sterile a...
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Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. Considering an Online Pharmacy? U.S. Food and Drug Administration. September 21, 2020.