{"id":631786,"date":"2025-04-17T09:30:51","date_gmt":"2025-04-17T13:30:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=631786"},"modified":"2026-04-08T11:13:34","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T15:13:34","slug":"how-to-help-patients-navigate-online-pharmacies-safely","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-to-help-patients-navigate-online-pharmacies-safely\/","title":{"rendered":"How to help patients navigate online pharmacies safely"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In today\u2019s technology-driven era, people can do almost anything online, and ordering medications is no exception. According to an article in the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frontiers in Pharmacology<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, there has been significant growth in the online sale of medications in recent years. Patients are drawn to online pharmacies for their accessibility, convenience, and purported discounts.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An online pharmacy is a business that prepares and sells prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs through a website or mobile app and delivers medications directly to patients. Despite their popularity, there are potential risks to shopping online for medication. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pharmacists can help patients navigate their pharmacy options safely.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"the-pros-of-online-pharmacies\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The pros of online pharmacies<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are several reasons why patients may be drawn to online pharmacies.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Discounts: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.consumerreports.org\/online-pharmacies\/online-pharmacies-can-help-you-save-big-on-prescription-drugs\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Online pharmacies<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> often advertise better deals on medications than brick-and-mortar pharmacies\u2014touting generics at a cost that is less than the average insurance copay of $12. However, to take advantage of the low prices, sometimes patients must pay a membership fee or high shipping rates, which cuts into savings.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Convenience:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Patients can have their medications prepared, paid for, and delivered without leaving their homes\u2014or waiting in line at the pharmacy. This is especially beneficial for those with limited mobility or who live in remote areas.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Privacy: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When buying medication with a potential social stigma, patients may be more comfortable ordering online rather than in person, such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC10501782\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">abortion medications<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or sexual performance medications, like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/viagra\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Viagra<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"the-cons-of-online-pharmacies\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The cons of online pharmacies<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP), the majority of online pharmacies have <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.harvard.edu\/staying-healthy\/dont-get-duped-heres-how-to-avoid-online-pharmacy-risks\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">risks associated with their use<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Here are some common drawbacks to explain to patients considering virtual pharmacies.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Unsafe medications: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/nabp.pharmacy\/news\/blog\/tactics-criminals-use-to-sell-drugs-online\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NABP<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> found that 95% of websites selling prescription drugs operate illegally, with over 40,000 online pharmacies failing to meet safety standards. The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/consumers\/consumer-updates\/how-buy-medicines-safely-online-pharmacy\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FDA<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> has warned that many unsafe pharmacies offer discounted medications, sometimes without a prescription, using fake storefronts to mislead patients. These drugs may be untested for quality and safety, and some websites even sell <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC9031186\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">counterfeit medications<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Lack of medical advice: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unlike brick-and-mortar pharmacies, online pharmacies may lack a pharmacist for consultations, which is dangerous for patients with high-risk conditions who are more prone to side effects or those on multiple medications with the potential for drug interactions.<\/span><b>\u00a0<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Long shipping times: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Online pharmacy deliveries can take time. Some, like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aboutamazon.com\/news\/retail\/amazon-pharmacy-expands-same-day-prescription-delivery-united-states\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Amazon Pharmacy<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, deliver in two days. Others, like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/support.honeybeehealth.com\/hc\/en-us\/articles\/360032564131-Shipping-Policy\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Honeybee Health<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, may take up to 10 days. Expedited shipping may be available for an extra fee, but it can make prescriptions more expensive than at local pharmacies.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Limited stock: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not all online pharmacies offer a full range of medications; for example, Honeybee Health doesn\u2019t carry insulin. This can be inconvenient for patients on multiple prescriptions, making it harder to track refills and maintain adherence.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-guide-patients-interested-in-online-pharmacies\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to guide patients interested in online pharmacies<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your patients are thinking of transferring their prescriptions to an online pharmacy, you can offer expert advice\u2014and help them avoid illegal online pharmacies.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"offer-alternatives\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Offer alternatives<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If price is the main factor, explain savings options at the local pharmacy. For example, one <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acpjournals.org\/doi\/10.7326\/M23-0644\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> found that patients can save millions of dollars by buying prescription drugs through <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pharmacy discount programs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> rather than through insurance programs. You can also help them access coupons for their medications. It takes seconds to get a free <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription-discount-card\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SingleCare prescription discount card<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that can help them save up to 80% on the cost of brand-name and generic medications.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If convenience or privacy are issues, explain <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/pharmacy-delivery\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">local delivery options<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. There might be a simpler solution than switching online.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"provide-guidance-on-safe-options\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Provide guidance on safe options<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can help patients identify reputable online pharmacies. According to the FDA, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/consumers\/consumer-updates\/how-buy-medicines-safely-online-pharmacy\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">safe online pharmacies<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Always require a healthcare provider\u2019s prescription<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Provides a physical address and telephone number in the United States<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have a licensed pharmacist on staff to answer questions<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are licensed with a state board of pharmacy<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The FDA\u2019s <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/drugs\/quick-tips-buying-medicines-over-internet\/besaferx-your-source-online-pharmacy-information\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">BeSafeRx website<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> has a search tool for verifying a pharmacy\u2019s license in the state\u2019s Board of Pharmacy database. If the online pharmacy\u2019s license isn\u2019t listed, it isn\u2019t considered safe and should not be used.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"offer-warning-signs-of-unsafe-pharmacies\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Offer warning signs of unsafe pharmacies<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pharmacists can also relay <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/consumers\/consumer-updates\/how-buy-medicines-safely-online-pharmacy\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">warning signs of an unsafe online pharmacy<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to patients. These pharmacies:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not require a healthcare provider\u2019s prescription<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are not licensed in the U.S., or by their state board of pharmacy<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not have a licensed pharmacist on staff<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Send out medications that look different, are expired, or don\u2019t have an expiration listed<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Deliver medications in broken or damaged packaging<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Offer significant discounts that seem too good to be true<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Charge for products that weren\u2019t ordered or received<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not give clear written protections for personal and financial information<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reiterate to patients the importance of finding a reputable online pharmacy. You can explain the risks of purchasing drugs from illegal pharmacies, such as taking drugs that contain too little or too much of the active ingredient, contain a different active ingredient, or contain the wrong ingredients or other harmful substances. This could lead to failure in treating medical conditions, drug interactions, serious side effects, or other serious health problems. These websites may also steal personal or financial information.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"the-bottom-line\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The bottom line<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As frontline healthcare providers, pharmacists can provide patients with insight into online pharmacies. You can discuss the pros and cons of using an online pharmacy, and explain how while the prices seem lower, it\u2019s not always worth the risk. If your patients opt for this route, you can share how to find reputable online pharmacies.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In today\u2019s technology-driven era, people can do almost anything online, and ordering medications is no exception. According to an article in the Frontiers in Pharmacology, there has been significant growth in the online sale of medications in recent years. Patients are drawn to online pharmacies for their accessibility, convenience, and purported discounts.\u00a0 An online pharmacy [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":135,"featured_media":631810,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[9340],"tags":[743],"coauthors":[20969],"class_list":["post-631786","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-checkout","tag-pharmacies","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to help patients navigate online pharmacies safely<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Pharmacists play a key role in helping patients determine whether to transfer their prescriptions to an online pharmacy. 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