8 Things to Remember When Buying Medicines Online

By Your Health Magazine

The rise of online pharmacies has made accessing medicine easier than ever, offering a level of convenience that traditional drugstores often can’t match. You can order medications from home, skip long pharmacy lines, and even find better prices in some cases. Online pharmacies also offer a wider selection of products, which is especially helpful if you’re living in a remote area or dealing with mobility issues. Additionally, if you’re equipped with the best credit card for online shopping Philippines cardholders trust, like the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card by Maya, then you can enjoy a more seamless and secure purchasing experience.

That said, buying medicine online also comes with its fair share of challenges. Not all pharmacies maintain the same standards, raising the risk of counterfeit or unsafe medications. Privacy concerns, delivery delays, and the lack of direct professional advice can also create uncertainty on the part of the buyer. To help you avoid these hassles, here are some helpful things to remember so that you can enjoy the convenience of online medicine shopping without compromising your health:

1) Choose Licensed and Verified Online Pharmacies

When buying medicine online, it’s crucial to stick with pharmacies that are licensed and registered with the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This ensures they follow proper safety standards and that the medicines they sell are genuine and not expired. Licensed pharmacies also have accountability measures in place, giving you greater confidence in the quality and authenticity of your purchase.

There are many unlicensed sellers out there, especially on social media or unfamiliar websites, that could put your health at risk. To stay safe, check the FDA Philippines website for a list of accredited online pharmacies and avoid buying from random Facebook pages or sketchy sites.

2) Check for a Valid Prescription Requirement

A trustworthy online pharmacy will always require a valid prescription before selling prescription medicines. This ensures you’re using the right medication correctly and under proper medical supervision.

Therefore, if you come across sellers offering antibiotics or blood pressure medications without asking for a prescription, consider it a red flag. Reputable online pharmacies typically ask you to upload your doctor’s prescription before processing your order, showing their commitment to helping customers avoid the risks of self-medicating.

3) Verify Website Security

Staying safe when shopping online is important, especially when you’re buying medicine that affects your health. Before entering your personal or credit card details, make sure the website is secure. Check for “https://” at the beginning of the web address and confirm that they use trusted payment methods.

Many reliable online pharmacies accept payments through reputable banks, debit or credit cards, and e-wallets like Maya, which add an extra layer of protection due to their transaction records. If a website looks suspicious, lacks security certificates, or requires unsafe payment methods, it’s best to steer clear to keep your data safe from potential risks.

4) Read Reviews and Customer Feedback

Checking what other customers say can be very helpful when choosing an online pharmacy. Look for honest reviews about the authenticity of the medicine, delivery speed, and overall experience. Positive feedback on platforms like Facebook health groups or trusted wellness blogs can also give you a clearer idea of which sellers are reliable. Filipino consumers often share their real experiences online, which can guide you toward safer and more trustworthy options.

5) Be Cautious of Unrealistic Prices and Offers

If a medicine is being sold at a price that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Extremely low prices can indicate counterfeit or low-quality products that might not work or, worse, could harm you. Hence, it’s always a good idea to compare prices with local pharmacies to get a sense of what’s reasonable. For example, if a well-known brand of paracetamol usually costs around PHP 50 per pack but an online seller offers it for just PHP 10, you should be very cautious and double-check the source.

6) Understand Delivery Times and Storage Conditions

Some medicines need special care during storage and shipping to remain effective, especially temperature-sensitive ones like insulin. Before placing your order, check how long delivery will take and whether the seller uses proper packaging or cold storage during transit. In particular, delivery to remote provinces can sometimes take longer, so it’s important to plan ahead and ensure your medicine arrives in good condition.

7) Keep Records of Your Transactions

Always keep copies of your receipts, order confirmations, and even photos of the medicine packaging when it arrives. These records can be very useful if you encounter any problems or need to request a refund.

Keeping detailed records also helps track your medication history and ensures you have proof in case of disputes. In fact, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) strongly advises consumers to save transaction details, as this makes it easier to resolve issues and protects your rights as a buyer.

8) Consult Your Healthcare Provider

Even when buying medicines online, it’s important to stay connected with your doctor or pharmacist. They can guide you on the correct dosage, possible side effects, and whether a specific medicine or brand is right for you. This is especially crucial for people managing chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, who should check in with their doctor regularly before switching to online medicine purchases.

Buying medicines online offers great convenience, but it’s equally important to stay cautious and well-informed. Keep the considerations above in mind to protect yourself from potential risks and ensure you receive safe, effective products. Remember, a little extra care when purchasing medicines online goes a long way in safeguarding your health and well-being.