More and more Britons are buying medicines online — how not to make the wrong choice
The growing popularity of online shopping in the UK has also affected the healthcare sector. More and more Britons are choosing the convenience and speed of online pharmacies to order both over-the-counter and prescription drugs. However, along with convenience come risks associated with illegal sellers and counterfeit medicines.
To avoid mistakes, it is important to know how to distinguish a reliable service from an unsafe one. Platforms such as the aggregator liki24.co.uk simplify this choice by working only with verified and officially registered pharmacies.
Where to look: an overview of reliable online channels
In the UK, there are several types of reliable platforms for purchasing health products:
- official online pharmacies. These are online versions of registered physical pharmacies that are authorised to sell both over-the-counter and prescription medicines;
- aggregator websites. These platforms collect offers from many verified and licensed pharmacies in one place. Their advantage is that they simplify the choice by allowing you to compare prices and assortment, and they pre-check sellers, which adds a level of security;
- specialised shops. These are large, well-known chains such as Holland & Barrett, or specific brand websites (e.g. Vitabiotics). They focus on selling vitamins, dietary supplements and lifestyle products, but do not sell medicines.
How to check if an online pharmacy is legal: two essential steps
Regardless of how you found the pharmacy, always follow these two steps before purchasing medicines:
- Check the GPhC registration. Every legal pharmacy must be registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council. Find the pharmacy’s registration number on its website and check it on the official GPhC online register.
- Look for the MHRA logo. All legal online pharmacies are required to display the official remote sales logo on every page where medicines are sold. Clicking on it should redirect you to that pharmacy’s page on the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) register.
Red flags: signs of a dangerous website
To avoid becoming a victim of fraud, pay attention to these warning signs:
- Sale of prescription drugs without a prescription. This is illegal and is a major sign of an illegal seller.
- Lack of contact information. If the website does not list a physical address in the United Kingdom and contact details for a pharmacist, it cannot be trusted.
- Suspiciously low prices. Excessive discounts on medicines may indicate that they are counterfeit.
Following these simple rules will allow you to safely enjoy all the benefits of online shopping. Choosing a reliable channel, whether it is a trusted pharmacy or an aggregator, is the first step towards keeping your health under control.
