The convenience of ordering medicines online has transformed how many people access healthcare products. However, with this convenience comes an important warning: not every online pharmacy is legitimate.

NHS Thames Valley is encouraging everyone to take a few simple precautions before purchasing medicines or medical devices online, following growing concerns about fake and unlicensed pharmacies operating on the internet.

Why This Matters

When buying medicines online, it can be difficult to tell whether a website is genuine. Unregistered sellers may offer products that look legitimate but have not been properly regulated, tested, or approved.

The risks can be serious and may affect both your health and your finances.

Potential Dangers Include:

• Fake medicines that may contain unsafe ingredients or the wrong dose.
• Products that have not been tested for safety or effectiveness.
• Orders that never arrive despite payment being taken.
• No access to refunds or consumer protection if problems occur.
• Prescription-only medicines supplied without appropriate clinical checks.
• Counterfeit weight-loss medications that may contain harmful substances.
• Faulty medical devices, including weight-loss injection pens and syringes, which may deliver incorrect doses.

These risks can result in ineffective treatment, unexpected side effects, or serious harm to health.

How to Stay Safe Online

Before ordering medicines or healthcare products online, take a few moments to check that the provider is legitimate.

✅ Check That the Pharmacy Is Registered

Always make sure the online pharmacy is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). Registered pharmacies must meet strict standards designed to protect patients and ensure medicines are supplied safely.

✅ Be Cautious of Unregulated Sellers

Prescription medicines should only be supplied following appropriate clinical assessment. Be particularly wary of:

• Social media sellers
• Beauty salons offering prescription medicines
• Unlicensed providers
• Websites that do not ask questions about your health

If prescription medicines are being offered without proper checks, this should be treated as a warning sign.

✅ Use Trusted Sources

Whenever possible, obtain medication through established NHS services, your GP, or registered pharmacies with a verified regulatory status.

Report Concerns

If you suspect a medicine, healthcare product, or medical device may be unsafe, you can report it through the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme, which helps identify safety issues and protect the public.

Where to Find Further Information

Check whether a pharmacy is registered with the GPhC:
🔗 https://www.pharmacyregulation.org/registers/pharmacy

Report concerns through the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme:
🔗 https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk

Find out more from NHS Thames Valley:
🔗 https://www.england.nhs.uk/thames-valley

If You Need Advice

If you are concerned about a medicine, treatment, or healthcare product, speak to your GP, NHS 111, or a registered pharmacist. They can provide trusted advice and help you access safe and appropriate treatment.

Stay Informed. Stay Safe.

A few minutes spent checking an online pharmacy could protect your health, your money, and your peace of mind. Always buy medicines from trusted, registered providers and seek professional advice if you are unsure.

Your health is too important to take risks with. 💊