Guide

How to tell if an online provider or pharmacy is legitimate

Last reviewed 28 October 2026 · Editorial policy

A legitimate online pharmacy always needs a prescription, is licensed by a U.S. state board of pharmacy, and lets you speak to a pharmacist. The FDA warns that unsafe sites can sell medicines with the wrong ingredient, the wrong dose or harmful substances, so it's worth a few minutes to check.

Signs of a safe online pharmacy

  • It requires a prescription from a licensed provider.
  • It lists a U.S. physical address and phone number.
  • A licensed pharmacist is available to answer questions.
  • It's licensed by a state board of pharmacy.

Red flags

  • It sells prescription medicines without a prescription.
  • Prices seem too good to be true.
  • It sends you unsolicited emails or texts offering cheap medicine.
  • It's based outside the U.S., or isn't licensed in the U.S.
  • The medicine arrives looking different, damaged, expired, or with a foreign-language label.
  • Injectable weight-loss medicines arrive warm or without enough ice packs. The FDA advises not to use them.

How to check a pharmacy

  1. Look it up with the FDA's BeSafeRx state-licensed pharmacy locator. If it isn't listed, the FDA's advice is not to buy from it.
  2. Check that the website address and business name match the license.
  3. A .pharmacy web address is a good sign: the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) only gives these to pharmacies it has approved.

Checking an online medical provider

For telehealth programs that prescribe medicine:

  • Ask for the provider's name and check their license with your state's medical board.
  • Expect a real health assessment. A legitimate provider asks about your medical history and can say no.
  • Be cautious of programs offering deep discounts, unclear labels, or no way to reach a licensed provider after you've paid. The FDA flags all three for weight-loss medicines.
  • Ask whether the medicine is FDA-approved or compounded. Compounded versions aren't reviewed by the FDA for safety or quality.

Report a problem

If a medicine harms you or seems fake, tell your provider and report it to the FDA's MedWatch program.

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