Stay safe - check online pharmacies are registered
09 June 2026
Always check websites are legally registered before buying medicines or medical products from them.
There has been a reported increase in the number of fake online pharmacies that are unlicenced and pose a risk for the following reasons.
- They sell fake medicines or products that are not tested and are not safe to use.
- They may not deliver products or medication you have purchased.
- You may not get a refund if you have purchased medication or products from them.
- Buying prescription-only medicines without a prescription poses a danger to your health - always check online websites and outlets like beauty salons, beauticians and hairdressers are licenced to sell prescription medicines.
- They may sell you fake weight loss medication which may contain the wrong ingredients which could be harmful to you.
- They may sell you a faulty device which won't deliver the correct dose of medicine.
Check an online trader is legitimate
All pharmacies in Great Britain, including those online and other sellers, must be registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPC) and meet their standards for registered pharmacies.
You can check if an online site or outlet is registered with the GPC on their website:
General Pharmaceutical Council
In addition, you can contact the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to report an issue with medicine or a medical device via its 'Yellow Card Scheme':
Report a problem with a medicine or medical device - MHRA
If you have a concern about your health, visit your GP or a registered pharmacist, get a correct diagnosis and, if medicines are prescribed, obtain them from a legitimate source.
For more information please visit:
