{"id":352490,"date":"2016-04-04T10:42:01","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:42:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/consumer\/consumer-transactions\/buying-prescription-drugs-online-what-you-need-to-know.html"},"modified":"2024-02-18T17:59:56","modified_gmt":"2024-02-18T22:59:56","slug":"buying-prescription-drugs-online-what-you-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/consumer-transactions\/buying-prescription-drugs-online-what-you-need-to-know.html","title":{"rendered":"Buying Prescription Drugs Online: What You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Buying Prescription Drugs Online: What You Need to Know<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Hannah Hilst<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Buying prescription drugs online offers convenience but poses risks like counterfeit medications and legal issues. To safely purchase medications online, use licensed pharmacies that require valid prescriptions. Federal laws like the Ryan Haight Act mandate transparency and proper licensing for online sellers. Ensure the pharmacy has a U.S. address, licensed pharmacists, and clear prescription requirements. Consult legal professionals if you encounter issues with online pharmacies to protect your health and rights.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Buying prescription drugs online can be convenient. Yet, you might face a higher risk than regular online shopping. You could run into toxic counterfeit medicines, scams, and even criminal charges.<\/p>\n

Many customers hope that buying medicine online will save them money. Sellers often claim to offer cheaper prices to compete with large pharmaceutical corporations. Online pharmacies can also improve access to medications that are hard to get locally. Plus, this option can be more discreet than visiting a pharmacy.<\/p>\n

If you’re considering buying your medications online, you need to know what’s legal and what isn’t. You’ll also need to find a reputable online pharmacy.<\/p>\n

Which Prescription Drugs Can I Legally Buy Online?<\/h2>\n

With a valid prescription, you can buy almost any medication online through a licensed pharmacy. Some\u00a0controlled substances<\/a>\u00a0(Schedule I drugs) are always illegal to buy online or at a regular pharmacy because they aren’t approved for medical use.<\/p>\n

Some of the common prescription medications that consumers order online include:<\/p>\n