There are many companies operating online and offering prescription drugs for sale. Pretty much anything is obtainable these days but people are not always getting what they paid for. Despite the swathe of offers and discounts from online companies that fill up our email accounts daily, there are only a handful of companies that can be considered legitimate healthcare providers that also operate online.

In order for such online establishments to operate with a licence, clinics must be regulated and licensed by the Care Quality Commission and pharmacies must be regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council. Furthermore, details of their registration and regulatory bodies should be clearly visible and accessible on their websites.

Purchasing medication online offers convenience for those who cannot get to a doctor or for those who do not wish to see a doctor in a face to face environment. The same questions are asked in an online consultation as are asked in a face to face session and all consultations are reviewed by doctors. Unfortunately there are companies out there who are exploiting the innocence of online consumers and they are sending out counterfeit drugs that are unlicensed and potentially lethal. It is vital that when purchasing online in the UK that one looks out for the Care Quality Commission registration number on any website. If it is not displayed then you would be well advised to avoid.