How to spot a reliable health link — and avoid bad ones

One wrong link can cost you money or worse. When you search for medicine or a pharmacy, quick checks save time and risk. This page gives fast, practical rules to decide whether a link is safe and whether an online pharmacy is worth trusting.

Easy checks before you click or buy

Look for the padlock in the browser bar and a clear domain name. A secure site (https) protects your data, but it doesn’t prove the shop is honest. Next, find real contact info: phone number, physical address, and a named pharmacist. If a site hides those or only uses a contact form, be suspicious.

Check licensing and seals. Reputable online pharmacies often show memberships or certifications like CIPA or NABP/VIPPS — click those seals to confirm they are real. If a site claims government approval, verify it on the official regulator’s site rather than trusting the badge alone.

Read the prescription policy. Legit pharmacies require a valid prescription for most antibiotics and controlled drugs. Sites that sell such meds without a prescription are risky and often illegal.

Practical steps when comparing links and prices

Compare the active ingredient and dosage, not just the brand name. A cheaper listing might be a different strength or a foreign formulation. Look up common generics and their typical dosages before you buy.

Watch shipping and customs rules. The cheapest price can be wiped out by long shipping times, extra taxes, or seized packages. Check delivery estimates, customs warnings, and return policies.

Search for recent customer reviews and scam reports. Use multiple sources: forums, review sites, and social media. A string of identical positive reviews is a red flag. Phone the site’s support with a specific question — if you get a vague answer, move on.

Keep payments safe. Credit cards and reputable payment processors offer dispute protection. Avoid wire transfers or unfamiliar crypto payments for medication orders.

If you’re unsure about a medicine’s safety or interaction risks, ask a local pharmacist or your doctor before ordering. Bring the drug name, active ingredient, and dose. That prevents surprises and keeps treatment on track.

We link to many resources across GlobalPharmacyPlus.com — guides on specific drugs, comparisons of pharmacies, and tips for safe ordering. Use those pages to double-check any link you find elsewhere. When in doubt, trust a licensed local provider over an unknown overseas site.

Want help checking a specific link? Send it to our team using the site contact form and we’ll point out obvious red flags and reliable alternatives.