Step 1: Check NABP/VIPPS Accreditation

The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) provides the most reliable way to verify an online pharmacy's legitimacy.

  1. Visit safe.pharmacy — This is the NABP's official verification tool.
  2. Search for the pharmacy by name or website URL.
  3. Check for VIPPS accreditation — The Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) seal indicates the pharmacy has undergone comprehensive review.
  4. Verify the .pharmacy domain — Pharmacies using a .pharmacy top-level domain have been vetted by the NABP.

A pharmacy displaying a VIPPS seal on its website should link to a verifiable NABP page. If the seal doesn't link or leads to a suspicious URL, it may be counterfeit.

Step 2: Verify State License

Every state requires pharmacies to hold a valid license. Verification steps:

  1. Find the pharmacy's stated location — Legitimate pharmacies clearly display their name and location.
  2. Check your state's board of pharmacy — Search for the pharmacy on your state board of pharmacy website. The NABP maintains a directory of all state boards.
  3. Verify active status — Confirm the license is active and in good standing, with no disciplinary actions.
  4. Check the pharmacy's home state — If the pharmacy is located in a different state, verify it is licensed there as well.
  5. Confirm authorization to ship to your state — Online pharmacies must typically be licensed in the state where the patient resides.

Step 3: Confirm Physical Address

Legitimate pharmacies provide a verifiable physical address:

  • Search the address using Google Maps or another mapping service to confirm it exists and matches the pharmacy's claims.
  • Look for a U.S. address — Pharmacies shipping to U.S. consumers should have a verifiable domestic address.
  • Check for the address on state licensing records — The address should match what is listed on the pharmacy's state license.
  • Be wary of P.O. boxes only — A legitimate pharmacy should have a physical storefront or office, not just a P.O. box.

Step 4: Confirm Prescription Requirement

This is a non-negotiable step. Legitimate pharmacies always require a proper prescription:

  • Does the pharmacy require a prescription? If the answer is no, do not use this pharmacy. It is operating illegally.
  • Does it verify the prescription with your prescriber? Legitimate pharmacies contact the prescribing provider to confirm the prescription.
  • Does it ask for your medical history? This is a sign the pharmacy takes patient safety seriously.

The FDA and DEA require that all prescription medications be dispensed only with a proper prescription from a qualified medical professional.

Step 5: Check Pharmacist Availability and Security

The final verification step confirms additional safety features:

  • Licensed pharmacist availability: Can you speak with a licensed pharmacist by phone? Legitimate pharmacies have pharmacists available to answer questions.
  • HTTPS encryption: Does the website use HTTPS (look for the padlock icon in your browser)? This protects your personal and financial information.
  • Privacy policy: Does the pharmacy have a clear privacy policy explaining how your personal health information is protected?
  • Contact information: Is there a verifiable phone number and email address for customer service?
  • No spam marketing: Did you find this pharmacy through unsolicited email or pop-up ads? These are red flags.

Quick-Reference Verification Checklist

Use this checklist before purchasing from any online pharmacy:

  • ☐ Verified on safe.pharmacy (NABP)
  • ☐ VIPPS accredited or .pharmacy domain
  • ☐ Licensed by your state board of pharmacy
  • ☐ Licensed in the state where it is located
  • ☐ Verifiable U.S. physical address
  • ☐ Requires a proper prescription
  • ☐ Licensed pharmacist available by phone
  • ☐ Uses HTTPS encryption
  • ☐ Has a clear privacy policy
  • ☐ No unsolicited email marketing
Important: This article is for educational purposes only. Legit-Meds does not endorse or recommend any specific online pharmacy. Always verify a pharmacy's legitimacy through the tools and steps described above before making any purchase. If you believe you have received counterfeit medication, contact your healthcare provider and the FDA immediately.