USA
Online pharmacies in the United States are regulated by both federal and state laws. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is the main government body in charge of regulating online pharmacies. The FDA is responsible for ensuring that all drugs sold by online pharmacies are safe and effective, and that they are manufactured, labeled, and distributed in accordance with federal regulations.
The FDA also has the authority to take action against online pharmacies that are found to be operating in violation of federal laws and regulations. This can include issuing warning letters, seizing products, and taking legal action against the operators of the pharmacy.
In addition to federal regulations, online pharmacies are also subject to state laws and regulations. Each state has its own pharmacy board, which is responsible for regulating the practice of pharmacy within that state. State pharmacy boards have the authority to take action against online pharmacies that are found to be operating in violation of state laws and regulations.
To ensure that you are purchasing medication from a safe and legitimate online pharmacy, the FDA recommends that you only use online pharmacies that have been verified by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). The NABP is a professional organization that works to promote public health by ensuring that all pharmacies, including online pharmacies, meet the highest standards of quality and safety.
To identify a legitimate online pharmacy, the FDA recommends that you look for the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) seal. This seal indicates that the online pharmacy has been vetted by the NABP and found to be operating in compliance with all state and federal laws and regulations.
UK
Online pharmacies in the United Kingdom are regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) which is the regulatory body for pharmacists and pharmacies in the UK. The GPhC is responsible for ensuring that all online pharmacies operate in compliance with UK laws and regulations and that they meet the highest standards of quality and safety.
To operate as an online pharmacy in the UK, an organization must be registered with the GPhC and hold a valid pharmacy premises registration. All online pharmacies must also have a responsible pharmacist in charge at all times who is responsible for ensuring that the pharmacy operates in compliance with all laws and regulations.
The GPhC has a number of requirements that online pharmacies must meet in order to operate legally in the UK. These include:
- Ensuring that all medicines sold are of an acceptable standard
- Ensuring that all medicines are stored, dispensed, and transported in accordance with UK laws and regulations
- Ensuring that all medicines are prescribed and dispensed by a registered pharmacist
- Ensuring that all medicines are dispensed in accordance with a valid prescription
- Maintaining accurate and complete records of all medicines dispensed
- Ensuring that the privacy and confidentiality of patients is protected at all times
The GPhC also monitors online pharmacies to ensure that they are operating in compliance with all laws and regulations. The GPhC has the authority to take action against online pharmacies that are found to be operating in violation of UK laws and regulations. This can include issuing warning letters, revoking pharmacy premises registration, and taking legal action against the operators of the pharmacy.
To ensure that you are purchasing medication from a safe and legitimate online pharmacy in the UK, the GPhC recommends that you only use online pharmacies that are registered with the GPhC and have a valid pharmacy premises registration. You can check this by searching the GPhC register of pharmacies on their website.