These Online Pharmacies Can Make Getting Your Prescription So Much Easier

With the widespread use of telemedicine since the COVID-19 pandemic, you no longer have to rely on in-person doctor visits and conventional pharmacy trips to fill your prescriptions. While online pharmacies have existed for many years, the pandemic increased accessibility and expanded options for prescription delivery. “Telehealth, as a supplement to a standard in-person care delivery model, is convenient, cost-effective, and improves access to care,” says Amanuel Kehasse, PharmD, PhD, an assistant professor of medicine at Boston University and the director of clinical programs and drug information at Clearway Health.

Not only can online pharmacies save you time — they also often pass on savings to consumers, since they don’t have the same overhead costs as traditional brick-and-mortar locations. While some accept insurance, others maximize patient savings by offering discounted prices on generic versions of medications. To help you find the best online pharmacies, we spoke with two licensed pharmacists and spent countless hours researching and comparing options. Here are our top picks.

Our Top Picks for Best Online Pharmacies

• Best for GLP-1s: Ro
• Best for price matching: Blink Health
• Best for antibiotics: PlushCare
• Best for birth control: Hers
• Best for ED treatment: Hims
• Best for brand-name drugs: Amazon Pharmacy
• Most affordable: Honeybee Health
• Best for filling multiple prescriptions: D

What to Look for When Choosing an Online Pharmacy

There are several key factors to consider when choosing an online pharmacy:[5]

• Licensing: Make sure the pharmacy is appropriately licensed and accredited. According to Dr. Cohen, an online pharmacy should be state-licensed and preferably accredited by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, while compounding pharmacies should be FDA-registered. “The FDA does not directly certify online pharmacies and relies on state licensing boards to verify their legitimacy and safety,” Cohen explains. You can confirm the pharmacy’s license by checking the board of pharmacy licenses databases by state.
• Reputation: The best way to gauge a company’s reputation is to read customer reviews from sources outside of its website, including online forums where people go to talk about their experiences. Potential red flags may include poor customer service, delayed shipping that is not the carrier’s fault, and hidden fees.
• Prescription requirements: Federal law requires pharmacies to verify your prescription before dispensing the medication. You should never use a pharmacy that doesn’t abide by this, as it’s against the law and could mean they’re distributing unsafe medications.
• Available medications: Some pharmacies stock only select medications or may only sell generic versions. Make sure that your chosen pharmacy carries all of the medications you need (or as many as possible) before signing up. If it’s a membership platform, you will likely save more money with one that has a wider selection.
• Customer service: Check the customer service hours and verify that there are multiple ways to contact customer service, including a valid U.S. phone number, should a problem arise. Online pharmacies with 24/7 customer service may be a better option for those who prefer immediate assistance.
• Privacy: A website’s privacy policy is typically located in the lower part of its navigation menu. Look for a statement clearly explaining how your personal and medical information will be protected. Also, check to see if third-party companies are allowed to access your information.
• Delivery options: Some online pharmacies offer free or expedited shipping for an additional fee. Check the estimated delivery time so you can plan your deliveries accordingly.

What Are the Risks of Using an Online Pharmacy?

Online pharmacies can be safe if you choose a reputable company where the “prescription orders are coming from legitimate, qualified, and accredited providers with access to past medical and treatment history of the patient,” says Dr. Kehasse. That’s not to say using one is without risk.

Cohen cautions that using an online pharmacy could result in:

• Delivery issues
• Lack of transparency regarding pricing and costs
• Inability to provide medications based on state laws after paying for a consultation
• Inability or difficulty reaching the provider or pharmacy by phone
• Subscription cancellation problems
• Incorrect diagnosis
• Incorrect medication for diagnosis
• Fake doctor allegations

The FDA warns that online pharmacies may sell counterfeit, expired, or otherwise unsafe medications. These products could cause irreversible harm. It advises consumers to only purchase from websites that require a prescription, have a U.S.-based address and contact information, have a licensed pharmacist available for questions, and are licensed with a state board of pharmacy.[6]

Similarly, the U.S. Department of Justice released a statement in 2024 regarding a lawsuit against a group of individuals involved in a scheme to manufacture and distribute counterfeit prescription drugs through online pharmacies. The drugs were either entirely fake or contained harmful substances that could lead to life-threatening consequences.[7]

Using websites that provide prescription medication after filling out a simple questionnaire can also be dangerous, according to a review published in 2021 in American Health & Drug Benefits.[8] For example, some people might have undiagnosed health conditions that require a thorough evaluation before starting a new medication, such as Viagra (sildenafil citrate) for erectile dysfunction. Those taking medicines called “nitrates” for chest pain could experience a life-threatening drop in blood pressure if they take Viagra, which a generic questionnaire could miss.

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What Drugs Can Doctors Prescribe Online?

It varies based on your provider’s credentials and state laws. In general, online doctors can prescribe medications that are not controlled substances. General categories of drugs that online doctors may prescribe include:

• Antibiotics
• Antidepressants
• Blood pressure and heart medications
• Cholesterol-lowering medications
• Contraceptives
• Erectile dysfunction drugs
• Insomnia medications
• Medications for chronic conditions (such as asthma and diabetes)
• Migraine/headache medications

Controlled substances are medications known to lead to abuse and dependence, such as opioids or stimulants.[10] Examples include oxycodone (OxyContin), amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (Adderall), and alprazolam (Xanax).

Recently, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced new telemedicine regulations that enable some providers to prescribe these types of medications to new patients who have not been seen in person. However, specific criteria must be met, such as registering with the DEA and complying with the monitoring process.[11]

Under previous DEA regulations, telemedicine providers could only prescribe controlled substances if they had conducted an in-person examination or already established a prior relationship with the patient, though regulations varied based on the state.

Is It Safe to Use an Online Pharmacy for Mental Health Medications Instead of Seeing a Psychiatrist in Person?

While you may wish to fill your medication through an online pharmacy, it’s generally not recommended that you receive a diagnosis or treatment plan solely through virtual means. Diagnosing a mental health condition often takes several steps, which may include multiple mental health evaluations and psychological tests or therapy sessions. Some research indicates that virtual appointments may not be as effective as in-person sessions.

A study published in 2023 found that certain mental health patients who opted for telehealth appointments had significantly higher no-show rates than those who saw their provider in person.[12]

Additionally, according to a study published in 2022 on the effects of no-show rates on patient outcomes, missed appointments increase the likelihood of psychiatric emergency room visits and hospitalizations.[13] Virtual care may not be adequate for those who require close monitoring, such as those with severe symptoms.

Kehasse says that while virtual appointments improve access to care, they are not a good fit for those with complex conditions. Filling medications through an online pharmacy may also increase risks, as it lacks crucial education and support features for patients regarding their medication.

“Some medications used for mental health disorders require special medication administration techniques that are best demonstrated to confirm the patient’s ability to self-administer with a teach-back method, which is difficult to accomplish through an online pharmacy,” Kehasse adds. It may be more practical to see a psychiatrist for a proper diagnosis and initial management, then transition into telehealth for convenience once you are stable on medications.

FAQs

Can I get a prescription online without seeing a doctor?

It depends on the type of prescription you need, your state’s regulations, and the platform you use. Some online services allow you to fill out a detailed health questionnaire that’s reviewed by a licensed healthcare provider. If your case meets the criteria, they can issue a prescription without requiring an in-person visit. However, those with a known health condition or new symptom should see a doctor in person or through a telehealth appointment to ensure safety.

Are online doctor prescriptions legit?

Does Amazon Pharmacy deliver controlled substances?

EDITORIAL SOURCES

Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.