Buying medications online in this era of improved technology has become more common than ever. With just a few clicks on your screen, you can have your prescriptions or any medicinal products delivered right to your door. However, this convenience also raises a serious question on whether you should buy from a UK registered pharmacy or an international supplier.
Let’s have a quick breakdown of both options so you can make a safe and a better informed decision for your health.
What is a UK Registered Pharmacy?
A UK registered pharmacy is a fully licensed pharmacy that is regulated by the General
Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) or the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland (PSNI). These pharmacies follow strict UK laws and standards to ensure that the medications you receive are safe, effective, and dispensed correctly.
You can verify whether a pharmacy is registered by checking for the GPhC logo on their website and looking up their registration number on the official GPhC register. It’s quick, easy and it can save you from potential health risks.
Who are International Suppliers?
International suppliers are often based outside the UK and operate under different, sometimes less strict, medicinal regulations. While some of these suppliers are authentic and authorised businesses, many of them are not regulated, and there is no guarantee of what you’re actually going to be receiving.
You are usually able to get the medicine you need at lower prices from these suppliers and these prices can seem to be tempting. The lower costs, having no prescriptions required, and direct shipping can feel like a great deal. But this can be a bargain for your health if you do not know the accurate benefits of the medicine you are getting.
5 Key Differences between a UK Registered Pharmacy and International Suppliers
Safety & Regulation
UK Registered Pharmacy get their medications sourced from approved UK manufacturers and distributors. Every step of their process is regulated. International Suppliers have no standard guarantee. You could receive expired, fake, or incorrect medications that could have severe side effects and do more harm than good.
Prescriptions Required
UK Registered Pharmacy have a policy where a valid UK prescription is needed for prescription medications. This ensures that a medical professional is involved in your treatment process.
International Suppliers often do not require a prescription which is a major cause of concern. Self diagnosing yourself and taking medicine as you wish without professional medical advice can be extremely harmful and dangerous.
Legal Protection
UK Registered Pharmacy ensures that you are protected by UK consumer laws and can raise complaints with regulatory bodies if there is ever a problem with your service or medication. However, if something goes wrong with international suppliers, there may be little you can do legally, especially if the company is based in a different country as legal actions between two countries can differ a lot.
Product Quality
UK Registered Pharmacies have a policy where every medication must meet MHRA
(Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) standards. With international Suppliers, the quality controls can vary. There is a serious risk of receiving a harmful or unauthorised drug.
Customer Support
UK Registered Pharmacies have access pharmacists who can answer questions, offer advice, and follow up with people who buy medicines from them which helps provide great customer service to consumers and makes sure that they get a medical checkup from time to time. On the other hand, with international suppliers, customer support can be very limited, unqualified, or simply may not be available or accessible.
Why Risk It?
When it comes to your health, cutting corners is never worth it. International suppliers might offer a lower price or skip the prescription hassle, but the risks of these actions can be very severe. They can range anywhere from getting an ineffective treatment to harmful side effects, or even have life threatening outcomes.
By choosing to get your medicine from a UK registered pharmacy, you’re choosing safety, quality, and guaranteed safe medicinal drugs. You’ll know exactly what you are putting in your body and have the reassurance that you’re protected by the UK law.
Final Thoughts
If you still do not understand where you should buy your medications from then know that if you value your health, which every person should, always choose a UK registered pharmacy. It’s not just about getting your medication, it’s about getting the right medication that is safe and reliable.
The convenience of online shopping is amazing, but only when it’s backed by trust, and proper regulation.
YourPharmacy is proud to be a fully UK registered pharmacy that is committed to providing safe, effective, and regulated healthcare to each and every single customer. If you ever have any health related questions, you can reach out to any of our qualified pharmacists to get professional feedback or consultation.
