Pharmacy safety: Simple checks to keep your meds safe

Buying medicine should feel no-risk, but it isn’t always that simple. Fake pills, wrong dosages, and bad advice can cause real harm. Use a few quick checks and you’ll cut the risk a lot. These are easy, practical steps you can use today—whether you’re at a local drugstore, ordering online, or using telehealth.

Verify the pharmacy before you buy

Start by checking the pharmacy’s credentials. For U.S. sites look for verification like NABP or LegitScript listings; PharmacyChecker is another useful comparison tool. If the site won’t show any certification, don’t risk it. Real pharmacies use secure HTTPS checkout and display a physical address and phone number. Call them. If nobody answers or the number is a generic call center, walk away.

Watch for red flags: prices that seem impossibly low, “no-prescription” sales for prescription drugs, and sites that won’t require a real prescriber. Coupons and discount cards (GoodRx, InsideRx, Optum Perks) can save money, but check which pharmacies accept each coupon and whether the coupon replaces insurance billing. Don’t let a low price blind you to safety concerns.

Check the medication itself and your prescription

When you get your meds, check the bottle and label. Make sure your name, the drug name, strength, and directions match your prescription. Look at the lot number and expiration date. If packaging looks damaged or tampered with, refuse it and contact the pharmacy immediately.

Ask questions about interactions and side effects. Some drugs—like anticonvulsants such as phenytoin (Dilantin)—interact with many other meds and need careful monitoring. Other drugs, like antifungals (terbinafine/Lamisil), can affect the liver. If your prescriber didn’t review possible interactions, ask a pharmacist to check. That step often prevents serious problems.

Store meds as directed. Some need refrigeration, others must be kept dry and away from sunlight. Proper storage keeps medicines effective and reduces risks.

Using telehealth? Verify the provider before you accept a prescription. Compare services (for example, how Maple and Felix handle follow-up and delivery). Ensure the platform uses licensed clinicians and clear follow-up plans, especially for chronic meds that need monitoring.

Be cautious with supplements and over-the-counter “detox” products. Activated charcoal, laminaria, and many herbal supplements aren’t regulated like prescription drugs. Check labels for dosing, and tell your clinician about any supplements you use so they can spot interactions.

Protect your privacy. Read the site’s privacy policy (GDPR or similar notices mean the site pays attention to data rules). Use secure payment methods and avoid sending medical info via unencrypted email.

Small habits make a big difference: verify the seller, confirm the prescription, check the package, and ask a pharmacist one quick question if you’re unsure. Those steps cut risk and make getting medicine a lot safer.