UK PHARMACY SAFETY

How to check a UK online pharmacy

If you are considering a private online service, check who is providing the pharmacy and clinical care. This guide helps you use the relevant regulator's register and ask about the full service.

1. 1. Check the pharmacy register

   For a pharmacy in England, Scotland or Wales, search the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) register. For one in Northern Ireland, use the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland register. Compare the pharmacy's registered details with the service you are using.

   GPhC: check a Great Britain pharmacy →PSNI: check a Northern Ireland pharmacy →

2. 2. Understand the consultation

   Ask who assesses suitability, who prescribes, how you can contact a clinician and what follow-up is provided. Prescription-only medicines require a prescription. Be cautious of a service offering them without a proper assessment.

3. 3. Ask for the complete ongoing cost

   Ask about the consultation, prescription, medicine, delivery and follow-up charges. Check whether any introductory offer changes later. The provider should explain what the service includes before you make a decision.

4. 4. Know how to raise a concern

   Check the service’s contact and complaints details. For a suspected medicine side effect, the MHRA Yellow Card scheme accepts reports from patients and healthcare professionals.

   MHRA Yellow Card →

Prepared 28 September 2026. This guide is educational. Check current registration and service details directly with the regulator and provider.