Firstmed Blog

There’s been a lot in the press over the last couple of days about the dangers of online pharmacies. I will be writing a more in-depth article but in the mean time I would just like to comment briefly on the issue.

The wave of recent press on the subject is as a result of a report released by an online brand management company, Mark Monitor’s, whose research found that the majority of online drug retail websites operate without proper credentials and lack e-commerce security features.

Most importantly, on an ethical level, dubious online pharmacies are putting the health and wealth of customers at risk by operating without proper credentials and lacking even the most basic e-commerce security features. On a business level, illegal operators are jeopardizing the future of online business and denying consumers a more convenient and private way to shop.

Here at Firstmed we are constantly reaffirming the things to look out for when shopping online. Patients considering purchasing medicines via the internet should be encouraged to verify the website is operated from a registered retail pharmacy within the UK. This is to ensure their medicines are obtained from a reputable source and accurate and appropriate advice in relation to their medicines is received.