• Important notices

NHS Thames Valley is urging local people to check that websites are legally registered before buying medicines or medical products from them. 

It has been reported that there's been an increase in the number of fake online pharmacies that are unlicensed and pose a risk to people for the following reasons:

  • They sell fake medicines or products that aren't tested and are not safe to use.
  • They may not deliver products or medication that people have purchased.
  • Buyers may not get refunds if they have purchased medication or products from them.
  • Buying prescription-only medicines without a prescription poses a danger to your health – always check online websites and outlets like beauty salons, beauticians and hairdressers are licensed to sell prescription medicines.  
  • Sell you fake weight loss medication, which may contain the wrong ingredients, which could be harmful to you. 
  • Sell you a faulty device, like a weight-loss syringe, that won’t deliver the correct dose of medicine.

Check if an online trader is legitimate

All pharmacies in Great Britain, including those online and other sellers, must be registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPC) and meet their standards for registered pharmacies. People can check if an online site or outlet is registered with the GPC on their website.

In addition, people can contact the Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to report an issue with medicine or a medical device via its ‘Yellow Card Scheme’, which might entail an investigation of the product being sold.

If anyone has a concern about their health, they should visit their GP or a registered pharmacist, get a correct diagnosis, and if medicines are prescribed, obtain them from a legitimate source.  

You can find more information on the NHS Thames Valley website.