Internet Pharmacy Logo/ Checking Registrations
Please note: Due to a technical problem we suggest, as always, that searching our registers for the pharmacy premises you wish to use, and following the other steps below, is the best way to ensure you are using a registered pharmacy and pharmacist.
Enquiries received by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) indicate a great deal of confusion about the regulation of internet pharmacies among the general public. The GPhC acknowledges that it can be difficult to distinguish between registered online pharmacies and other commercial websites. The GPhC operates an internet pharmacy logo scheme to identify legitimate online pharmacies so that the public can be sure they are purchasing safe and genuine medicines online.
The logo not only provides a visual means to help patients identify whether a website is connected to a registered pharmacy, but it will also provide a direct link to the GPhC website. By clicking on the logo, visitors can verify the registration details of both the pharmacy and the pharmacist(s) behind the website.
Who can use the logo?
All pharmacies in Great Britain, including those providing internet services, must be registered with the GPhC. Only registered pharmacies who offer professional services via the internet can use the Internet pharmacy logo.
What does the logo look like?
The internet pharmacy logo is pictured above.
The logo will carry a unique registration number for every online pharmacy.
By clicking on the logo you will be taken to the GPhC register webpage, where you will be able to confirm that the pharmacy premises are registered.
Where can I find websites displaying the logo?
Websites displaying the internet pharmacy logo can be found by searching for the pharmacy name on our register.
Are there standards for pharmacists operating internet sites?
The standards for pharmacy owners and superintendent pharmacists of retail pharmacy businesses set out the standards for operating an internet pharmacy service.
Should I make any other checks?
Checking a website for the internet pharmacy logo is one of a number of checks you should make before purchasing your medicines over the internet. You should also:
- Locate the name and address of the pharmacy operating the website
- Check the pharmacist and pharmacy are registered
- Avoid websites which offer to supply prescription-only medicines without a prescription
- Be aware that registered pharmacies are required to check that a medicine is suitable for a patient before selling it; if you are not asked to provide information about your health before a purchase, you should consider buying your medicine elsewhere.
How to check a Pharmacist’s registration number?
Click on the link below to search the General Pharmaceutical Council register.
http://www.pharmacyregulation.org/theregister/index.aspx
Raising Concerns
If you have concerns about a website that is supplying medicines and the website is not operated by a registered pharmacy premises in Great Britain, please contact Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) on 0207 084 2000.
If you have concerns about a pharmacy or pharmacist registered in Great Britain, please contact the Standards Advisory Team on 020 3365 3460.
