Why the supply chain matters
Authorised medicines are manufactured to defined quality standards and supplied through controlled wholesalers and pharmacies. Falsified products may contain the wrong ingredient, the wrong dose or no active ingredient at all. Poor storage can also damage quality.
Buying online more safely
Legal online pharmacies in the EU must display a common logo linked to the relevant national register. A picture of the logo is not enough: the link and registration need checking. Prescription medicines offered without a prescription, unrealistic prices and anonymous sellers are warning signs.
International procurement
Availability in another country does not by itself make a medicine appropriate. The legal position, clinical indication, authorisation status, transport conditions and accountable medical and pharmaceutical oversight all matter. Private couriers and unclear marketplaces should be avoided.
At a glance
- Use regulated pharmacies and suppliers
- Verify the EU logo through the official register
- Check transport and storage conditions
