How to Buy Prescription Drugs Online Safely and Conveniently?

The rapid development of internet healthcare has made it possible to purchase prescription drugs online. With just a few clicks, you can receive urgently needed medication without the hassle of going to the hospital. However, many people still have questions about this emerging way of buying medicine: How does it work? Is it safe? This article will provide a comprehensive guide on the proper way to purchase prescription drugs online.

1. Complete Guide to Purchasing Prescription Drugs Online

1. Choose a Legitimate Platform

   • Look for platforms with "Internet Hospital" or "Pharmaceutical Retail" qualifications, such as JD Health, Alibaba Health, Ping An Good Doctor, etc.
   • Check whether the homepage displays the "Internet Drug Information Service Qualification Certificate" number
   • Prefer brands with physical pharmacy chains offline (e.g., Dingdang Kuaiyao, Laobaixing Pharmacy)

2. Online Consultation and Prescription

   
   • Upload genuine and valid medical records (test reports, prescription photos, etc.)
   • Communicate in detail with the online doctor about your medical history and allergies
   • Note: Platform doctors have the right to refuse high-risk prescriptions (e.g., psychiatric drugs, narcotics)

3. Prescription Review Process

   • A professional pharmacist team will conduct a secondary review (dosage, contraindications, etc.)
   • Special medications may require video consultations or additional proof documents
   • If the review fails, a detailed explanation will be sent via SMS

4. Payment and Delivery

   • Regions supporting medical insurance payments can link electronic medical insurance cards
   • Cold-chain drugs must be delivered by professional pharmaceutical logistics (extra fees may apply)
   • Upon receipt, be sure to open the package and inspect the drug batch number and expiration date

2. Five Major Risks to Watch Out For

1. Fake Drug Traps

   • Example: In 2022, a platform was found selling counterfeit antihypertensive drugs containing only starch as the active ingredient
   • Identification tip: Check the drug traceability code (verifiable on the National Medical Products Administration official website)

2. Prescription Abuse

   • Strict control is required for antibiotics, sleeping pills, etc.
   • Refuse "proxy prescription" services, as they are illegal

3. Storage and Transportation Risks

   • Biological agents require storage at 2–8°C; ordinary express delivery may cause drug inefficacy
   • Recommendation: Choose platforms offering professional pharmaceutical cold-chain services

4. Privacy Leakage

   • Avoid submitting medical records over public WiFi
   • Regularly clear chat histories containing medical conversations

5. After-Sales Disputes

   • Keep complete chat records and prescription proof
   • Note: Generally, opened drugs without quality issues are non-returnable and non-refundable

3. Recommendations for Special Groups Purchasing Medicines

• Chronic Disease Patients: Can apply for "long prescriptions" (up to 3 months' supply)
• Pregnant and Postpartum Women: It is recommended to primarily use offline hospitals; online purchases should be limited to basic drugs like folic acid
• Elderly People: Children can link a "family account" to order on their behalf but require video confirmation from the patient
• Overseas Medicine Purchase: Cross-border e-commerce drugs must include Chinese instructions

4. Policy and Regulation Notice

New regulations in 2023 require:

• Prescription drugs sold online must follow the "prescription first, then drug" rule
• Strictly prohibit marketing activities such as "buy one get one free" or "discount promotions"
• Each electronic prescription must be stored for no less than 5 years

5. Alternative Recommendations

In the following situations, it is recommended to seek offline medical care:

• Newly diagnosed diseases
• Complex conditions requiring medication adjustments
• Severe adverse drug reactions

Purchasing prescription drugs online is a double-edged sword: while enjoying convenience, safety must not be overlooked. Consumers are advised to develop the habit of checking electronic drug traceability codes and regularly verify drug registration information on the "National Medical Products Administration" official website. When health meets the internet, rationality and caution are the best prescriptions.