About FDA
Can I buy medical products online? How do I know they’re safe?
While buying medical products online can be easy and convenient, FDA urges you to be very careful. Some Web sites sell products that may not be safe to use.
Before buying from a Web site, look for the VIPPS (Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites) seal. The VIPPS seal means that the Internet pharmacy is safe to use because it has met state licensure requirements, as well as other criteria of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. See VIPPS Program for a list of pharmacies that display the seal.
Other tips for buying online:
- Don't buy from sites that will sell you prescription drugs if you don't have a prescription.
- Use sites that have a pharmacist to answer your questions online.
- Only buy from sites based in the United States.
- Go to your doctor or clinic before using any medicine for the first time.
- FDA Basics Webinar: FDA Office of Minority Health - Steps to Address Health Disparities
- FDA Basics Metrics: July 2012
- FDA Basics Metrics: June 2012
- FDA Basics Metrics: December 2011
- FDA Basics Metrics: May 2012
- FDA Basics Metrics: April 2012
- FDA Basics Metrics: January 2012
- FDA Basics Metrics: March 2012
- FDA Basics Metrics: February 2012
- Who should I contact about products not regulated by FDA?
- What doesn’t FDA regulate? How do I contact the agencies that do?
- What does FDA regulate?
- How can I be notified about new import alerts?
- How is FDA organized?
- How can the public request documents from FDA?
- Materials from Webinar on Inspection Process
- FDA Webinar on Foreign Inspections
- FDA MedWatch Webinar
- FDA Basics Metrics: November 2011
- FDA Basics Metrics: October 2011
- FDA Basics Metrics : September 2011
- FDA Basics Metrics: August 2011
- FDA Basics Metrics: July 2011
- FDA Basics Metrics: June 2011
- FDA Basics Metrics: May 2011
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