More people now get prescriptions shipped to their door. That’s great — but shipping medicine has unique risks. A wrong seller, bad packaging, or customs hold can leave you without the drugs you need. Use these straight-up tips to avoid problems and get your meds on time.
Trust starts with proof. First, check that the pharmacy shows a valid license number and contact details. Call or email them—if you get a vague reply or no pharmacist contact, move on. Look for clear prescription rules: legitimate sites will ask for a doctor’s prescription for prescription-only meds.
Read recent user reviews on independent sites, not just the store’s testimonials. Watch out for prices that are drastically lower than usual; deep discounts can mean fake or expired products. Prefer pharmacies that use secure payment methods (credit card, PayPal). Avoid wire transfers or crypto-only payments for prescription meds.
If you can, choose pharmacies that display a verified seal from a regulator (for example, a national pharmacy board) or belong to a known international accreditation program. Don’t skip the small print about returns, refunds, and what happens if an order is seized by customs.
Check shipping options before you pay. Domestic courier services usually arrive faster and have simpler tracking than international mail. For international orders, expect customs checks and possible import fees. Controlled substances are often blocked by customs — never assume they’ll pass through freely.
Always use tracked shipping and save the tracking number. When the package arrives, inspect it right away: check seals, expiration dates, batch numbers, and packaging integrity. If anything looks tampered with, contact the pharmacy and your local regulator. Take photos — they help with refunds or disputes.
Some meds need temperature control. If your prescription requires refrigeration, verify that the pharmacy uses cold packs and ships on the right schedule. If the drug arrives warm, don’t use it; ask for a replacement.
Delivery delays happen. If tracking stalls for a few days, contact the pharmacy first; they can open a claim with the courier. Keep all order confirmations, receipts, and messages. If the pharmacy refuses help or the product seems fake, report them to your national medicines regulator and to any payment provider you used.
Final practical notes: keep a copy of your prescriptions and medical history handy, choose repeat-delivery schedules only from pharmacies you trust, and never share your prescription documents publicly. If you’re unsure about a product’s safety, check with your doctor or local pharmacist before taking it.
Want more tips on specific online pharmacies, discreet shipping, or customs rules? Browse our related guides and reviews tagged "pharmacy delivery" here on HighStreetPharma for real-world advice.
