Buying Medicines Online: What You Need to Know About Prescriptions, Quality, and Storage
Convenience and affordability shape how millions of households buy medicine across the country. However, understanding the process of buying medicines online ensures safe, informed decisions. In this article, we cover essential aspects to keep in mind when purchasing medicines online. You will learn about prescription requirements, quality verification processes, and proper storage practices.
Why are more people choosing to buy medicine online?
As per the IMARC Group, the online pharmacy market was valued at around ₹26,600 crore in 2024 and is projected to reach approximately ₹1.06 trillion by 2033. Several factors drive this shift towards digital medicine purchases.
- Convenience and accessibility: Doorstep medicine delivery saves time and travel, with easy reordering of chronic prescriptions and 24/7 access via apps and websites.
- Cost benefits: Lower prices, discounts, and subscriptions make online pharmacies more affordable.
- Chronic care needs: Regular refills for lifestyle and chronic conditions make online platforms more favourable.
- Digital adoption: Increased smartphone use, UPI payments, and internet access drive usage across cities.
- COVID-led shift: Trust in online medicine delivery grew during the pandemic and continues post-COVID.
- Wider access: One platform offers branded, generic, and over-the-counter medicines, as well as wellness products.
- Price transparency: Easy comparisons help users choose cost-effective options.
- Regulatory clarity: Improving guidelines and compliance is building consumer trust.
How buying medicine online works in practice
The process of purchasing medicines through an online pharmacy follows a straightforward sequence:
- Browsing and selection: Search for prescribed medicines on the platform and add them to your cart.
- Prescription upload: For prescription medicines, upload a scanned copy of your valid prescription from a registered medical practitioner.
- Verification: Once uploaded, a licensed pharmacist reviews the prescription, verifying patient details and practitioner authenticity.
- Order processing: Once verified, the pharmacy prepares your medicines from authorised establishments.
- Delivery: Orders are dispatched through courier or delivery services to your specified address. (Note: Delivery times may vary by location.)
The platform maintains records of all transactions, including medicine names, quantities, batch numbers, and expiry dates.
Prescriptions and rules you must know before using an online pharmacy
Different medicines require varying levels of oversight based on their classification. For example, medicines classified under Schedule H (e.g., antibiotics), Schedule H1 (e.g., anti-TB and habit-forming medicines), or Schedule X (narcotics and psychotropics) require a valid prescription.
A valid prescription must contain the doctor’s name, address, and registration number. It should also specify medicine names, potency, dosage, and treatment duration. Without these details, pharmacies cannot legally dispense prescription medicines. However, over-the-counter medicines can be purchased directly without prescription requirements.
How online pharmacies ensure medicine quality
Understanding quality assurance processes helps build confidence in online medicine purchases and protects consumers from counterfeit products.
Medicine sourcing and authenticity checks
Reputable e-pharmacies source medicines directly from manufacturers and licensed distributors. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) serves as the national regulatory authority. E-pharmacies must register with CDSCO through the SUGAM portal. Digital record-keeping reduces the risk of counterfeit medicine.
Quality control before delivery
Registered pharmacists verify and certify all medicines before dispatch. The CDSCO conducts periodic inspections of pharmacy premises every two years. Platforms must report any adverse reactions or quality issues promptly.
Storage and handling of medicines ordered online
Proper storage helps maintain the medicine’s effectiveness. Refrigerated medicines should be stored at temperatures between 2°C and 8°C, whereas medicines requiring ambient temperatures should be stored between 15°C and 25°C.
Upon delivery, consumers should check the following:
- Packaging integrity: Ensure seals remain unbroken
- Expiry dates: Verify dates match the delivery memo
- Visual inspection: Check for discolouration or unusual odour
- Cold chain packaging: Confirm temperature-sensitive medicines arrive with appropriate cooling
How to safely buy medicine from an online pharmacy
When buying medicines from an online pharmacy, look for CDSCO registration and valid pharmacy licences. Additionally, ensure they employ registered pharmacists. Legitimate platforms, including Truemeds, require prescriptions for scheduled medicines and provide transparent pricing information.
Consumers should avoid these common mistakes:
- Purchasing from unlicensed websites without verifiable credentials
- Accepting unusually deep discounts that seem unrealistic
- Ordering prescription medicines from platforms that do not verify prescriptions
- Ignoring storage requirements for temperature-sensitive medications
FAQs about buying medicine online
Is it safe to buy medicine online in India?
Purchasing medicines from licensed e-pharmacies that comply with CDSCO regulations is generally safe. Always verify whether the pharmacy displays valid licence information and asks for prescriptions for scheduled medicines. Consulting your pharmacist about any concerns adds an extra layer of assurance.
Do online pharmacies always require prescriptions?
Legitimate platforms must require prescriptions for Schedule H, H1, and X medicines. Over-the-counter products can be purchased without prescriptions. Pharmacies that dispense prescription medicines without valid prescriptions violate regulatory requirements.
How can consumers check the quality of medicines after delivery?
Examine packaging for damage or tampering. Verify expiry dates against the delivery memo. Check for any changes in colour, consistency, or odour. For temperature-sensitive medicines, ensure cold chain packaging remains intact.
What should I do if medicines are damaged or stored improperly?
Contact the e-pharmacy’s customer support immediately. Document the issue with photographs and request a replacement or refund. Avoid using medicines that appear damaged or improperly stored. Report serious quality issues to the State Drug Controller.
