Contents
The short answer
Every pharmacy in Great Britain must be on the General Pharmaceutical Council register, and so must its pharmacists. Search it free by name or registration number. If an online pharmacy is not on it, do not use it. Northern Ireland has its own register, run by the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland.
How do I check a pharmacy is registered?
Two things are registered, not one. The pharmacy building is registered, and so is the pharmacist. Check both. A registered pharmacist working in an unregistered pharmacy is still a problem.
In England, Scotland and Wales, both registers are kept by the General Pharmaceutical Council, known as the GPhC. In Northern Ireland, the register is kept by the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland. Searching takes about a minute and costs nothing.
- Search the pharmacy's name or registration number on the GPhC register.
- Search the pharmacist by name or registration number.
- Check the entry says the pharmacy is registered, not removed or suspended.
- Look at the latest inspection report, which the register also shows.
What is a Responsible Pharmacist?
Every registered pharmacy must have a Responsible Pharmacist in charge whenever it is open for business. Their name and registration number must be on display where you can see it.
This is why some pharmacies stop handing out prescription medicines at lunchtime while the shop stays open. The shop counter can trade without a pharmacist, but the dispensary cannot. If medicines are being given out and nobody is named, ask why.
How do I check an online pharmacy?
The GPhC says its register is the only way to be sure an online pharmacy is legal. Do not rely on a logo or a nice website.
A real online pharmacy shows its registration number, its address, and the name and number of its Superintendent Pharmacist. Look for them on the home page or the About us page. Then search the register for that number.
- Find the GPhC registration number on the website.
- Search the number on the GPhC register and check the name matches.
- If the site shows the green GPhC logo, click it. It should open the pharmacy's register entry.
- If you cannot find a number, or it does not match, do not buy.
A logo is not proof
The green GPhC logo is optional and a picture can be copied. The register is the only proof. If the logo does not link to the register entry, treat it as fake.
What are the warning signs of a fake pharmacy?
The GPhC and the NHS warn about the same few signs. If you see any of them, leave the site.
- It sells prescription-only medicines without asking for a prescription.
- It says no prescription is needed.
- It asks you to pay in cryptocurrency.
- It shows no physical address.
- It offers a prescription-only medicine after a quick online form with no real check.
Do I need a prescription to buy online?
For prescription-only medicines, yes. A legal online pharmacy must receive a valid prescription before it hands anything over. That means a paper prescription, or an electronic one sent through the NHS Electronic Prescription Service. The NHS says an emailed prescription is not enough.
Some online services also have doctors who write prescriptions. In England, an online doctor service should be registered with the Care Quality Commission, and its doctors with the General Medical Council.
What can a pharmacist help with instead of a GP?
More than most people use them for. You do not need an appointment. A pharmacist can advise on minor illnesses, how medicines mix, side effects, and whether a symptom needs a doctor at all.
Many pharmacies also offer extras such as vaccinations and blood pressure checks. What is free on the NHS differs between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, so ask before you assume something is free.
What if something goes wrong?
If you think a website is selling medicines illegally, report it to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, known as the MHRA. If you have a side effect from any medicine, report it through the Yellow Card scheme.
For a problem with a real pharmacy, speak to the pharmacist or manager first. If that does not help, use the NHS complaints process for your nation. Concerns about whether a pharmacy meets safety standards can go to the GPhC, which inspects pharmacies and publishes its reports.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need to register with a pharmacy like I do with a GP?
- No. You can use any pharmacy and change whenever you like. Some people choose a pharmacy for repeat prescriptions, which is just a convenience and can be changed at any time.
- Is the green GPhC logo proof an online pharmacy is genuine?
- No. The logo is optional and can be copied. Check the registration number on the GPhC register. A real logo links to the pharmacy's register entry.
- Can a pharmacist refuse to give me a medicine?
- In some cases, yes. A pharmacist can refuse if they think it would be unsafe, if the prescription looks altered, or on grounds of conscience for certain products. In that case they should help you get it elsewhere.
- Does a food hygiene rating apply to a pharmacy?
- Only if the pharmacy also sells food. Hygiene ratings cover food businesses. The GPhC inspects pharmacy standards and publishes its reports separately.
- What if I live in Northern Ireland?
- The register there is kept by the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland, not the GPhC. The same advice applies: check the register before you use a pharmacy.
- Are online pharmacies safe?
- A registered one is held to the same standards as a high street pharmacy. The risk is from sites that are not registered, so always check the register first.
About this guide
Written and maintained by the LocalListed editorial team. It describes UK regulation and consumer protections in general terms and is not legal, financial or professional advice. Rules differ between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and change over time: always check the position with the named regulator before relying on it.
