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What medication can I buy with an online doctor?
Medically reviewed by
Daniel Atkinson, GP Clinical Lead
In reality, getting prescription medications from online services should feel pretty similar to attending in-person appointments with your regular doctor. You should expect some form of consultation before a decision is made by a qualified and registered doctor or prescribing pharmacist. But there may be some restrictions on buying certain medicines or types of medication.
So let’s find out what medication is safe to buy online and what to look out for when you want to order prescription medication online.
Can online doctors prescribe medications?
In a nutshell, yes. A doctor or pharmacist prescriber who has the necessary qualifications to prescribe in person can also prescribe online. And when you order your treatment online, you get almost the same experience as visiting your GP, especially as lots of GP appointments have moved to over the phone or online.
In an online consultation (just like in a face-to-face appointment), clinicians typically ask you to give them some details about your health and medical profile before prescribing your medication. They might also ask information regarding your height, weight, smoking habits, allergies, and other relevant details.
In some cases, they may request to send in images where needed. For example, they might ask you to upload photos of your skin if you have a skin condition like eczema. This is to make sure that your condition has been correctly diagnosed and you receive the right treatment.
Before ordering medication online it’s a good idea to check that the prescribers are registered in the UK with the General Medical Council (GMC) or the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). If they are, you should see a registration number near their names.
Also, another thing to look out for is to make sure that the online pharmacy is safe and legit. In order to do this, just look for the GPhC logo on their website, click on it and you should be taken to the GPhC site to confirm their registration. You can also use the GPhC’s register to double-check if the pharmacy is licensed. If you can’t find them on the GPhC site, there’s a good chance they’re not legit, so using their services may be unsafe.
How quickly can I get a prescription delivered from Treated?
It can depend. Generally speaking, you’ll receive your treatment within a week of consulting with us (if the clinician approves). But in some countries it can take a little longer than others. UK deliveries normally take one working day, for example, whereas in the USA it generally takes 2-5 days. Medication deliveries within the EU vary by country, but generally also take between 2-5 working days.
What medications can online doctors prescribe?
Because online healthcare professionals have the same qualifications as the doctors or pharmacists you see in person, they can prescribe most medications like antibiotics, ED treatment, medications for diabetes, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopause and so on.
Yet there are some limitations to what can be prescribed online, particularly for controlled substances or medications prone to abuse. Some examples include strong painkillers, certain sleeping pills, treatments for dry cough, and medications unlicensed for use in the UK.
That’s because these medications require strict medical monitoring or are not readily available in the UK. But these regulations may vary in other countries. That’s why some websites sell medicines made outside the UK, which aren’t regulated by UK authorities. So ask your GP or a trusted healthcare professional before buying prescription medication from these sources, as these medicines are potentially dangerous.
How do you get repeat prescriptions online?
Often, when you order treatment online, you have a few options to choose from. You can choose to order your treatment as a one-off (for instance for an eczema flare-up) or opt for a subscription plan (this is typically the preferred option for weight loss or long-term needs like contraception). Repeat prescriptions on an online subscription can reduce the need to see a doctor face-to-face.
Most online pharmacies have streamlined the process of ordering repeat prescriptions online, making it easy and convenient for you. For instance, you can choose the duration of your treatment, be it for three, six months, or even one year, and your prescription will be renewed automatically. All with zero trips to your GP practice.
Some online pharmacies also offer flexible subscriptions. So if your preference for the delivery frequencies changes, you can also easily change how often you get repeats with just a few clicks from your account.
How can online pharmacies help manage medication schedules?
Online healthcare providers can make it easier for you to manage your medication schedule through reminders, flexibility, and round-the-clock clinical access.
So how does that look in practice?
Well, taking Treated as an example, we stay in touch throughout your treatment:
- Letting you know when your treatment is running out, giving you the chance to reorder;
- Giving you a direct line to chat to your clinician, so you can ask them anything you’re not sure about;
- Telling you when we’re about to ship your next order, so you can skip, change, pause, or cancel.
You’ll also be able to visit your patient dashboard as often as you like, where you’ll find loads of handy info about your treatment history with us, as well as options to amend your medication and delivery schedule to suit your needs.
Reference Popover #ref2
Treated trusted source
NHS Pharmacies (2020).
Dangers of buying medicines online.
Reference Popover #ref1
Treated trusted source
Chung, E. (2023).
Your Guide to Buying Prescription Drugs Online in the UK.
Reference Popover #ref3
Treated trusted source
Nidirect Government Services (2015).
Risks of buying medicines over the internet.
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When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please talk to a doctor.
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