Ordering pharmacy products online in the UK: what to choose and how not to overpay

In the UK, buying pharmacy products online has become common practice for many residents. It is a convenient way to get the necessary medicines, vitamins and other health products without visiting a physical pharmacy. However, it is important to understand how to choose a reliable seller and how not to overpay for your purchases.

Below, we explain how to order pharmacy products online without overpaying.

What you can buy online and market features

A wide range of pharmacy products is available online in the UK. These include over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins, food supplements, as well as personal hygiene and cosmetic products.

It is important to note that prescription-only medicines can also be ordered online, but only with a valid prescription from a qualified healthcare professional. Online pharmacies that deal with prescription medicines usually have a well-established system for obtaining confirmation from doctors.

The popularity of online shopping is due to several factors: the convenience of 24/7 access from home, time savings on travel and queues, a wide range of products and the ability to have your order delivered directly to your door.

How to choose a reliable online resource and avoid overpaying

Choosing a reliable online retailer is key to a safe and profitable purchase. In the UK, there are strict rules for online pharmacies to protect consumers.

Signs of a reliable online retailer in the UK:

• Registration with the GPhC: if a website positions itself as an online pharmacy, it must be registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). The GPhC logo must be visible on the website, and clicking on it should allow you to check the pharmacy's registration.
• Clear contact details: the website must provide contact details (e.g. physical address, telephone number and/or email address);
• Secure connection: the website address must begin with ‘https://’, which indicates a secure connection for the safe transmission of data;
• Reasonable prices: offers that seem too cheap compared to market prices should raise suspicion.
• Professional advice: some reliable online platforms offer the opportunity to obtain qualified advice in real time.

To avoid overpaying, we recommend:

• Compare prices: the cost of similar products from different manufacturers can vary significantly. Using price comparison services helps you find the best deal.
• Take advantage of discounts and promotions: Many online platforms offer discounts on first orders, loyalty programmes or seasonal sales.
• Optimise delivery: Delivery costs affect the final price. Online pharmacies often offer free delivery for orders over a certain amount (e.g. over £35-£40).
• Consider generics: Choosing generics (brand-name drug equivalents) usually allows for significant savings without compromising effectiveness, if applicable to a particular medication. However, it is essential to consult with your doctor on this matter.

All these requirements are met not only by online pharmacies but also by online pharmacy aggregators, powerful platforms that offer customers a truly wide range of options.

One of the best such platforms is the Liki24 service. The website collects offers from certified sellers (pharmacies, pharmacy kiosks, specialised shops and beauty salons).

The service also offers all customers the option of using a targeted delivery service by postal carrier.

Please note: the service is not a seller or online pharmacy with a delivery function.

The full terms and conditions of purchase, payment and delivery can be found on the relevant page of the website.

We wish you economical shopping and good health!