What warning signs can I spot?
A polished site can still hide the basics. Check what can be verified outside the site itself.
- PRESCRIBERNamed and licensedThe person who writes the prescription. Check their licence in your state.
- PHARMACYNamed and licensedCheck the pharmacy on the label.
- PRODUCTApproval stated plainlyNo word games around approval.
Which sign is the clearest?
As of September 2026, any site that will hand over a prescription-only medicine with no prescription is breaking the law. Federal law requires a valid prescription from a licensed prescriber.
What does a research label tell me?
A vial marked “research use only” but sold with mixing water or directions for use on people is being sold for people to inject. Injecting something bought that way is not a lawful route to care. FDA made that point in warning letters issued in 2026.
What makes the assessment too thin?
A tick-box form with no follow-up questions is a warning sign. State-board guidance says a form alone is not enough: someone must be able to ask you follow-up questions, and you must be able to ask yours.
What claims deserve a pause?
- “FDA registered” used as if it meant FDA-approved.
- A compounded product described as the same as an approved product.
- No clear name for the dispensing pharmacy.
- No licensed pharmacist available for questions.
- A price far below what other services charge once the medicine, visits, and tests are added together.
- Payment limited to a wire, crypto, an app, or a gift card.
How can I verify the names?
Use the state medical board for the prescriber and the state pharmacy board for the pharmacy.
FDA says an online pharmacy missing from the state licence search is not one to use.