More of us now order everyday medicines and health products online. It saves a trip and lets you compare products at your own pace. But the internet is also full of websites pretending to be pharmacies. Medicines from these sites can be fake, out of date or contain the wrong ingredients.
This guide explains how to check that an online pharmacy is genuine in Ireland, what you can and can't buy online, and what to expect when you order from Ballyduff Pharmacy.
Check the pharmacy is registered with the PSI
Every pharmacy in Ireland must be registered with the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI), the pharmacy regulator. Pharmacies that sell non-prescription medicines online must also be on the PSI's list of registered online retailers.
Before you buy, check:
- A real Irish address and phone number. A genuine pharmacy has a physical premises you could walk into.
- The EU common logo. This logo appears on legal online medicine sellers across the EU. Clicking it should take you to the regulator's register, where the website is listed.
- A named pharmacist. You should be able to speak to a pharmacist about your order.
Ballyduff Pharmacy is an independent, PSI-registered pharmacy in Ballyduff, Co. Kerry, serving the local community since 2004. You can read more about our pharmacy and team.
What you can buy online
In Ireland, medicines fall into three groups:
- General sale products, such as many vitamins, skincare and some pain relief in small packs.
- Pharmacy medicines, which must be sold under a pharmacist's supervision. A pharmacy may ask you a few questions before supplying these, online or in store.
- Prescription-only medicines, which need a valid prescription from your doctor. These can't be bought online without one.
If a website offers prescription-only medicines with no prescription, or after a short online quiz only, treat it as a warning sign.
Why we ask questions before some orders
When you buy certain medicines from us, you may need to confirm that you've read the product information and that the medicine is suitable for you. This is the same check a pharmacist would do at the counter. It protects you from side effects and interactions with other medicines.
For the same reason, some products have quantity limits. These limits come from Irish medicines rules, so you'll see them at any legitimate pharmacy.
Warning signs of a fake pharmacy
- Prices far below what other pharmacies charge.
- Prescription-only medicines offered without a prescription.
- No address, or only a PO box or overseas address.
- No way to speak to a pharmacist.
- Spelling mistakes, pop-ups or pressure to "buy now".
- Sellers on social media or marketplace apps.
Fake medicines can contain no active ingredient, too much of it, or harmful substances. If you think you've bought a fake medicine, stop taking it and speak to your pharmacist or GP.
Shopping with Ballyduff Pharmacy
You can browse our full range online, from cough and cold remedies to multivitamins and Korean skincare. Orders over €70 get free delivery in Ireland. If you have a question about a product, contact our pharmacy team and we'll be happy to help.
This article is for general information only. Always read the label and patient information leaflet. If you have questions about a medicine, speak to your pharmacist or GP.