Warning signs
There are certain warning signs that a pharmacy is illegitimate or running a scam.
First of all, most ADHD medications are scheduled medications worldwide. So it's safe to say that it is impossible to buy ADHD medication legally without a doctor's prescription. Pharmacies which do this may say that they will have their company doctor write the prescription for you, but if the doctor doesn't see you and doesn't interview you and doesn't really know your case well--it's likely that you're dealing with a criminal enterprise. Stay away.
Another product of ADHD medication generally being scheduled is that it is very hard to legally ship it across international boundaries. Generally the only way is if you buy the medication legally (with a doctor's prescription) in your country, and you are bringing a limited supply with you in your bags when you are traveling abroad. If you live in the US, it's not legal for a private citizen (or resident) to legally buy ADHD meds "from Canada" to ship back to the United States.
Safe online pharmacies
Generally, if an online pharmacy has a brick and mortar pharmacy that is legal, the online pharmacy will be legal as well. Retail chains such as Rite Aid, CVS, and Walgreens have safe online pharmacy services.
However, not all online pharmacies have a brick and mortar component. Some internet pharmacies contract with insurance companies and basically keep their prices down by specializing selling bulk quantities of medications to consumers and not carrying certain other medications (those that are needed for a short time) that a brick and mortar pharmacy would. Examples of legitimate pharmacies in this category are Merck Medco and ExpressScripts. Usually your insurance company will only contract with one of these companies and they will tell you which one you must use.
The Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Site certification is a program run by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, which basically accredits pharmacies throughout the United States. You should always choose a pharmacy which has been accredited, regardless of whether it is online or brick and mortar, as this demonstrates that the pharmacy is aware of best practices in the field.
However, not all online pharmacies have a brick and mortar component. Some internet pharmacies contract with insurance companies and basically keep their prices down by specializing selling bulk quantities of medications to consumers and not carrying certain other medications (those that are needed for a short time) that a brick and mortar pharmacy would. Examples of legitimate pharmacies in this category are Merck Medco and ExpressScripts. Usually your insurance company will only contract with one of these companies and they will tell you which one you must use.
The Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Site certification is a program run by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, which basically accredits pharmacies throughout the United States. You should always choose a pharmacy which has been accredited, regardless of whether it is online or brick and mortar, as this demonstrates that the pharmacy is aware of best practices in the field.
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