10 online pharmacy options for 2022 Medical News Today Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe 10 of the best online pharmacies for 2022Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm.D. — By Joanne Lewsley and Suzy Davenport — Updated on July 14, 2022We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. People can submit their prescriptions to some pharmacies online. The pharmacy can then deliver it or explain where to pick it up nearby. Share on PinterestThis article explores a range of safe online pharmacies. It also looks at some advantages and drawbacks of buying medications online and how to spot a fraudulent website. A quick look at 10 of the best online pharmaciesBest pick-up service Blink HealthBest for insurance options PillPackBest for Amazon Prime members Amazon PharmacyBest for over-the-counter (OTC) medications: Health WarehouseBest retailer pharmacy Walmart PharmacyBest for medication management Simple MedsBest price comparison feature Honeybee HealthBest for a rewards program CVS PharmacyBest for telehealth appointments GeniusRXBest product range Costco Pharmacy Online pharmacy update for COVID-19 During the COVID-19 pandemic, online pharmacy services have increased in popularity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that people with a high risk of severe illness order their prescriptions online to reduce contact with others. They also encourage pharmacy staff to promote this service to reduce contact between staff and customers. Online pharmacies may also have proprietary measures in place to protect their customers and staff from COVID-19. Things to be aware of when looking for an online pharmacy Many companies on the internet sell counterfeit pharmaceutical products. The FDA reports that signs of an illegitimate pharmacy include: no requirement of a valid prescription from a doctorno access to a U.S. state-licensed pharmacistspam email from the companyan offer of global shippinga location outside of the U.S. How we chose Medical News Today chooses online pharmacies that meet the following criteria:Privacy: The companies have robust, transparent privacy measures, such as data protection and discreet packaging.Reputable: The businesses that adhere to industry best practices.Insurance: When possible, MNT indicates whether the companies accept insurance. Some of the best online pharmacies The section below explores 10 online pharmacies in further detail. Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and was correct at the time of publication. Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here. Best pick-up service Blink Health Blink Health offers local pick-up at participating pharmacies, including Albertsons, Safeway, and Walmart. Additionally, the company also delivers prescriptions to a person’s home. It accepts insurance and provides free shipping and pharmacist consultations. Prices and services Blink Health offers prescriptions for certain health needs, such as:Erectile dysfunction: Generic Viagra, generic Cialis, and more from $19.95 for ten tablets.Birth control: Sprintec, Tri-Lo-Sprintec, Microgestin FE, and more from $1.07 for three tablets.Cold sores: Generic Valtrex from $14.60 for 30 tablets.High cholesterol: Lipitor, atorvastatin, simvastatin, and more from $4.87 for 15 tablets.LEARN MORE Best for insurance options PillPack Amazon Pharmacy owns PillPack, which works with doctors and insurance providers to manage and fill prescriptions. It also offers pharmaceutical support, automatic refills, and free shipping. Prices and services PillPack accepts most insurance policies. The company recommends a person sign up online or call to discuss coverage. People can also pay out of pocket. PillPack states that it will try to find the lowest price through discounts. The company states it accepts most copay coupons. PillPack accepts Flexible Savings Accounts and Health Savings Accounts as payment. People can choose which billing date is most convenient.LEARN MORE Best for Amazon Prime members Amazon Pharmacy Available for Prime members, this service claims to have low prices and offers free 2-day delivery. Prices and services Amazon Pharmacy offers prescription medication for several health conditions, including:acid refluxallergiesanxietyasthmadepressiondiabeteshair losshigh blood pressurehigh cholesterolhypothyroidismviral infection It accepts insurance and uses discreet packaging. Amazon Pharmacy states that it offers medications for as little as $1 per month. It also offers 6-month supplies of most medications. Customers can opt to pay for their medication using their Prime account.LEARN MORE Best for OTC medications Health Warehouse Health Warehouse provides generic alternatives to pricier medications. The pharmacy is accredited in all 50 states and offers expert help Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m Eastern Standard Time. It does not charge for shipping. Prices and services Health Warehouse offers the following services:Pharmacy: Creating, refilling, and transferring prescriptions as well as a range of prescription medications for humans and pets.Diabetic supplies: Offers test strips, glucose meters, insulin syringes, and pen needles.OTC medications: Nonprescription medications for allergies, pain, diet, nutrition, pets, and general wellness.Home medical supplies: Including syringes, medical alert bracelets, first aid kits, incontinence pads, and more. However, the site does not accept insurance. Health Warehouse claims that this means it can sell medication for lower prices.LEARN MORE Best retailer pharmacy Walmart Pharmacy Walmart Pharmacy offers free standard shipping, $4 prescriptions for a wide range of medications, and transfer services for existing prescriptions. Prices and services Walmart Pharmacy offers 30- and 90-day supplies of medication for the following health needs:Cholesterol: Fenofibrate, gemfibrozil, simvastatin, and atorvastatin.Diabetes: Glimepiride, glipizide, metformin, and pioglitazone.Digestion: Metoclopramide, meclizine, omeprazole, and promethazine.Family planning: Norethrindone, sprintec, and tri-sprintec.Heart health and blood pressure: Atenolol, benazepril, lisinopril, warfarin, and more.Mental health: Amitriptyline, citalopram, donepezil, sertraline, and more.Thyroid: Levothyroxine.Vitamins and nutrition: Folic acid and Folbee tablets. It accepts insurance, including those who have Medicare. As stated above, Walmart Pharmacy says that prescriptions start from $4, and those on Medicare may qualify for $0 copays.LEARN MORE Best for medication management Simple Meds Simple Meds accepts most forms of insurance and works directly with doctors and insurance companies to dispense medications. The company also offers pharmacist consultations. It does not advertise the cost of shipping. Prices and services Simple Meds does not provide examples of which prescriptions it fills. However, the company states that it will send 30-day supplies of medications each month. Each month the pharmacy will sort a person’s medications into personalized packets. The packet will have the day, time, and amount of medication a person should take.LEARN MORE Best price comparison feature Honeybee Health Honeybee Health allows users to compare drug prices and transfer prescriptions. Shipping is free, the packaging is discreet, and orders usually arrive within 7–10 business days. Prices and services Honeybee Health offers medications for the following health needs:Medication abortion: A combination of Mifepristone and Misoprostol.Anxiety: Bupropion, fluoxetine, and sertraline.Depression: Bupropion, fluoxetine, and sertraline.Hypothyroidism: Levothyroxine, Synthroid, and Armour Thyroid.Erectile dysfunction: Sildenafil and tadalafil.Hair loss: Finasteride.Migraine and headache: Sumatriptan.Pain: Gabapentin, tizanidine, and celecoxib.Type 2 diabetes: Metformin.High blood pressure: Lisinopril, lisinopril-HCTZ, and spironolactone.High cholesterol: Atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, and ezetimibe.Acid reflux: Pantoprazole and esomeprazole.Asthma: Fluticasone or salmeterol.COPD: Albuterol.ADHD: Atomoxetine.Epilepsy: Levetiracetam.Hormone replacement therapy: Testosterone-cypionate and testosterone.Opioid use disorder: Buprenorphine.Insomnia: Zolpidem, zolpidem extended release, and zaleplon.Obesity: Diethylproprion and phentermine. The company also states that people can compare the prices of generic medications from different manufacturers to choose the type and cost that suits their needs. However, Honeybee does not accept insurance. LEARN MORE Best for a rewards program CVS Pharmacy After signing in, a person fills in their prescription, and the service notifies them via text when it is ready. Delivery is free, and orders may be ready the same day or within 1–2 days. Prices and services CVS Pharmacy does not offer a list of health conditions and medications it offers. However, the company does provide free health screenings across the country through its mobile care units. Additionally, people can sign up for the pharmacy’s ExtraCare Pharmacy & Health Rewards program and earn up to $50 to spend on prescriptions. They can also earn rewards for filling prescriptions and receiving vaccinations. The company accepts most insurance plans.LEARN MORE Best for telehealth appointments GeniusRX GeniusRX provides online appointments with a doctor for a small cost to help people get the right prescription. Delivery is free, and orders arrive in 1–5 days. Prices and services GeniusRX carries medication for several health needs, such as:Mental health: Sertraline, bupropion, and escitalopram oxalate, starting from $0.32 per dose.Alzheimer’s: Donepezil hydrochloride and galantamine hydrobromide, starting from $0.31 per dose.Arthritis: Meloxicam, prednisone, and methotrexate sodium, starting from $0.07 per dose.Cholesterol: Simvastatin, atorvastatin calcium, rosuvastatin calcium, and lovastatin, starting from $0.08 per dose.Diabetes: Metformin, repaglinide, and nateglinide, starting from $0.07 per dose.Erectile dysfunction: Tadalafil, sildenafil citrate, and vardenafil, starting from $1 per dose.High blood pressure: Metoprolol tartrate, lisinopril, and valsartan, starting from $0.06 per dose.Menopause: Paroxetine, Premarin, and progesterone micronized, starting from $0.17 per dose.Birth control: Norgestimate-ethinyl estradiol and Tri Femynor, starting at $0.25 per dose. The company does not accept insurance.LEARN MORE Best product range Costco Pharmacy A person can place their order from anywhere in the U.S. Delivery is free and can take 6–14 days, but a person can pay for expedited shipping. Prices and services Costco Pharmacy offers a range of prescription medications for humans and pets. It also sells authorized generic medications and provides personalized compound medications. The company accepts most insurance plans. Additionally, people with Costco Cards can take advantage of further discounts on medication.LEARN MORE Comparison chart The following table compares the above online pharmacies.ServicesDeliveryAccepts insuranceBlink HealthpharmacyyesyesPillPackpharmacyyesyesAmazon PharmacypharmacyyesyesHealth Warehouse• pharmacy• diabetic supplies• OTC medications• home medical suppliesyesnoWalmart PharmacypharmacyyesyesSimple Medspharmacy and personalized medication packetsyesyesHoneybee Healthpharmacy and price matchingyesnoCVS Pharmacypharmacy, mobile care units, and rewards programyesyesGeniusRXpharmacy and telehealth appointmentsyes noCostco Pharmacypharmacy, compound medications, and membership programyesyes How to choose an online pharmacy Roughly 35,000 online pharmacies are operating at any given time. However, fewer than 5% comply with the laws and standards of practice for American pharmacies. In the United States, a safe online pharmacy has the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites seal. This shows that the site is safe because it meets state licensure requirements and other NABP criteria. The NABP has a safe site search tool that can lead people to pharmacies that meet patient safety and pharmacy practice standards. According to the Alliance for Safe Online Pharmacies, fewer than 1 in 20 people know that they can check whether a site is safe to use. Also, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) explains that safe online pharmacies in the U.S. always:require a prescription from a healthcare professionalhave a physical address and telephone number in the U.S.are licensed by a state board of pharmacy or state health authorityhave a state-licensed pharmacist available to answer questions Pros and cons of using an online pharmacy The information below refers to pharmacies with NABP approval. Prosconvenient and quickno need to leave the house a wide range of options possibly cheaper than an in-store servicediscreet packagingeasy prescription refills Consmay be difficult to get answers about medicationmay not fill all prescriptions may be difficult to get temperature-controlled prescriptions by mail may not accept insurance Frequently asked questions Below, find answers to some common questions about online pharmacies: What are the risks of buying from an unsafe online pharmacy According to the NABP and the FDA, some of these risks include:The medication may fail to treat the health issue.It may contain very toxic ingredients, such as drywall or rat poison.It may have unexpected, dangerous effects.The medications may not have authorization for sale in the U.S.Personal and financial information may be shared or stolen.People may unknowingly download viruses and other malware. What are the red flags of an unsafe pharmacy website The FDA and NABP warn people about the following red flags. An unsafe online pharmacy:sells prescription medication without requiring a valid prescriptionsells medication that has not been approved or authorized for sale in the U.S.offers medication at prices that seem too good to be trueis located outside the U.S.ships medication from outside of the U.S.is not licensed by a state board of pharmacy or state health authority Can I buy from other countries online pharmacies It is possible for people in the U.S. to buy medication from other countries online. But the FDA does not regulate these drugs and cannot guarantee that they are safe or effective. Many fraudulent websites use fake “storefronts” to suggest that their medications are coming from a country with good safety standards. Will my insurance cover the cost of medication from an online pharmacy This depends on the online pharmacy. Many NABP-accredited online pharmacies accept insurance copayments. Some offer direct billing to insurance companies as an extra service. Others simply offer receipts for people to submit to their insurance provider for reimbursement. The pharmacy’s website should clearly state whether it accepts insurance and provide detailed information. Can online pharmacies ship medication quickly in case of emergencies Some online pharmacies, including PillPack and Honeybee Health, offer urgent refills. There may be extra shipping fees. Summary Safe, accredited online pharmacies can make ordering medications and refilling prescriptions quick and easy. However, it is important to verify that the pharmacy is safe to use. Last medically reviewed on March 16, 2022Uncategorized 7 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.BeSafeRx: Frequently asked questions (FAQs). (2020). https://www.fda.gov/drugs/besaferx-your-source-online-pharmacy-information/besaferx-frequently-asked-questions-faqsConsidering an online pharmacy? (2020). https://www.fda.gov/drugs/besaferx-your-source-online-pharmacy-information/considering-online-pharmacyGuidance for pharmacies. (2020).https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/pharmacies.htmlHow to buy medicines safely from an online pharmacy. (2018).https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/how-buy-medicines-safely-online-pharmacyNational Boards of Pharmacy finds only 4.2% of online pharmacies are safe [Press release]. (2017). https://www.safemedicines.org/2017/08/national-boards-of-pharmacy-finds-only-4-2-of-online-pharmacies-are-safe.htmlOnline pharmacy behavior and perception survey results. (2017). https://buysaferx.pharmacy/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/us_sept2017-1.pdfSafe online pharmacies. (n.d.).https://safe.pharmacy/buy-safely/FEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm.D. — By Joanne Lewsley and Suzy Davenport — Updated on July 14, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? 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