Looking to order medication from the comfort of your home? South Africa has a growing market of online pharmacies, but not all of them are trustworthy. The key is to know what to check before you click “buy”. Below you’ll find a no‑nonsense checklist that works for any drug, from weight‑loss pills to chronic disease treatments.
First, verify the pharmacy’s license. Legit South African pharmacies display a SAHPRA registration number on the footer of their site. You can cross‑check this number on the SAHPRA website – if it’s missing or doesn’t match, move on.
Second, look for a real physical address and a working phone line. A quick call can confirm if a customer service rep actually knows the products they sell. Fake sites often hide behind generic “Contact us” forms.
Third, require a prescription for any prescription‑only drug. Sites that let you buy Lamictal, Xenical or Imuran without a doctor’s note are a red flag. Legit pharmacies will ask you to upload a scanned prescription or offer a tele‑consult with a licensed pharmacist.
Use a secure payment method. Credit cards and reputable payment gateways give you charge‑back protection if something goes wrong. Avoid direct bank transfers or crypto payments unless you’re 100% sure the seller is legit.
Check the shipping policy. South African pharmacies should provide a tracking number and clear delivery timelines. If a site promises next‑day delivery for a $20 medication, it’s probably too good to be true.
Read reviews, but do it wisely. Look for detailed experiences on independent forums, not just five‑star ratings on the pharmacy’s own page. Real customers often mention packaging quality, label accuracy, and whether the meds match the brand name on the prescription.
Compare prices with a baseline. A modest price difference is normal, but if Xenical or Sarafem is listed at half the usual cost, you’re likely staring at counterfeit pills.
Finally, keep copies of everything – the prescription, receipt, and any email confirmations. This paper trail helps you dispute a charge and report a fraudulent site to SAHPRA.
By following these steps, you can shop confidently for everything from anti‑allergics like Diphenhydramine to chronic‑care drugs like Onglyza. Remember: the safest online pharmacy is the one that treats you like a real patient, not just a sale.