Fact Checked
Fact Checked
This article has been fact checked by a licensed expert before publication to ensure all information provided is correct and safe.
What medication can I buy with an online doctor?
Choosing to buy your medication online can be really convenient. However, you might also (understandably) feel a bit uneasy about it — because putting your health in someone else's hands is a big decision, especially when you haven’t met them face to face.
In reality, getting prescription medications from online services should feel pretty similar to attending in-person appointments with your regular doctor. You should expect some form of consultation before a decision is made by a qualified and licensed clinician. But there may be some restrictions on buying certain medications or types of medication.
Medically reviewed by
Daniel Atkinson, Clinical Reviewer
So let’s find out what medication is safe to buy online and what to look out for when you want to order prescription medication online.
Can online doctors prescribe medications?
In a nutshell, yes. A doctor or licensed healthcare provider who has the necessary qualifications to prescribe in person can also prescribe online. And when you order your treatment online, you get almost the same experience as visiting your primary care physician (PCP), especially as lots of doctor’s appointments have moved to the phone or online.
In an online consultation (just like in a face-to-face appointment), clinicians typically ask you to give them some details about your health and medical profile before prescribing your medication. They might also ask for information regarding your height, weight, smoking habits, allergies, and other relevant details.
In some cases, they may request to send in images where needed. For example, they might ask you to upload photos of your skin if you have a skin condition like eczema. This is to make sure that your condition has been correctly diagnosed and you receive the right treatment.
Before ordering medication online, it’s a good idea to check that the prescribers are registered in the United States with the appropriate state medical board. If they are, you should be able to verify a registration number or license near their names.
Also, another thing to look out for is to make sure that the online pharmacy is safe and legitimate. In order to do this, look for the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) or LegitScript seal on their website. You can also check the FDA’s BeSafeRx website to confirm if a pharmacy is licensed. If you can’t find them through official state board registers, there’s a good chance they’re not legit, so using their services may be unsafe.
How quickly can I get a prescription delivered from Treated?
It can depend. Generally speaking, you’ll receive your treatment within a week of consulting with us (if the clinician approves). Deliveries in the USA generally take 2-5 business days. Medication deliveries within other regions vary by country, but generally also take between 2-5 business days.
What medications can online doctors prescribe?
Because online healthcare professionals have the same qualifications as the doctors or pharmacists you visit in person, they can prescribe most medications like antibiotics, ED treatment, medications for diabetes, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopause, and so on.
Yet there are some limitations to what can be prescribed online, particularly for controlled substances or medications prone to abuse. Some examples include strong painkillers, certain sleeping pills, treatments for a dry cough, and medications that aren’t FDA-approved.
That’s because these medications require strict medical monitoring or are not readily available in the U.S. But these regulations may vary in other countries. That’s why some websites sell medicines made outside the U.S., which aren’t regulated by U.S. authorities. So ask your doctor or a trusted healthcare professional before buying prescription medication from these sources, as these medicines are potentially dangerous.
How do you get repeat prescriptions online?
Often, when you order treatment online, you have a few options to choose from. You can choose to order your treatment as a one-off (for instance, for an eczema flare-up) or opt for a subscription plan (this is typically the preferred option for weight loss or long-term needs like contraception). Prescription refills on an online subscription can reduce the need to see a doctor face-to-face.
Most online pharmacies have streamlined the process of ordering refills online, making it easy and convenient for you. For instance, you can choose the duration of your treatment, be it for three, six months, or even one year, and your prescription will be renewed automatically. All with zero trips to your doctor’s office.
Some online pharmacies also offer flexible subscriptions. So if your preference for the delivery frequency changes, you can also easily change how often you get refills with just a few clicks from your account.
How can online pharmacies help manage medication schedules?
Online healthcare providers can make it easier for you to manage your medication schedule through reminders, flexibility, and round-the-clock clinical access.
So how does that look in practice?
Well, taking Treated as an example, we stay in touch throughout your treatment:
- Letting you know when your treatment is running out, giving you the chance to reorder;
- Giving you a direct line to chat with your clinician, so you can ask them anything you’re not sure about;
- Telling you when we’re about to ship your next order, so you can skip, change, pause, or cancel.
You’ll also be able to visit your patient dashboard as often as you like, where you’ll find plenty of useful info about your treatment history with us, as well as options to modify your medication and delivery schedule to suit your needs.
Reference Popover #ref1
Treated trusted source
Office of the Commissioner (2019).
The Possible Dangers of Buying Medicines over the Internet. U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Reference Popover #ref2
Treated trusted source
NABP (2019).
Buy Safely - Safe.Pharmacy.
Sourcing guidelines:
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Tell us what you want to hear.
Have a subject you’d like us to cover in a future article? Let us know.
Give us the inbox treatment.
We're making healthcare more about you. Sign up to our newsletter for personalized health articles that make a difference.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please talk to a doctor.
Find treatment
Popular treatments
I'm looking for
Popular searches:
Suggest a health guide
Tell us your idea here.
(And leave your email too, so we can let you know if we write an article based on your suggestion.)
Sign up to our newsletter for all the latest on and more.
By clicking 'Subscribe now' you're agreeing to our Privacy Policy.