Generic medicines contain the same active ingredient as the click here brand-name versions and are often far cheaper. That is why many patients now choose to buy medicine online, from eye drops such as bimatoprost to weight loss capsules such as orlistat. A few simple checks makes the process safer.
Start with a prescription: a valid prescription is required for every order of a prescription medicine. A careful store will always ask to see it. Be wary of any website that skips this step.
Next, check the details: the active ingredient, the strength and the pack size should be clearly listed. Generic tablets may look different from the brand you know, and that is normal.
To read a fuller guide, see this plain-English guide walks through each step.
Some common examples: glaucoma drops such as bimatoprost or latanoprost are used once a day in the evening, and you should leave five minutes between different drops. Generic orlistat is taken with meals that contain fat and works best with a reduced-fat diet, plus a multivitamin at bedtime.
When your parcel arrives, check the name, strength and expiry date and keep the leaflet. Tell your doctor which product you are taking.
You can read more in this guide.
This is general information, not medical advice. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before starting any medicine.