Generics contain the same active ingredient as the original brands and are often far cheaper. That is why more people now choose to buy medicine online, from eye drops such as bimatoprost to weight loss capsules such as orlistat. A few simple checks goes a long way.
Start with a prescription: a valid prescription is required for every order of a prescription medicine. A sensible supplier will ask for it. Avoid any website that skips this step.
Next, check the details: the active ingredient, the strength and the pack size should be easy to find. Generic tablets may look different from the brand you know, and that is expected.
For a step-by-step checklist, read the full article website covers the key checks.
Some common examples: bimatoprost eye drops 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 on this page.
This is general information, not medical advice. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before starting any medicine.