Why It Matters That Your Pharmacy Is GPhC Registered
If you’re considering using an online pharmacy in England, Scotland or Wales, one of the most important checks you can make is whether that pharmacy is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). It’s not just a box-ticking exercise — it’s the difference between buying from a regulated, accountable service and risking your health with an unregulated seller.
Who are the GPhC?
The General Pharmaceutical Council is the regulator for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and pharmacies in Great Britain. Their role is to set standards, inspect premises, and make sure that anyone providing pharmacy services is safe, professional, and fit to practice.
Put simply: if a pharmacy is registered with the GPhC, it has to follow strict rules designed to protect patients. If it isn’t, you should steer well clear.
Why registration matters
Medicines are not like other products you buy online. They affect your health directly, and mistakes can have serious consequences. A GPhC-registered pharmacy:
- has qualified professionals overseeing supply
- must keep medicines stored, packaged, and delivered safely
- is subject to inspections and audits
- has to respond to complaints and concerns raised by the public
When you see the GPhC logo and check a registration number, you’re not just trusting a brand name — you’re trusting an independent regulator that exists to protect you.
How to check if a pharmacy is registered
To coin a Gary Barlow phrase, it only takes a minute (girl):
1. Go to the official GPhC register at www.pharmacyregulation.org/registers
2. Enter the pharmacy’s name
3. Confirm the details match the site you’re using (look carefully at the address and trading name)
Legitimate online pharmacies should also display the EU Common Logo (a clickable green cross that links back to their entry on the register). If the logo doesn’t click through, or the details don’t match, treat it as a red flag.
What concerns can be reported to the GPhC?
The GPhC takes reports from members of the public who have concerns about a registered pharmacy or professional. Issues you might raise include:
- Unsafe supply of medicines
- Poor handling of prescriptions or records
- Concerns about hygiene, packaging, or delivery
- Unprofessional behaviour from pharmacists or staff
- Anything that risks patient safety
How to raise a concern
If you ever feel unsafe or uncertain about a pharmacy service, you can:
- Submit a concern online through the GPhC website.
- You don’t need to prove wrongdoing yourself — simply raise what you’ve noticed and the regulator will investigate.
Final thought
The internet makes ordering medicines easier than ever, but it also means you need to be a little more cautious. Checking that a pharmacy is GPhC-registered is one of the simplest and most powerful steps you can take to protect yourself.
At Click.Compare, we only list pharmacies that are regulated — so you can compare prices for Mounjaro and prices for Wegovy knowing safety comes first.