Using the internet to research health issues can save time and possibly a trip to a GP. But beware, as some websites may contain unreliable information. A search for a condition such as cancer can bring up thousands of results, so how can you determine which websites are the most trustworthy?
Using this website
This site is funded by the Department of Health. It is committed to providing objective and trustworthy information and guidance on all aspects of health and healthcare. NHS Choices strives to ensure content is evidence-based, founded on the best scientific knowledge available.
The kind of standards we work to are what every internet user should seek from a health information service. The information should be:
- approved by a clinical expert
- reviewed and updated regularly
- unbiased
- non-commercial (not trying to sell you anything)
- not claiming to replace the advice given by a doctor
- not asking you to pay for a full emailed diagnosis
Learn more about the NHS Choices editorial policy.
NHS Choices has been certified as a producer of reliable health and social care information by The Information Standard, a certification scheme to help people decide which information is trustworthy.
Further recommendations
If you’re feeling unwell and need medical attention, see your GP or call NHS Direct for advice on 0845 4647.
When looking for advice on specific conditions, look for well-known organisations, such as the British Heart Foundation or Cancer Research UK. Look for sites which end in .org (not-for-profit organisations) or .gov (government run).
Cross-check the information. If the same details are repeated across many different websites there's a greater likelihood of the information being accurate.
Online support groups are great sources of information. Talking to other people living with a certain condition can be helpful and comforting.
Be wary of websites offering miracle cures. If something appears too good to be true, then it probably is.
Internet drugs
As more people use the internet to understand their health issues, some also go online to buy prescription drugs. But many online pharmacies are unregistered, so buying from them is potentially unsafe.
Drugs, such as the anti-impotence drug Viagra and the cholesterol-lowering drug Lipitor, can be bought online cheaply and without a GP’s prescription. This is risky, as medications should only be taken under the supervision of a health professional. Their guidance on whether the drug is suitable for you, the dosage, possible side effects, and any harmful interactions with other medications is crucial.
Drugs ordered over the internet from an unregistered website could also be out-of-date, diluted or fake. They could be dangerous to your health.
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB) has a code of ethics for all online pharmacies, to help you ensure that a website is reputable. The code requires websites to display:
- the name of the owner of the business
- the address of the pharmacy
- the name of the superintendent pharmacist
- details on how to check the registration status of the pharmacy and pharmacist
If a website does not display this information, don't use it. Only use an online pharmacy that requires your GP prescription. If in any doubt, go to your local pharmacist. It’s the safest way to get your prescription drugs.
