Dangerous Misconceptions Are Growing

So, in the booming industry of digital healthcare, there are two issues at play: the first is the existence of bad actors who deliberately cut corners and exploit regulatory gaps. The second—and perhaps more dangerous—is that consumers have widespread misconceptions about how online pharmacy regulation actually works.   

While we can’t control bad actors, we can address the misinformation that makes consumers vulnerable to them. According to the 2023 ASOP Foundation survey, misinformation about online pharmacies is alarmingly common — and growing:

• 54% of Americans incorrectly believe that digital pharmacies are automatically FDA- or state-approved.
• 44% think prescriptions aren’t always required, even for controlled substances.
• 47% believe that only “safe” pharmacies appear at the top of Google results.

None of these assumptions are true. Unfortunately, these misunderstandings create the perfect environment for untrustworthy sites to thrive.  

Even more troubling? These beliefs are becoming more common — increasing by 9 to 12 percentage points from ASOP’s 2021 report. This means that while online pharmacy use is going up, awareness of what makes a provider safe is going down.

The Real-World Consequences

When regulation fails to keep up with innovation, patients can end up paying the price, and these aren’t theoretical risks. They’re already showing up in real-world data:

• 24% of Americans who’ve used online pharmacies say they’ve received harmful, substandard, or counterfeit medications — up from 17% just two years prior
• Some received medications that were underdosed, overdosed, or contained unknown fillers
• Others were repeatedly billed for products they never authorized
• Many discovered that their private health data had been sold to ad networks, third-party resellers, or marketers — with no transparency and no way to opt out

Despite this, only 44% of Americans now describe buying medications online as risky — down significantly from 54% in 2021. These statistics aren’t reasons to avoid digital healthcare platforms entirely, but they do underscore why choosing carefully matters.

Despite the troubling facts discussed throughout this article, it’s important to emphasize that not all online pharmacies are unethical. When administered correctly, tech-enabled pharmacies can be incredibly empowering.

They help us access care we may otherwise delay, simplify routine refills, and reduce both cost and stigma. Legitimate platforms are more cost- and time-efficient than traditional pharmacy experiences.

But when corners are cut—skipping medical oversight, using unregulated compounds, or selling data—it’s not just the system that suffers. It’s you.

So, while we absolutely encourage you to embrace digital healthcare, we want you to be well informed. Ask questions. Look for certifications. Know what a legitimate provider looks like.

And if something feels off? Trust your gut.

At TelyRx, we’ve built our entire model around transparency, clinical safety, and treating patients with dignity. We don’t offer flashy shortcuts. We offer smart, compliant, judgment-free care.