Committed to Safe Online Pharmacy

.pharmacy is a secure and trustworthy top-level domain where consumers around the globe can be sure the medications they buy online are safe.

Why do we need .pharmacy?

Today, the vast majority of websites selling prescription drugs online are doing so illegally — many of them selling unapproved, substandard, and counterfeit medicine.

NABP has reviewed more than 10,900 Internet drug outlets selling prescription medications and found nearly 97% to be out of compliance with United States pharmacy laws and practice standards that protect the public health. Of these websites identified as Not Recommended, nearly half offer foreign or non-Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs, and many distribute dangerous counterfeits to unsuspecting consumers. 

Who may register .pharmacy domain names?

Pharmacies and pharmacy-related organizations worldwide meeting .pharmacy program standards are eligible to register for a .pharmacy domain name. Registrants in this global pharmacy community may include:

  • Pharmacies
  • Pharmacy Benefit Managers
  • Prescription Drug Information and Pharmacy Referral Sites
  • Prescription Drug Related Patient Advocacy and Consumer Education Sites
  • Medical Professionals’ Offices
  • Schools or Colleges of Pharmacy
  • Continuing Pharmacy Education Providers
  • Wholesale Drug Distributors
  • Pharmaceutical Manufacturers

What are the benefits my organization can gain from having a .pharmacy domain name?

Plenty! Obtain a .pharmacy domain name and:

  • distinguish your online pharmacy, product, or service from thousands of rogue online drug sellers
  • contribute to the protection of public health by helping consumers find legitimate online pharmacies and pharmacy resources
  • enhance your brands by becoming part of an elite group

Just by seeing the .pharmacy domain, your audience will know that your website is legitimate and operating legally and meets standards set by a global coalition that includes International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) and NABP, which has supported the United States boards of pharmacy in their goal of protecting the public health since 1904.

How do I register a .pharmacy domain name?

All registrants within the .pharmacy gTLD are vetted prior to registration to confirm that they meet all applicable regulatory standards, including pharmacy licensure and valid prescription requirements, in the jurisdictions where they are based and where they serve patients. Vetting includes evaluation for adherence to program standards, which includes a review of the website and required documentation, as well as verification of license(s), and other credentials. NABP is partnering with international regulators to evaluate international applicants for compliance with all relevant laws.

Registration for .pharmacy domain names will begin in December 2014 with several special, limited application/registration periods, followed by the general availability period starting in June 2015. For more information on .pharmacy launch periods, see the Apply section.

Apply

How can I stay safe online?

Unfortunately, there are many websites that are not operating in the best interest of patients. Buying from sites that offer too-good-to-be-true prices and access to medications with no prescription or medical oversight puts you and your loved ones at risk for receiving fake medication. You can avoid rogue Internet drug outlets by buying from websites with a .pharmacy domain name. In addition, it is important to educate yourself on the dangers of rogue pharmacy sites. 

Buying Safely

© 2014. The .pharmacy initiative is a program of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy® and is being developed in partnership with a global coalition of stakeholders.