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Frequently Asked Questions

We've tried to make using and searching Drugs.com as simple and efficient as possible - and we'll keep refining the features and processes as we find better ways to help you get maximum benefit from the site. Please check the following FAQ's for possible answers to your queries. If you don't find the answer here, or have a site-related suggestion that you'd like us to consider, please contact us here.

Pharmaceutical FAQ's

See also: frequently asked medical questions

Website FAQ's

How do I reference an article on Drugs.com?

For reference and citation guidelines, please refer to this page.

I did not receive my confirmation email or newsletter?

If you use spam filters, please add our email service address to your list of permitted senders. Please see our white list instructions if you need help.

How do I register to join Drugs.com?

To register click here

How do Sign-in to the Drugs.com site?

Click the "Sign-in" link in the top navigation bar of the web site and enter your username and password. If you have not yet joined Drugs.com, please Register Here

How can I change my member profile?

Just Sign-in with your username and password, then amend your details as required.

How can I unsubscribe from receiving Drugs.com Newsletters, FDA Drug Alerts or FDA Drug Approvals?

Just Sign-in with your username and password, then uncheck the tick boxes alongside the newsletter or notifications that you are currently subscribed to.

How can I find out about a particular drug?

To search by drug name, enter brand or generic drug name into the search box. Choose a suggestion or click the search button. Then click on the link to the information required. You can also browse the drug database. Click on the link to the first letter of the drug name just below the search box.

What makes Drugs.com different from other Internet health sites?

Taking charge of your health means understanding your medical treatment. We believe that everyone has a right to understand their treatments – why the medications have been prescribed, and what the possible side effects are.

Our goal is to provide clear information about drugs sold in the USA, at a level everyone can comprehend. For consumers, we provide product information in non-technical language. Health professionals will find what they need in the FDA Product Label Professional Information database.

The Care Guide provides information about the treatment of common illnesses and injuries. The Drug Interaction checker details drug-drug interaction mechanisms, severity and management, and also outlines drug-food interactions.

Why is searching on Drugs.com better than using another search engine?

Most search engines cover the entire Internet, and searches on these engines may produce many results that are not specific to your drug question. On Drugs.com, you can search by medical condition or by drug, and get the answer you need right away.

Searches by drug can be made using the brand name or the generic name of the drug. Searches by medical condition will return a list of medications used to treat that condition.

From where does Drugs.com get its drug information?

The information provided by Drugs.com is supplied by several external sources: Cerner Multum, Micromedex (part of the global Thomson Health Care Information group) and Physicians' Desk Reference.

All medical and pharmaceutical information is compiled by pharmacists, physicians and medical journalists, based on information supplied by pharmaceutical companies, the FDA and various other agencies.

Does Drugs.com have medical professionals available for an online consultation?

No. The aim of Drugs.com is to provide accurate information to consumers and medical professionals about prescription drugs and over-the counter (OTC) drugs sold in the USA. We do not offer online consultations.

Can Drugs.com help with a personal medical question I have?

Drugs.com does not provide medical advice. If you have a specific medical question, we suggest that you ask your healthcare professional or use Drugs.com Answers where other members may be able to answer your question.

How up-to-date is the drug information on this site?

Information supplied by Multum is updated monthly and information supplied by Micromedex and PDR is updated quarterly. The date of last update is displayed at the very bottom of each page. News & Articles and New Drugs areas are updated daily.

Can I buy prescription drugs through Drugs.com?

No. Drugs.com does not sell prescription (or non-prescription) drugs online. Buying medication online can be risky as not all online pharmacies are regulated by the FDA.

If you are considering purchasing any kind of medication on the internet, we recommend that you first visit the VIPPS Information Site at https://nabp.pharmacy/programs/vipps/. VIPPS is a Program of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, and it reviews online pharmacies for compliance with certain professional criteria. Accreditation of approved sites is given by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.

We also recommend reading the following - The Possible Dangers of Buying Medicines Over the Internet. This site is produced by the United States Food and Drug Administration and provides important tips and warnings about purchasing medications on the Internet.

How is Drugs.com funded?

The Drugs.com drug information service is supported by donations and revenue from site advertisers. The Drugs.com staff endeavor to source ads that are medically or community-service oriented. All ads must be appropriate for all-age family viewing, and we screen banner ads for family-appropriate content before the ads go live.

How do I contact Drugs.com?

If you have a question or a suggestion for our site, please contact us here.