Website Compliance Checklist – Online Sale of Medicines

This checklist must be used by marketing, web, and clinical teams before publishing or updating any website content relating to medicines. Its purpose is to prevent regulatory breaches and ensure ongoing compliance.

1. Regulatory Visibility (Distance Selling)​​

• ☐ Business name and registered address clearly displayed

• ☐ Contact details (email and telephone) clearly visible

• ☐ Details of responsible clinician / pharmacist available

2. Product Classification Check

For each product listed:

• ☐ Confirm product is legally classified as non‑prescription (OTC)

• ☐ Product appears on the approved medicines list

• ☐ No prescription‑only medicines (POMs) accessible without clinical pathway

• ☐ No implied prescription‑level claims made

3. Product Information (Mandatory)

Each medicine page must include:

• ☐ Medicine name and active ingredient(s)

• ☐ Clear indication / intended use

• ☐ Who the medicine is suitable for

• ☐ Who should not use the medicine (contraindications)

• ☐ Clear dosing instructions

• ☐ Duration of use and when to stop

• ☐ Side effects and warnings

• ☐ Advice on when to seek medical help

• ☐ Statement: “Not suitable for everyone” or equivalent

4. Advertising & Marketing Claims (ASA / MHRA Critical Area)

Marketing content must:

• ☐ Be factual, balanced, and evidence‑based

• ☐ Not exaggerate benefits or outcomes

• ☐ Not minimise risks or side effects

• ☐ Avoid absolute claims (e.g. “guaranteed”, “risk‑free”)

• ☐ Avoid before‑and‑after imagery where inappropriate

• ☐ Avoid testimonials that imply medical cures

• ☐ Clearly separate editorial content from advertising

5. Weight‑Management & Sensitivity Safeguards (if applicable)

• ☐ Language avoids shame, pressure, or unrealistic expectations

• ☐ No claims of rapid or effortless weight loss

• ☐ No implication that medication replaces lifestyle or medical care

• ☐ Vulnerable groups are not targeted

6. Suitability & Safeguarding Controls

• ☐ Online suitability questionnaire in place before purchase

• ☐ Mandatory completion before checkout

• ☐ Red‑flag answers trigger block or escalation

• ☐ Age‑verification system active

• ☐ Clear statement that supply may be refused on safety grounds

7. Consent & Transparency

• ☐ Clear explanation of private service model

• ☐ Pricing transparent and upfront

• ☐ Consent wording present where required

• ☐ Privacy notice and data use explained

8. Ordering, Delivery & Returns Information

• ☐ Secure checkout and payment systems

• ☐ Clear delivery timescales

• ☐ Packaging described as discreet and secure

• ☐ Medicines returns policy visible (no re‑supply of returned meds)

9. Data Protection & Cookies

• ☐ GDPR‑compliant privacy policy

• ☐ Cookie consent banner active

• ☐ Health data handled via secure systems

10. Governance & Sign‑Off

Before publication, confirm:

• ☐ Clinical lead approval obtained

• ☐ Content reviewed against SOPs

• ☐ Version control recorded

• ☐ Review date scheduled

Final Declaration (Internal Use)

Reviewed by:Caroline Balazs
Role: Advanced Practitioner Clinical Lead
Date: 01/01/2026
Review: 01/01/2027