Find out who prepares the medicine

Get the actual pharmacy name

People who obtain custom medicine online may not know who prepared it, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

A pharmacy or doctor prepares custom medicine for a particular order.

Ask for the preparing pharmacy’s name and the name of the pharmacy that sends it. Request the names before agreeing to the plan.

Check the Arizona permit

Under the October 3, 2026 rules, a pharmacy outside Arizona needs permission from its home state plus an Arizona permit to send medicine into Arizona.

Arizona checks a pharmacist’s licence separately from a pharmacy’s permit under the October 3, 2026 rules.

The FDA’s state-search page is a starting point for locating the pharmacy board.

Know what each record checks

FDA registration means a business is entered in that agency’s records. The September 26, 2026 rules say that entry gives neither the business nor its medicines FDA approval.

Under the October 3, 2026 rules, a pharmacy permit concerns permission to operate. The particular made-to-order medicine has separate legal rules.

Ask the pharmacist which rule allows the proposed ingredient and whether this medicine copies a ready-made product. Ask what patient need justifies any change.

Ask who answers medicine questions

The FDA lists access to a licensed pharmacist among its signs to check for in an online pharmacy.

Ask for the pharmacist’s contact details and how they handle questions about the label.