Can You Ship Medication? Guide for Shipping Prescriptions
by Jaidyn Farar
When modern medicine meets modern logistics, the results are extraordinary: people can access life-preserving medications without leaving the comfort of their homes.
In our ebook, “Medicine on the Move: A Guide for Safe and Swift Pharmaceutical Shipping,” we cover everything you need to know about shipping prescriptions:
- Package security
- The pharmaceutical cold chain
- Tips for patient-centric delivery
Read on to learn the basics, and download the ebook for deeper insights.
Can you ship medication and prescription drugs through the mail?
You can send prescription drugs through the mail as long as you adhere to legal and safety guidelines. Here’s who can ship prescriptions:
- Registered with the DEA. In general, only organizations registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), such as drug manufacturers, pharmacies, and other licensed dispensers, can ship prescription drugs.
- Exempt from DEA registration. Military personnel, law enforcement officials, and those involved in civil defense are exempt from DEA registration and can ship prescriptions.
- Licensed in the state you’re sending to. Your organization needs to be licensed in the states you ship prescriptions to. (Note: This article will focus on domestic shipping. If you’re wondering “Can you ship medication internationally?” you can find more information here.)
Before moving on, let’s quickly review the three types of drugs you may handle, as defined by the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the Controlled Substances Act:
- Prescription drugs. Prescription drugs are used to treat specific medical conditions and require a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. While individuals cannot ship prescription drugs, licensed businesses are allowed to.
- Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. Over-the-counter drugs don’t require a prescription, so consumers can buy them without going through a healthcare provider. Anyone can send OTC drugs in the mail as long as they follow packaging and labeling regulations.
- Controlled substances. Controlled substances are strictly regulated by the U.S. government. While some controlled substances are illegal, others have legitimate medical uses. Licensed healthcare providers are allowed to ship the latter type.
How to send prescription drugs by mail
When businesses cut corners on pharmaceutical shipping, the results can be disastrous. So how can you send prescription drugs the right way?
1. Know the rules and regulations
Before you begin shipping prescription drugs, you need to thoroughly understand the rules and regulations that govern the process.
Federal Laws
Many federal laws relate, either directly or indirectly, to shipping prescription drugs. Click the links below to learn more about each law.
- Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and other Drug Enforcement Administration regulations
- Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA)
- Poison Prevention and Packaging Act of 1970 (PPPA)
- Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act
- Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA)
- Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
State Laws
Before shipping to any state, research their laws so you don’t unknowingly violate them.
2. Assemble and label packages properly
When shipping prescription drugs, it’s important to package them securely and include the right labeling and documentation.
- Use secure packaging. To protect against moisture, light, and temperature, use secure, tamper-evident packaging. Make sure the material is sturdy enough to withstand rough handling.
- Include cold packs when necessary. To ship temperature-sensitive drugs, include cold packs and temperature indicators, and use insulated boxes.
- Add required documentation. Include any necessary documentation, such as instructions for ordering a refill.
- Label packages clearly. Label packages with the recipient's name and address, as well as your business’s return address. If an order needs to be kept cold, add a "Keep Refrigerated" label.
3. Choose a shipping method
When you choose a carrier, make sure they’re reliable. Do they have a track record of delivering packages on time? Can they meet specific shipping requirements, such as cold storage or special handling?
Note: It’s crucial to ship temperature-controlled packages quickly (next-day or two-day) so the coolant stays effective during transit.
4. Communicate with recipients
Notify recipients of their package’s expected delivery date, and provide real-time tracking information so they can follow its progress. Package tracking minimizes the chances packages will sit out on doorsteps for hours, potentially damaging the medications inside.
To add an extra layer of security, consider requiring signature proof of delivery.
Sending drugs through USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL
When it comes to shipping prescription drugs, you should choose the right carrier to ensure safe and compliant delivery. The best way to learn about the rules and regulations of a specific carrier is to contact their support team, but we’ll include some general guidelines here.
USPS
The USPS provides detailed information about the types of drugs that may and may not be mailed. USPS notes that senders are responsible for complying with federal laws regarding mailing medications.
UPS
Can you ship medication through UPS? Yes! In fact, UPS has a dedicated healthcare logistics division specializing in pharmaceutical shipments. They offer cold chain storage, packaging, and transportation management to help your shipments reach their destination in time and intact.
FedEx
FedEx’s healthcare solutions help businesses safely transport a variety of medical supplies and devices, including pharmaceuticals. Like UPS, they offer a range of temperature-controlled packaging and transportation options.
DHL
DHL Medical Express guarantees “a safe flow of time- and temperature-sensitive shipments.” They offer quick delivery options and temperature-controlled shipping options.
Simplify multi-carrier pharmaceutical shipping with EasyPost Enterprise
Integrating with carriers individually takes time and resources—and you’re not always sure if you’re getting the best rates. Shipping software is a great alternative. The EasyPost Enterprise pharmacy shipping platform is an enterprise-class, multi-carrier solution that lets your business ship with an extensive library of large, regional, and local carriers.
Can prescription drugs be mailed to the US?
Prescription drugs can be mailed to the U.S., but importers must follow FDA regulations. Because supply chains outside of the U.S. don’t enforce the same safety, quality, and effectiveness standards, the FDA inspects drug shipments and decides whether to allow them into the country. Adulterated, misbranded, or unapproved drugs may be denied entry.
What is the penalty for mailing prescription drugs unlawfully?
If you don’t follow the laws regarding mailing prescription drugs, you’ll face severe penalties.
- Legal penalties. Violating laws such as the Controlled Substances Act or the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act can result in criminal charges and even imprisonment.
- Financial penalties. In addition to legal penalties, you can also face fines when you don’t follow the rules and regulations of shipping prescription drugs.
- Increased regulatory oversight. If you step out of line when shipping prescriptions, regulatory agencies like the DEA and FDA might conduct investigations or monitor your business more strictly.
- Loss of license. State pharmacy boards can revoke or suspend your pharmacy's license if you don’t comply with state regulations.
- Business closure. In severe cases of non-compliance, your company may be forced to close down, leading to significant financial losses and unemployment for employees.
EasyPost Enterprise can help
Shipping prescription drugs is more complicated than other types of ecommerce—patients’ health depends on whether their medication arrives on time, at the right temperature, and with the proper documentation.
With the EasyPost Enterprise pharmacy shipping solution, you can make sure every prescription shipment meets your business’s high standards of quality. Our solution provides the best rates—and prevents prescription shipping disasters—by automatically answering questions like these:
- Does the order need to be temperature-controlled?
- Is a signature or proof of delivery required?
- Is Saturday delivery needed?
Using customized business rules, you’ll easily identify the right carriers and service-level agreements.
See how EasyPost Enterprise streamlines prescription drug shipping.