Quality evaluation of online platforms information for retail of prescription medicines in China: an observational study of the case of paroxetine

Consumers face challenges in obtaining comprehensive, accurate and reliable information from the online platforms for common mental health prescription medications. The quality of information provided by the online platforms for retail of prescription medicines is generally suboptimal, and the compliance of prescription validation and authentication is problematic. These highlight the need for strengthening the supervision of the online platforms with novel approaches along with their rapid developments, and ensuring appropriate online information provided to consumers.