Verify the pharmacy’s license with Health Canada’s online database. This confirms their legal operation and adherence to Canadian regulations.
Check for a physical address and contact information on the website. Legitimate Canadian pharmacies provide readily accessible details. Avoid sites lacking this information.
Inspect the medication packaging closely. Look for tamper-evident seals and clear labeling with Health Canada’s Drug Identification Number (DIN). Mismatched or missing DINs signal potential counterfeits.
Utilize secure payment methods. Prefer credit cards or reputable online payment systems offering buyer protection. Avoid using wire transfers or prepaid debit cards.
Scrutinize the website for secure connections. The URL should begin with “https,” indicating an encrypted connection to protect your data. Look for a padlock symbol in your browser’s address bar.
Contact the pharmacy directly with questions. A legitimate pharmacy will readily answer inquiries about their licensing, products, and shipping processes. Suspicious evasiveness is a red flag.
Report suspicious activity. If you suspect a pharmacy is selling counterfeit drugs, contact Health Canada immediately. Your report helps protect other consumers.
