Verify pharmacy licensing: Begin by checking the pharmacy’s registration with your provincial regulatory body. Each Canadian province maintains a public register of licensed pharmacies. Use this resource to confirm the pharmacy’s legitimacy and address. Don’t rely solely on website claims.
Check for Secure Practices
Look for HTTPS: Ensure the website uses HTTPS, indicated by a padlock icon in your browser’s address bar. This signifies a secure connection, protecting your personal and financial information during transactions. Avoid sites lacking this security measure.
Review Privacy Policy: A clearly defined privacy policy outlining how your data is handled is crucial. Read it carefully before providing any personal information. Look for assurances of data encryption and responsible data management.
Contact Information: Legitimate pharmacies readily provide contact details, including a physical address, phone number, and email address. If contact information is missing or vague, proceed with caution.
Scrutinize the Website
Professional Design: A professional, well-maintained website inspires confidence. Look for clear navigation, accurate information, and readily available contact details. Poorly designed websites often signal a lack of legitimacy.
Prescription Requirements: Reputable online pharmacies will always require a valid prescription from a licensed physician. Never use a Canadian online pharmacy that doesn’t require a prescription for controlled medications.
| Licensing | Clearly displayed and verifiable | Missing or unclear licensing information |
| Security | Uses HTTPS; clear privacy policy | Lacks HTTPS; unclear or missing privacy policy |
| Contact Info | Complete and readily available | Incomplete or difficult to find |
| Prescription | Requires a valid prescription | Doesn’t require a prescription |
Report Suspicious Pharmacies
Report concerns to Health Canada: If you suspect a Canadian online pharmacy is operating illegally, report your concerns to the appropriate authorities. This helps protect other consumers from potential harm.
