Verify licensing: Check the pharmacy’s registration with the provincial regulatory body. Each province has its own College of Pharmacists; their websites list licensed pharmacies.
Examine the website’s security: Look for “https” in the URL and a padlock icon in your browser’s address bar. This indicates a secure connection protecting your personal information.
Confirm physical address: Legitimate Canadian pharmacies have a verifiable physical address in Canada. Avoid those with only a PO Box or no address at all.
Review online reviews and testimonials: Search for independent reviews on sites like Trustpilot or Google Reviews. Pay attention to both positive and negative feedback patterns.
Contact the pharmacy directly: Call their listed phone number. A responsive and informative customer service team suggests a reputable operation.
Check for a pharmacist consultation: Reputable pharmacies offer consultations with licensed pharmacists before dispensing medication. This helps ensure safe medication use.
Scrutinize pricing: Beware of unusually low prices; they may indicate counterfeit medications. Prices should be reasonably competitive with other licensed Canadian pharmacies.
Understand return policies: A clear and fair return policy is a sign of a trustworthy business. Check their terms and conditions carefully.
Report suspicious activity: If you encounter a pharmacy that seems illegitimate, report it to Health Canada or your provincial College of Pharmacists.
