Verify licensing: Check the pharmacy’s registration with a provincial regulatory body. Each Canadian province maintains a list of licensed pharmacies; easily find these online via a quick search. This step confirms their legal operation in Canada.
Inspecting Pharmacy Websites
Examine the website for contact details: Legitimate pharmacies provide a physical address, phone number, and email address. Avoid sites lacking this basic information. Look for secure connections (HTTPS); this ensures your data transmission is encrypted.
Review their privacy policy: A transparent and detailed privacy policy is a good indicator. It should clearly explain how they handle your personal and health information. Lack of a policy or a vague one should raise concerns.
Check for accreditation: Look for seals of approval from reputable organizations, such as the Canadian International Pharmacy Association (CIPA). Membership in CIPA demonstrates commitment to quality and safety standards.
Additional Verification Measures
Consult your doctor: Before ordering medications online, discuss it with your physician. They can provide advice on safe online pharmacies and verify the legitimacy of your prescription. Discuss potential drug interactions.
Read online reviews: Investigate customer feedback on independent review sites. While not foolproof, reviews can offer insights into a pharmacy’s reliability and customer service.
Report suspicious activity: If you encounter any suspicious pharmacies, report them to the appropriate authorities. Protecting yourself and others is key.
