Verify the pharmacy’s license with the relevant provincial regulatory body. Each province maintains a register of licensed pharmacies; use this resource to confirm legitimacy before ordering.
Check for a physical address and contact information. Legitimate Canadian pharmacies will readily provide a street address, phone number, and email address. Avoid those with only PO boxes or vague contact details.
Look for secure website encryption. A secure website uses HTTPS, indicated by a padlock symbol in the browser’s address bar. This protects your personal and financial information during transactions.
Read online reviews and testimonials carefully. Websites like Trustpilot and others can provide valuable insight into customer experiences. Pay close attention to both positive and negative feedback, looking for patterns or recurring concerns.
Confirm the pharmacy’s adherence to Canadian pharmacy regulations. Genuine pharmacies will comply with all relevant rules and regulations. Look for clear statements regarding their licensing, registration and adherence to data privacy.
| College of Pharmacists of British Columbia | British Columbia | Example Link |
| Ontario College of Pharmacists | Ontario | Example Link |
| Pharmacists’ Association of Manitoba | Manitoba | Example Link |
Avoid pharmacies offering suspiciously low prices or requiring no prescription. These are often red flags indicating counterfeit or illegal operations. Prices should be comparable to those at brick-and-mortar pharmacies.
Consult your doctor before ordering medication online. Discuss your medication needs with your physician to ensure online pharmacies meet your requirements and the medications are appropriate.
