Verify licensing: Start by confirming the pharmacy holds a valid license from a Canadian provincial regulatory authority. Look for easily accessible licensing information on their website. A quick Google search can help verify this information.
Check for accreditation: Reputable pharmacies often display accreditation from organizations like the Canadian International Pharmacy Association (CIPA). CIPA sets standards for online pharmacies, ensuring quality and safety. Look for their seal of approval.
Scrutinize customer reviews: Read independent reviews from multiple sources. Focus on comments regarding order fulfillment, customer service, and medication authenticity. Avoid sites that seem to only have overwhelmingly positive comments.
Security Measures
Secure website: A reputable online pharmacy uses Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption, indicated by “https” in the URL and a padlock icon in your browser. This protects your personal and financial information during transactions.
Privacy policy: Review the pharmacy’s privacy policy to understand how they handle your data. A transparent policy is a good sign. Ensure your data is protected according to Canadian privacy laws.
Contact Information
Accessible contact details: Legitimate pharmacies provide clear contact information, including a physical address, phone number, and email address. Beware of pharmacies lacking this readily available information.
Licensing | Provincial license information readily available |
Accreditation | CIPA or similar accreditation seal |
Reviews | Balanced, independent reviews from various sources |
Security | HTTPS protocol and clear privacy policy |
Contact | Physical address, phone number, and email address |
Prescription Requirements
Prescription verification: A legitimate pharmacy requires a valid prescription from a licensed physician before dispensing medication. They will likely ask you to upload a copy of your prescription.