Verify the pharmacy’s license and accreditation with your state’s board of pharmacy and the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). Check for a physical address and contact information – avoid pharmacies with only a PO box.
Checking for Legitimate Operations
Look for the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) seal. This accreditation indicates compliance with U. S. pharmacy practice standards. Read online reviews from multiple sources – be wary of overwhelmingly positive reviews without any negative feedback. Scrutinize the website’s security: Look for HTTPS in the URL and a privacy policy detailing data protection.
Protecting Your Personal Information
Never submit your credit card information unless the website uses a secure connection (HTTPS). Confirm the pharmacy uses encryption to protect your personal and medical data. Review their terms of service and return policy carefully. Contact the pharmacy directly with questions; legitimate pharmacies are responsive to customer inquiries.
Understanding Medication Safety
Only order medications from pharmacies that require a valid prescription from a licensed physician. Be cautious of pharmacies offering unusually low prices or promising quick delivery without prescriptions. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
