Check for a valid license and accreditation. Look for a physical address and contact information readily available on their website. Verify this information independently.
Examine their privacy policy. A reputable pharmacy will clearly outline how they protect your personal and medical information. Look for compliance with HIPAA or similar regulations.
Scrutinize their security measures. The website should use HTTPS, indicated by a padlock icon in the browser address bar. They should also clearly describe their data encryption methods.
Read customer reviews and testimonials. Pay attention to reviews discussing their experience with ordering, shipping, and customer service. Beware of overwhelmingly positive reviews; they may be fake.
Confirm their pharmacist credentials. A legitimate online pharmacy will provide information about the licensed pharmacists overseeing prescription fulfillment. Contact them directly to confirm these credentials if you’re unsure.
Verify their prescription verification process. They should require a valid prescription from a licensed physician before dispensing medication. Be wary of sites that don’t require prescriptions.
Assess their return policy. A legitimate pharmacy will clearly state its return policy for damaged or incorrectly filled orders. This protects you from potential issues.
Beware of unusually low prices. Extremely low prices often indicate counterfeit or substandard medications. A slightly higher price often signifies genuine medicine and better service.
Report suspicious pharmacies. If you encounter a pharmacy that you suspect is illegitimate, report it to the appropriate authorities. This helps protect others.
