Check the pharmacy’s registration with the Canadian International Pharmacy Association (CIPA). CIPA-certified pharmacies adhere to strict standards and regulations.
Verify the pharmacy’s physical address. Legitimate Canadian pharmacies will have a verifiable street address in Canada. Avoid pharmacies with only PO boxes or addresses outside of Canada.
Examine the website for secure protocols. Look for “https” in the website address and a padlock icon in your browser’s address bar. This indicates data encryption.
Contact the pharmacy directly. Call them and ask questions about their services. A legitimate pharmacy will answer your questions professionally and provide contact information easily.
Scrutinize the pharmacist’s contact details. A licensed pharmacist should be readily identifiable on the website, and you should be able to verify their license through the appropriate provincial regulatory body.
Read online reviews carefully. Look for consistent feedback from multiple sources. Be wary of suspiciously positive or overwhelmingly negative reviews.
Beware of unusually low prices. Significantly discounted medications may indicate counterfeit or substandard drugs. Price should be a factor, but not the only one in your decision.
Never provide personal or financial information unless you are completely certain of the pharmacy’s legitimacy. A secure payment gateway and privacy policy are crucial for protecting your sensitive data.
