Check for a valid license and physical address. Legitimate pharmacies display this information prominently on their website. Look for a verifiable street address, not just a PO Box.
Verify their accreditation. Reputable online pharmacies are accredited by organizations like the Pharmacy Checker Verification Program or similar bodies. Search for their accreditation status online.
Examine their security measures. Look for HTTPS encryption (the padlock icon in your browser’s address bar). Also, check if they use secure payment gateways like PayPal or Stripe.
Read customer reviews. Independent review sites offer valuable insight. Be wary of overwhelmingly positive reviews; balanced feedback often provides a more realistic perspective.
Contact the pharmacy directly. Try reaching them via phone and email. A prompt and helpful response speaks to their commitment to customer service. Avoid pharmacies that only offer contact through anonymous means.
Scrutinize their pricing. Unreasonably low prices can signal counterfeit medications. Compare their prices to those of established brick-and-mortar pharmacies.
Review their privacy policy. A clear and comprehensive privacy policy protects your personal information. Ensure the policy adheres to relevant data protection regulations.
Be aware of red flags. Avoid websites with poor grammar, misspellings, or those pushing immediate sales without any consultation. Report suspicious websites to relevant authorities.
