Verify the pharmacy’s license. Look for a license number prominently displayed on their website and independently verify its validity through your state’s board of pharmacy or a similar regulatory body.
Check for accreditation. Reputable pharmacies often hold accreditation from organizations like the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) program. This demonstrates adherence to strict standards.
- Address Verification: Ensure the pharmacy provides a physical street address, not just a PO Box. Contact Information: Look for multiple ways to contact them – phone, email, and a physical address.
Scrutinize their privacy policy. A transparent privacy policy clearly outlines how they handle your personal and medical information. Read it carefully; red flags include vague or missing sections.
Secure Website: Look for “https” at the beginning of the website URL and a padlock icon in your browser’s address bar. Secure Payment Methods: They should offer secure payment options like PayPal or credit card processing through reputable gateways.
Read customer reviews. Look for reviews on independent review sites, not just reviews on the pharmacy’s own website. Pay attention to recurring themes in both positive and negative reviews.
Consult your doctor. Your doctor can provide guidance on safe online pharmacy practices and potentially recommend reputable options.
Avoid suspiciously low prices. Prices drastically lower than average often indicate counterfeit medications or other issues.
