Canadian online pharmacies must be licensed by a provincial or territorial regulatory authority. This license verifies their legitimacy and adherence to safety and dispensing standards.
Always verify a pharmacy’s license using your province’s College of Pharmacists website. These websites provide a searchable database of licensed pharmacies.
Licensed pharmacies operate under strict regulations regarding prescription fulfillment, medication storage, and patient privacy. These regulations aim to protect consumers from counterfeit or unsafe medications.
Purchasing medication from unlicensed online pharmacies poses significant health risks. Counterfeit drugs may contain incorrect dosages or harmful ingredients. Unlicensed pharmacies lack the oversight to ensure safe dispensing practices.
The Health Canada website offers resources to identify legitimate online pharmacies. They provide guidance on safe online medication purchasing.
If you’re unsure about an online pharmacy’s legitimacy, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice. They can provide guidance on safe sourcing of your medications.
Report suspicious online pharmacies to the relevant authorities. This helps protect other consumers and ensures accountability.
Remember that obtaining prescription medications without a valid prescription is illegal in Canada, regardless of the source.