Check the pharmacy’s registration with your provincial regulatory body. Each province maintains a list of licensed pharmacies. This is your first line of defense against illegitimate operations.
- British Columbia: College of Pharmacists of British Columbia Alberta: Alberta College of Pharmacy Saskatchewan: Saskatchewan College of Pharmacy Professionals Manitoba: Manitoba Pharmaceutical Association Ontario: College of Pharmacists of Ontario Quebec: Ordre des pharmaciens du Québec New Brunswick: New Brunswick Association of Pharmacists Nova Scotia: Nova Scotia College of Pharmacists Prince Edward Island: Prince Edward Island Pharmacy Association Newfoundland and Labrador: Newfoundland and Labrador Pharmacy Association
Look for secure website features. A secure website uses HTTPS (the “s” is crucial), indicated by a padlock icon in your browser’s address bar. This encrypts your personal information.
Verify the pharmacy’s contact information. Legitimate pharmacies provide clear contact details – a physical address, phone number, and email address. Avoid pharmacies with only a PO Box or limited contact options.
Inspect the site for professional design and clear information about their services and policies. Read online reviews from reputable sources, but approach them critically. Fake reviews are common. Confirm the pharmacy’s licensing and accreditation through independent verification services. There are several reputable organizations that perform such checks.
If something seems amiss – unusual pricing, pressure to purchase, or lack of transparency – avoid the site. Your health and personal information are valuable; protect them.
