Check the pharmacy’s license and accreditation. Look for verification seals from organizations like the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) or the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP).
- VIPPS accreditation indicates the pharmacy adheres to strict U. S. pharmacy practice standards. Only pharmacies meeting these rigorous requirements earn this seal. NABP verification provides a database of licensed pharmacies, allowing you to confirm legitimacy. Use their website to check a pharmacy’s status.
Examine the pharmacy’s website carefully. A trustworthy site will offer clear contact information, including a physical address and phone number. Avoid sites with poor grammar or suspicious design.
- Secure website: Look for “https” at the beginning of the URL and a padlock icon in the address bar. This indicates a secure connection. Contact information: Legitimate pharmacies provide multiple ways to contact them – phone, email, and a physical address. Verify this information using online search engines. Privacy policy: Review their privacy policy. It should clearly explain how they handle your personal and medical information.
Read customer reviews. Reputable pharmacies will have numerous positive reviews from verified customers. Be wary of overwhelmingly positive reviews without any negative feedback.
Check multiple review platforms: Don’t rely on reviews from a single source. Look across different websites to gauge a holistic view. Look for detailed reviews: More descriptive reviews offer better insight into the customer experience. Consider negative reviews: A few negative reviews aren’t necessarily alarming, but numerous or severe complaints should raise concerns.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist. Discuss the online pharmacy you’re considering with your healthcare provider before making a purchase. They can offer guidance and help you identify potential red flags.
