Check the pharmacy’s license and accreditation. Look for verification seals from organizations like the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) program or the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). These seals indicate compliance with specific safety and regulatory standards.
Checking Pharmacy Credentials
Always verify the pharmacy’s physical address. A legitimate online pharmacy will have a verifiable street address, not just a PO box. Contact information, including phone numbers and email addresses, should be readily available and functional. Avoid pharmacies that lack this essential information.
Read online reviews from multiple sources. Pay close attention to comments about delivery times, customer service, and the authenticity of medications. A high volume of negative reviews should raise serious concerns.
Ensuring Medication Safety
Confirm the pharmacy’s security measures. Secure websites use HTTPS protocol, indicated by a padlock icon in your browser’s address bar. Legitimate pharmacies prioritize data protection to prevent identity theft and fraud.
| VIPPS Accreditation | Indicates adherence to strict standards for online pharmacies. |
| NABP Verification | Confirms the pharmacy’s legitimacy and registration. |
| HTTPS Secure Website | Ensures data encryption for secure transactions. |
| Customer Reviews | Provides insights into the pharmacy’s reliability and service. |
Understanding Your Rights
Report suspicious pharmacies to the appropriate authorities. If you encounter a potentially fraudulent online pharmacy, report them to the FDA or your state’s board of pharmacy. Protecting yourself and others is crucial.
