Check the pharmacy’s license and accreditation. Legitimate online pharmacies will display their license information prominently, often linking to a state board of pharmacy website for verification. Look for accreditation from organizations like the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) program. This accreditation assures adherence to strict standards of online pharmacy practice.
Verify the Pharmacist
A legitimate online pharmacy employs licensed pharmacists. Their contact information should be easily accessible. You should be able to communicate with them directly to discuss your prescription and any potential concerns. Beware of sites without clearly listed contact details or those that avoid direct communication.
Scrutinize the Website
- Secure connection: The URL should begin with “https,” indicating a secure connection. Look for the padlock icon in your browser’s address bar. Privacy policy: A clear and detailed privacy policy should outline how your personal information is handled. Professional design and content: A reputable pharmacy’s website should be well-designed, professional, and free of grammatical errors and misleading information. Customer reviews: Check independent review sites for feedback from other customers. Be wary of overwhelmingly positive reviews without negative feedback.
Beware of Red Flags
Too-good-to-be-true prices: Extremely low prices often signal counterfeit or substandard medications. Requests for personal information without a prescription: Legitimate pharmacies require a valid prescription before dispensing medications. Pressure to purchase immediately: Legitimate pharmacies don’t use high-pressure sales tactics. Lack of transparency about medication sources: Where do they source their medication from? The answer should be clear and verifiable.
Contact Your Doctor
Always discuss your medication needs with your doctor before ordering online. Your doctor can provide guidance on safe and legitimate sources of medication and verify the legitimacy of online pharmacies you are considering.
Report Suspicious Activity
If you suspect an online pharmacy is operating illegally, report them to the appropriate authorities. This helps protect others from potential harm.