Check the pharmacy’s license. Legitimate online pharmacies display their license number prominently on their website. Verify this number with your state board of pharmacy or a similar regulatory body. Don’t hesitate to contact the board directly; they can confirm the license’s validity and identify any disciplinary actions.
Contact Information
Scrutinize their contact information. A trustworthy pharmacy provides a physical address, phone number, and email address. Avoid pharmacies with only a PO box or those lacking readily available contact details. Confirm the location using online maps and services; a verifiable address increases credibility.
Security Measures
Look for security indicators. Reputable online pharmacies use HTTPS encryption (indicated by a padlock symbol in your browser’s address bar). They should also have a privacy policy explaining how they handle your personal and health information. The site should also clearly explain its return policy and any guarantees concerning your order.
Accreditations & Certifications
Examine accreditations and certifications. Check if the pharmacy holds accreditation from organizations like the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) program. VIPPS accreditation provides an extra level of assurance concerning the pharmacy’s safety and adherence to standards.
Customer Reviews
Read customer reviews. While reviews alone aren’t definitive proof, a consistent pattern of positive or negative feedback can provide valuable insight. Be wary of sites with suspiciously perfect reviews or an absence of reviews altogether.
Prescription Requirements
Verify their prescription requirements. A legitimate pharmacy will always request a valid prescription from a licensed medical professional before dispensing medication. They will never offer medications without a prescription or circumvent this process.
Pricing
Be cautious of unusually low prices. Prices significantly lower than average can indicate counterfeit or substandard medications. A price that seems “too good to be true” likely is.
