Check the pharmacy’s license and registration. Look for a physical address and contact information. Legitimate pharmacies readily provide this detail.
Licensing and Accreditation
- Verify their license with your state board of pharmacy or a comparable regulatory body in their location. Don’t rely solely on the website’s claims; independently confirm their credentials. Look for accreditation from organizations like the Pharmacy Checker Verification Program or similar reputable accrediting bodies. These programs vet pharmacies for safety and legitimacy.
Examine their security protocols. Secure websites use HTTPS (look for the padlock icon in your browser’s address bar) and should clearly state their data encryption methods.
Security and Privacy
- Read their privacy policy carefully. It should detail how they handle your personal and medical information. Avoid pharmacies that ask for excessive personal data beyond what’s needed for prescription processing and shipping.
Scrutinize their customer service. A reliable pharmacy offers multiple ways to reach them–phone, email, and live chat–and responds promptly to inquiries.
Customer Service and Reviews
Check independent review sites like Trustpilot or Yelp to see what other customers say about their experiences. Look for consistent patterns of positive or negative feedback. Look for easily accessible contact information, such as a clearly displayed phone number and email address. Avoid pharmacies with limited or obscured contact details.
Pricing and Payment
Be cautious of unusually low prices. This could be a red flag indicating counterfeit medication or other fraudulent activity. Ensure they accept secure payment methods like PayPal or credit cards.
Prescription Requirements
Ensure they require a valid prescription from a licensed physician before dispensing medication. Legitimate pharmacies will not sell prescription drugs without a proper prescription.
