Check the pharmacy’s registration with your provincial regulatory body. Canadian pharmacies must be licensed by the appropriate provincial authority. Verify this independently through the provincial government website. Don’t rely solely on the pharmacy’s claims.
Secure Website Indicators
Look for a secure website connection, indicated by “https” and a padlock icon in your browser’s address bar. This encryption protects your personal and financial information during transactions. Further, scrutinize the website’s design; professional-looking sites often indicate higher standards of operation.
Contact Information & Transparency
Legitimate pharmacies provide clear and readily accessible contact information, including a physical address, phone number, and email address. Avoid sites lacking this transparency. A physical address should be verifiable. Review their privacy policy; it should be detailed and easily accessible.
Accreditation & Licensing
See if the online pharmacy displays accreditation seals from organizations like the Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board (PCAB). Look for licensing information displayed prominently, easily verifiable through third-party sources. Lack of such details is a major red flag.
Customer Reviews & Testimonials
Read reviews and testimonials from other customers on independent review sites. Be aware that fraudulent reviews exist; focus on the overall sentiment and patterns in the feedback. A balance of positive and negative feedback might be more trustworthy than only glowing reviews.
Beware of “Too Good to Be True” Offers
Extremely low prices compared to other reputable pharmacies should raise suspicion. Be wary of websites offering albuterol inhalers without a prescription or requiring no consultation with a doctor.
