Verify licensing: Check the pharmacy’s registration with their provincial regulatory body. Many provinces maintain online registries. This confirms their legal operation within Canada.
Examine their security: Look for the padlock symbol (HTTPS) in the URL address bar, indicating secure data encryption. Read their privacy policy to understand how they handle your personal information.
Assess their contact information: A legitimate pharmacy provides readily accessible contact details–a physical address, phone number, and email address. Avoid pharmacies with only limited or vague contact info.
Scrutinize their customer reviews: Explore independent review sites (not those hosted on the pharmacy’s website) for feedback from other customers. Pay attention to both positive and negative experiences to get a balanced perspective.
Review their medication verification process: A trustworthy pharmacy should confirm your prescription with your doctor before dispensing medication. They should only sell drugs with valid prescriptions.
Check for accreditation: Some Canadian online pharmacies hold accreditation from organizations like the Canadian International Pharmacy Association (CIPA). CIPA membership offers a level of assurance regarding compliance with standards.
Beware of suspiciously low prices: Extremely cheap medications are often a red flag, suggesting counterfeit or substandard drugs. Prices should be reasonable and in line with market rates.
Use caution with unsolicited offers: Don’t trust pharmacies that contact you directly with deals or promotions. Legitimate pharmacies rarely engage in such practices.
