Check for verification seals. Legitimate online pharmacies display accreditation seals from organizations like the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) and PharmacyChecker. These seals indicate the pharmacy meets certain standards for safety and security.
Look for a physical address and contact information. A reputable pharmacy provides a clear street address, phone number, and email address for customer service. Avoid sites with only PO boxes or limited contact details.
Examine the website’s security. The URL should begin with “https” (note the “s”), indicating a secure connection. Look for a padlock icon in the browser’s address bar.
Confirm Your Doctor’s Involvement
A legitimate online pharmacy requires a valid prescription from a licensed physician. They should have a process to verify your prescription, either through an online consultation or by requiring a scanned copy. Never use a site that sells Viagra without a prescription.
Scrutinize the Pricing and Payment Options
Be wary of suspiciously low prices. Prices significantly lower than average could indicate counterfeit medication. Reputable pharmacies typically offer various secure payment methods, including credit cards and PayPal.
| Verification Seals | Present (VIPPS, etc.) | Absent or fraudulent |
| Physical Address | Clearly displayed | Missing or vague |
| Secure Connection | “https” and padlock icon | “http” only |
| Prescription Requirement | Requires valid prescription | No prescription needed |
| Pricing | Competitive, reasonable | Unusually low |
Understand Your Rights and Responsibilities
Report suspicious online pharmacies to the relevant authorities. Protecting your health involves due diligence. Always consult your doctor before starting any new medication.
