Verify online pharmacies using the College of Pharmacists of British Columbia’s website. This provides a list of licensed pharmacies operating in the province. Similar resources exist for other provinces; search for your province’s college of pharmacists.
Checking Pharmacy Credentials
- Confirm the pharmacy’s physical address. Legitimate pharmacies have a street address, not just a PO box. Look for a contact phone number and email address. Easy contact indicates transparency. Check for licensing information prominently displayed on their website. It should clearly state their registration with the relevant provincial regulatory body. Scrutinize the website’s security. Look for “https” in the website address and a padlock icon in the browser address bar. This indicates secure data encryption.
Safe Online Purchasing Practices
Never purchase medications from an unregistered online pharmacy. This is risky and illegal. Always read reviews before using a new online pharmacy. Check multiple sources for a balanced perspective. Use secure payment methods only, such as credit cards with fraud protection. Be wary of unbelievably low prices. These often indicate counterfeit or substandard medications. Contact your doctor or pharmacist with any questions or concerns about online pharmacy legitimacy before ordering.
Identifying Red Flags
Avoid pharmacies exhibiting these warning signs: unsolicited email offers for prescription drugs; absence of contact information; vague or missing licensing details; and lack of secure website encryption.
Additional Tips
- Keep records of your online transactions, including order confirmations and tracking information. Report suspicious online pharmacies to Health Canada or your provincial regulatory body.
