Check the pharmacy’s registration with the provincial regulatory college. Each province maintains a list of licensed pharmacies; verify the pharmacy’s license number independently.
Look for a physical address in Canada. Legitimate pharmacies will have a verifiable street address, not just a PO box. Use Google Maps to confirm the location’s existence.
Confirm their secure website. Reputable online pharmacies use HTTPS (indicated by a padlock icon in your browser’s address bar). Look for clear contact information, including a phone number and email address.
Read online reviews carefully. Scrutinize reviews on independent review sites, paying attention to both positive and negative feedback. Be wary of sites with overwhelmingly positive reviews only.
Verify their accreditation. Seek out pharmacies accredited by recognized organizations like the Canadian International Pharmacy Association (CIPA). CIPA accreditation signifies adherence to high standards.
Confirm their pricing. While lower prices can be attractive, unrealistically low prices may suggest counterfeit medications. Compare prices across multiple verified pharmacies.
Ask your doctor for recommendations. Your physician may be familiar with reputable Canadian pharmacies and can offer guidance on safe online purchasing.
Avoid pharmacies lacking these security measures. Trust your instincts: If something feels wrong, it probably is. Prioritize your health and safety.
