Always obtain a valid prescription from a licensed Canadian physician before ordering medication.
Canadian pharmacies must be licensed by their provincial regulatory bodies. Verify this licensing information independently. Look for the pharmacy’s license number and confirm its validity on the relevant provincial website. Different provinces have different websites.
- Ontario: Check with the College of Pharmacists of Ontario. British Columbia: Consult the College of Pharmacists of British Columbia. Quebec: Verify with the Ordre des pharmaciens du Québec.
Be wary of pharmacies offering suspiciously low prices. Unusually cheap medications may be counterfeit or substandard.
Understand your rights and responsibilities as a patient. The Canadian government provides resources on patient rights and responsibilities related to prescription drugs. These resources typically cover information regarding drug safety, interactions, and proper use. You can usually locate them through a government health website.
Confirm the pharmacy’s return policy before placing an order. Keep records of your prescriptions and transactions for your own protection. Report any suspected illegal activities to the appropriate authorities.
If you have concerns about a specific pharmacy, contact Health Canada directly to file a complaint. Their website contains contact information and reporting procedures.
Ensure you understand your medication. Carefully read the accompanying patient information leaflet that comes with your drugs, and seek clarification from your doctor or pharmacist if needed.
