Verify a pharmacy’s license. Look for the license number prominently displayed on their website or physical location. You can cross-reference this with the relevant state regulatory body’s online database.
Check online reviews. Sites like Google Reviews and Justdial offer valuable customer feedback. Focus on consistent themes in reviews, both positive and negative.
- Prioritize pharmacies with a large number of verified reviews. Be wary of pharmacies with overwhelmingly positive reviews, as these may be fabricated.
For online pharmacies, scrutinize their security measures. Ensure they use HTTPS (the padlock icon in your browser’s address bar) and a secure payment gateway. Look for a privacy policy that clearly outlines how they handle your data.
Confirm their physical address. A reputable online pharmacy will usually have a traceable physical address. Beware of suspiciously low prices. Unreasonably cheap medication might indicate counterfeit products. Contact customer service. Test their responsiveness and helpfulness. Ask specific questions about the medication you are considering.
For offline pharmacies, inspect the storage conditions. Observe if medications are stored properly according to guidelines (temperature, lighting).
- Ask about their return policy. A clear and fair return policy signals trustworthiness. Inquire about medication authenticity. Ask how they ensure the medication they sell is genuine.
Consider using well-established pharmacy chains. Larger chains generally have stricter quality control measures and are more easily accountable.
Report any suspicious activity. If you encounter any unethical practices, report them to the appropriate authorities.
