Check the pharmacy’s license: Ensure they display a valid license from a Canadian regulatory body, like the College of Pharmacists of British Columbia or similar provincial organizations. Confirm the license number independently on the regulatory body’s website.
Verify their physical address: Legitimate pharmacies will have a clearly stated physical address in Canada. Use online tools like Google Maps to confirm the existence of this location. Avoid pharmacies with only PO boxes.
Examine their website’s security: Look for the “https” at the beginning of the website address and a padlock icon in your browser’s address bar. This indicates secure data transmission. Read their privacy policy; a clear and detailed one is a good sign.
Review customer testimonials and reviews: Check independent review sites such as Trustpilot or independent forums. Look for consistent positive reviews and be wary of overwhelmingly positive feedback without any negative comments, which could signal manipulation.
Contact the pharmacy directly: Test their customer service. Ask questions about their medications, shipping, and return policies. Prompt and professional responses suggest legitimacy. Note their contact information–phone number, email address–must be easily accessible.
Check for a pharmacist’s consultation: Legitimate Canadian pharmacies offer consultation with licensed pharmacists before dispensing prescriptions. This is a critical safety measure.
Beware of suspiciously low prices: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Unreasonably cheap medications might indicate counterfeit or substandard drugs. Price comparison with other Canadian pharmacies might reveal suspicious pricing.
Report suspicious pharmacies: If you encounter a pharmacy that exhibits warning signs of illegitimacy, report it to the relevant Canadian authorities.
