Check for a valid license. Legitimate online pharmacies display their license information prominently. Look for a physical address and contact details in the country they claim to operate. Verify this information independently.
Checking Credentials
Confirm the pharmacist’s credentials. A reputable pharmacy lists the qualifications of its pharmacists. Independent verification might require contacting the licensing board of the relevant jurisdiction.
Scrutinize the website’s security. Look for the HTTPS protocol (the padlock icon in your browser’s address bar) indicating secure encryption of your data. Avoid sites lacking this security measure.
Reviewing Customer Feedback
Read independent customer reviews. Check reputable review sites, not just reviews on the pharmacy’s own website. Look for patterns of positive or negative feedback that might signal issues.
| Website Security | HTTPS protocol (padlock icon) | Lack of HTTPS, unclear contact information |
| Licensing | Clearly displayed license number and verification details | Missing or ambiguous license information |
| Customer Reviews | Mostly positive reviews on independent sites | Predominantly negative reviews, lack of transparency |
| Pharmacist Information | Clear identification of pharmacists and their credentials | Missing or unclear pharmacist information |
| Privacy Policy | Detailed description of data handling practices | Lack of a clear or comprehensive privacy policy |
Assessing Privacy
Examine the pharmacy’s privacy policy. This document should clearly explain how your personal and medical data is protected and used. A vague or absent policy raises concerns.
