Check the College of Pharmacists of your province. Each province maintains a register of licensed pharmacies. Verify a pharmacy’s license directly through the college’s website before making a purchase.
Look for the NAPRA seal. The National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) provides a verification tool to confirm whether an online pharmacy is licensed and operating legally in Canada.
Scrutinize the website’s security. A secure website uses HTTPS (look for the padlock icon in your browser’s address bar). Review their privacy policy; ensure they clearly state how they protect your personal information.
Contact the pharmacy directly. Legitimate pharmacies will provide contact information including a physical address and phone number. Call them; ask questions about their services and ordering process. Expect clear, professional responses.
Read online reviews carefully. While reviews aren’t foolproof, consistent negative feedback should raise red flags. Pay attention to reviews discussing order accuracy, delivery times, and customer service quality.
Beware of suspiciously low prices. Extremely discounted medications may signal counterfeit products or illegal operations. A price significantly lower than other pharmacies deserves further investigation.
Understand your rights. Canadian law protects consumers. Familiarize yourself with your rights regarding online pharmacy transactions and know how to report fraudulent activity to the appropriate authorities.
